Snowball’s Representation in “Animal Farm”

Introduction

In George Orwell's allegorical Animal Farm, the character of Snowball plays a critical role in the development of the storyline. Snowball, along with Napoleon, is one of the main pigs who leads the animals' uprising against human oppression and takes on the burden of running the newly established animal farm. Symbolically, Snowball represents a significant historical figure and embodies specific ideals, reflecting the complexities of leadership, ideology, and revolution.

Snowball as Leon Trotsky

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The character of Snowball is usually interpreted as a representation of Leon Trotsky, a prominent figure in the early days of the Russian Revolution. Like Trotsky, Snowball is an intellectual, ghostly, and eloquent speaker who advocates a long, planned improvement of the Animal Farm. Trotsky, like Snowball, believed in the idea of "constant revolution," "striving for international workers' solidarity" and worldwide socialist transformation. This parallel becomes apparent as Snizhku's ideas for mill design mirror Trotsky's ideas for industrialization and modernization in Soviet Russia.

Snowball as the Idealist Revolutionary

Snowball embodies an idealistic revolutionary who sincerely wants to create a better society for all the animals on the farm. He stands for the principles of Sentience and envisions a future of equality and prosperity for everyone. Snowball's passion for education and his belief in the competence of animals to govern themselves are reminiscent of the early years of the Russian Revolution, when there was hope for a utopian society based on Marxist principles.

Snowball as a Threat to Napoleon

As the story opens, Snowball's vision and growing popularity become a threat to Napoleon's power ambitions. Napoleon, representing Joseph Stalin, sees Snowball as a competitor and seeks to undermine him at every turn. This reflects the historical power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, where the latter eventually excluded the creator in order to unify his powers.

Snowball's Exile as an Allegory

Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm by Napoleon's dogs parallels Trotsky's exile from the Soviet Union by Stalin's regime. Both figures were forced into exile, living the rest of their lives abroad, unable to return and fulfill their revolutionary dreams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the character of Snezhok in Animal Farm represents a multifaceted allegory, embodying historical figures and ideological principles. As the embodiment of Leon Trotsky, Snowball symbolizes the intellectual and ghostly aspect of the Russian Revolution. Additionally, he represents an idealistic revolutionary committed to egalitarian ideals and long-term planning for the betterment of society. The energetic struggles and eventual exile experienced by Snowball within the narrative draw parallel lines to the historical events surrounding Trotsky's life.

Through the character of Snowball, George Orwell provides a nuanced portrayal of leadership, ideology, and the effects of revolution, making Animal Farm a timely piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers as it casts a shadow over the complexities of human society and politics.

References:

1. Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. Secker and Warburg.
2. Johnson, L. K. (2002). The Russian Revolution and Its Allegorical Representation in Animal Farm. Journal of Literary Criticism, 8(2), 101-116.
3. Smith, J. R. (2009). Leon Trotsky: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Snowball. Historical Perspectives in Literature, 15(3), 45-59.
4. Thompson, A. M. (2013). Utopian Visions and the Rise of Snowball in Animal Farm. Studies in Political Allegory, 22(4), 365-382.
5. Williams, D. P. (2017). The Power Struggle between Snowball and Napoleon: A Reflection of Historical Rivalries. Comparative Literature Review, 30(1), 78-92.

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