Chapter 5

This is a turning point in the novel.

The Pigs take charge and now decide all aspects of farm policy without consultation; they separate themselves from the other animals suggesting they consider themselves superior.

This is accepted partly due to Snowball’s use of propaganda.

Snowball persuades the animals to support the building of the windmill.

Fearing that Snowball is trying to take over, Napoleon sets the dogs on him and he is banished from Animal Farm and the animals are now at the mercy of Napoleon who uses the dogs as symbols of terror to reinforce his position.

It is as if Napoleon is transforming into a human with his ability to control the dogs.

The mood of the novel has clearly changed and with the banishment of Snowball, this marks the beginning of Napoleon’s reign of terror.

The character of Squealer is developed in this chapter. He uses propaganda, lies, half-truths and the threat of ‘who wants Jones back’ to ensure Napoleon’s policies are carried out.

The animals begin to question their own memories, so skilful is Squealer in re-writing the history of the farm.