Character Analysis: Snowball in George Orwell's Animal Farm

Introduction

In the allegorical novella Animal Farm, Snowball is a dynamic and complex character who plays a significant role in the unfolding of the story. As one of the pigs who leads the rebellion against the human farmer, Snowball is portrayed as an intelligent, charismatic, and idealistic figure driven by his desire to create a fair and equal society for all the animals on the farm. However, as the story progresses, Snowball's character undergoes a transformation, and he becomes embroiled in a bitter power struggle with the other leaders of the farm, ultimately leading to his exile and demonization by his former comrades.

Character Analysis: Snowball's Intelligence and Vision

From the outset, Snowball is presented as a highly intelligent and visionary character. He is described as being "quicker in speech and more inventive" than the other pigs (Orwell, 1945, p. 16), and his ability to articulate his ideas and persuade the other animals to follow him is evident from the beginning. Snowball is also a skilled organizer and planner, as demonstrated by his role in creating the Seven Commandments and his efforts to improve the efficiency of the farm through the construction of the windmill. These qualities mark Snowball as a natural leader and set him apart from the other animals on the farm. His innovative ideas and strategic thinking illustrate his dedication to the cause and the potential for positive change.

Snowball's Idealism and Commitment to Animalism

Furthermore, Snowball is depicted as an idealistic and well-intentioned character who genuinely believes in the principles of Animalism and the idea of a society where all animals are equal. He is driven by a sense of justice and fairness, and he is committed to fighting against the oppressive and exploitative practices of the human farmers. Snowball's passion for social justice and his belief in the possibility of a better future for all the animals on the farm inspire the other animals to join him in his struggle against their human oppressors. His dedication to egalitarian principles highlights his moral integrity and contrasts with the eventual corruption he faces.

The Corrupting Influence of Power on Snowball

However, as the story progresses, Snowball's character begins to change. As the power struggle between him and Napoleon intensifies, Snowball becomes more aggressive and ruthless in his pursuit of control. He is willing to use force and manipulation to achieve his goals, and he becomes increasingly authoritarian and dictatorial in his leadership style. This shift in Snowball's character is a result of the corrupting influence of power, as he becomes more focused on maintaining his own position of authority rather than on serving the best interests of the farm as a whole. This transformation underscores the theme of how power can corrupt even those with the noblest intentions, reflecting the broader allegorical critique of political systems.

Snowball's Downfall and Legacy

Ultimately, Snowball's downfall comes at the hands of Napoleon, who orchestrates a smear campaign against him and drives him into exile. Snowball is demonized as a traitor and a threat to the farm, and he is forced to flee for his life. This betrayal by his former comrades is a tragic end to Snowball's character arc, as he is ultimately unable to realize his vision of a fair and equal society for all the animals on the farm. His fall from grace serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of revolutionary ideals in the face of realpolitik.

Conclusion

Snowball is a complex and multifaceted character in Animal Farm, who undergoes a transformation from an idealistic and visionary leader to a ruthless and power-hungry dictator. His character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of sacrificing one's principles for the sake of personal gain. Snowball's tragic downfall is a stark reminder of the fragility of idealism in the face of greed and ambition, and his character serves as a powerful symbol of the corrupting nature of authority. The narrative of Snowball's rise and fall not only enriches the story but also provides a deeper understanding of Orwell's critique of totalitarian regimes.

References

Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. Secker & Warburg.