Transcript Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution PPT 2

Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Allegorical Symbolism Behind
Supporting Characters
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
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-yearplan executed by the working class.
Its destruction represents the eventual
failure of the five-year plan.

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.
Other Characters

Are there other animals/characters in
the novel that you feel reflect the
history of the Russian Revolution or its
aftermath?