Big ideas

• In his allegory, Orwell uses the character of Old Major to suggest that some leaders and political thinkers have honourable intentions but are too idealistic


  Old Major wants the animals to stick together but hasn't prepared for any conflict - simplistic ideology
• Orwell uses the character of Mr Jones to criticise the irresponsible behaviour of the ruling classes


  Mr Jones doesn't look after the animals and this causes distress among the animals, this shows that the ruling classes cause destruction to more than just themselves
• Early in the novel, Orwell hints that Animalism won't work in practice because it's almost impossible to achieve real equality


  There is already a power divide between the animals, the pigs are taking over and the other animals don't have a choice
• Orwell creates the character of Squealer to show us the power of propaganda; language can be used to manipulate and control the masses


  Squealer has a powerful influence on the rest of the farm and that means Napoleon can get his message across without having to be a skilled orator
• Orwell suggests that power will often rest with the most intelligent or well-educated


  The pigs have the control over the farm and they give themselves this power because they can understand enough to read and write
• Orwell shows that the rebellion initially provides some hope; he is not preaching against the theory of revolution

  The animals feel as though they all have equal control, however this idea doesn't last for long because they soon realise the pigs have all the power whilst they work hard
• Orwell creates the character of Boxer to symbolise the Russian workforce; he is powerful and dedicated but ultimately his lack of intelligence and unswerving loyalty leads to his downfall

  Boxer wanted to help the farm so much that he gave up something that made his life easier (the hat) just to prove that he would do anything for the rest of the animals
• Orwell creates the character of Mollie to suggest that revolutions are weakened by selfish people who aren't wholly committed to the cause


  Mollie has different priorities to the other animals and puts herself above everything else as she believes she is the most important
• Orwell creates the character of Benjamin to show his disappointment with the intelligentsia; these people have the education and intelligence to stand up to dictators, but their cynical nature prevents them from acting


  He is wise and clever but apathetic and will not speak up in case it causes him to face consequences
• In his allegory, Orwell uses the human characters to suggest that all figures of power are corrupt and cruel

  Near the end of the novel, Orwell shows the similarities between the human leaders and Napoleon. Both are corrupt and the line is blurred on their differences