Animal Farm by George Orwell

1. Animal Farmby George Orwell Allegorical Symbolism Behind Supporting Characters

2. Orwell’s Symbolism • After discussing the primary symbolism in the novel, we defined a focus for our reading: • try to identify other places where Orwell uses allegorical symbolism based on your knowledge of the Russian Revolution.

3. Who does Boxer represent? • The name “Boxer” is cleverly used by Orwell to evoke ideas of the Boxer Rebellion in China in the early 20th century. • This rebellion signaled the beginning of Communism in Red China. • Boxer represents lower class proletariat that were drawn to Stalin, because they thought they would most benefit from his rule.

4. What do the pigs represent? • Orwell uses the pigs to surround and support Napoleon. • They symbolize the Communist party loyalists and friends of Stalin. • They perhaps symbolize the Duma, as well, which is the Russian Parliament.

5. What does Mollie represent? • Mollie is one of the animals most opposed to the new government under Napoleon. • She is not interested in politics, but rather simply satisfying her own superficial desires. • She represents citizens who are resistant to change and are only interested in maintaining the status quo.

6. What does Benjamin represent? • Old Benjamin does not change since the rebellion. • He never gets too high or too low, never becoming too excited or too disappointed about anything that has passed. • He represents generally someone who never totally embraces revolution, and are so cynical that they no longer look to leaders for help. • He does not fall for the propaganda of Napoleon, but does not have the charisma to teach other citizens about this.

7. The Farm and the Windmill • The farm stands for the Kremlin. In the early days of the USSR there were sightseeing tours through the Kremlin. Later it became the residence of Stalin. • The Windmill stands for Russian industry, the culmination of a five-year-plan executed by the working class. Its destruction represents the eventual failure of the five-year plan.

8. Neighboring Farms and Farmers • Foxwood Farm represents England. • Pinchfield Farm represents Germany. • Fredericks represents Hitler. • Stalin has friendly dealings with Hitler, and secretly arranges for trade. • Stalin eventually turns his back on Hitler.

9. Other Characters • Are there other animals/characters in the novel that you feel reflect the history of the Russian Revolution or its aftermath?