Chapter 2

Orwell describes the three pigs in some detail.

Napoleon is named after the French revolutionary who turned a people’s revolution into a dictatorship. Indeed, ‘Animal Farm’ was banned in France for many years and it still is not allowed to be published using the name ‘Napoleon’. He takes charge immediately and is seen as a provider in that it is he who takes charge to feed the other animals. The fact that he takes care of the milk is foreshadowing his greed.

Snowball has an ominous name too; he will melt away and be forgotten.

Squealer’s name is indicative of his character. He is an effective orator and will be the voice of the new regime; a propaganda tool.

Boxer and Clover are well respected and with their strong work ethic, lack of intelligence and inability to think for themselves, they represent the oppressed Russian peasantry.

As Petrograd became Leningrad, Manor Farm became Animal Farm.

Orwell foregrounds the Seven Commandments and it is interesting to see how these are changed and ignored as the pigs begin to take power.