In George Orwell’s allegorical novellaAnimal Farm, Snowball is one of the most important characters and serves as a central figure in the early development of the farm’s revolutionary government. Intelligent, persuasive, and deeply committed to the principles of Animalism, Snowball initially works alongside Napoleon to overthrow the human farmer, Mr. Jones. However, as the story progresses, Snowball becomes a symbol of visionary leadership, intellectual progress, and ultimately political betrayal. Understanding who Snowball is and what he represents is essential to grasping the deeper meaning and political commentary embedded in Orwell’s work.
Snowball’s Role in the Revolution
Snowball is introduced as one of the leading pigs on the farm after the animals overthrow Mr. Jones. Alongside Napoleon and Squealer, he helps establish the new rules and ideals of Animalism. Snowball is particularly gifted in rhetoric and organization, using his intelligence to unite the animals and inspire them to work toward a shared vision of equality and prosperity. He takes an active role in setting up committees, improving education for the animals, and encouraging innovation on the farm.
Characteristics of Snowball
Snowball’s personality is defined by his enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to the common good. He believes in the power of education and the importance of making all animals literate so they can fully participate in the governance of the farm. He is also ambitious, but unlike Napoleon, his ambitions appear rooted in genuine idealism rather than a thirst for absolute power.
Key Traits of Snowball
- Highly intelligent and strategic.
- Charismatic and persuasive in public speaking.
- Innovative, often proposing ambitious projects.
- Idealistic and committed to the original principles of Animalism.
- Brave and willing to take risks for the farm’s benefit.
Snowball and the Seven Commandments
After the revolution, Snowball helps formulate the Seven Commandments of Animalism, which serve as the new governing principles of Animal Farm. He works tirelessly to ensure that these rules are understood by all animals, even creating simplified slogans for those who cannot read. His commitment to transparency and education sets him apart from Napoleon, who later manipulates the rules for personal gain.
The Battle of the Cowshed
One of Snowball’s most heroic moments comes during the Battle of the Cowshed, when Mr. Jones and his men attempt to retake the farm. Snowball plays a crucial role in organizing the defense, using tactics inspired by Julius Caesar’s military campaigns. He leads the charge fearlessly, sustaining injuries in the process. His bravery earns him the admiration of the animals, and his leadership secures the farm’s independence for the time being.
Snowball’s Vision for the Farm
Snowball is not content with simply maintaining the status quo after the revolution. He envisions a farm that runs efficiently, provides comfort for all animals, and becomes a model of progress. His most ambitious idea is the construction of a windmill, which he claims will generate electricity, reduce labor, and allow animals more leisure time. This project represents Snowball’s forward-thinking approach and belief in technological advancement as a means to improve life for everyone.
Conflict with Napoleon
While Snowball and Napoleon initially work together, their differences quickly surface. Napoleon is more focused on consolidating power, while Snowball prioritizes innovation and democratic participation. The windmill project becomes the central point of their dispute Snowball passionately argues for it, while Napoleon opposes it, claiming it is impractical. Their rivalry escalates into a direct struggle for leadership over the farm.
The Turning Point
The conflict comes to a head when Napoleon uses his trained dogs to violently expel Snowball from the farm. This sudden act not only removes Snowball as a rival but also marks the beginning of Napoleon’s authoritarian rule. From this point onward, Snowball becomes the scapegoat for all the farm’s problems.
Snowball as a Scapegoat
After his expulsion, Napoleon and Squealer spread propaganda portraying Snowball as a traitor and enemy of the farm. They accuse him of secretly collaborating with Mr. Jones, sabotaging the farm’s success, and even plotting with human enemies. Every misfortune that befalls the farm from poor harvests to machinery breakdowns is blamed on Snowball, despite the lack of evidence. This manipulation ensures that the animals continue to see Napoleon as their protector and Snowball as a dangerous threat.
Symbolism of Snowball
InAnimal Farm, Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, one of the key figures in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Like Snowball, Trotsky was an intellectual revolutionary who clashed with Joseph Stalin over the direction of the new Soviet state. Trotsky advocated for rapid industrialization and international revolution, while Stalin focused on consolidating power at home. Eventually, Stalin drove Trotsky into exile and used propaganda to discredit him paralleling Snowball’s fate in the novel.
Broader Symbolic Meanings
- Idealism in political revolutions.
- The vulnerability of visionaries to political manipulation.
- The use of propaganda to rewrite history.
- The danger of concentrating power in the hands of a few.
Snowball’s Legacy in the Story
Although Snowball is physically absent from the farm after his expulsion, his presence lingers throughout the narrative. His ideas, particularly the windmill, continue to influence the farm’s development, even though Napoleon later claims them as his own. Snowball’s role as a scapegoat allows the ruling regime to maintain control, ensuring that dissent is silenced and history is rewritten to fit the needs of those in power.
Lessons from Snowball’s Story
Snowball’s rise and fall illustrate several key lessons about politics, leadership, and human or in this case, animal behavior. His story warns against the dangers of unchecked authority, the manipulation of truth, and the ease with which public perception can be controlled through propaganda. It also serves as a reminder that intelligence and idealism, while valuable, are not always enough to overcome ruthless ambition.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership requires both vision and the ability to navigate political realities.
- Propaganda can quickly distort truth and alter public memory.
- Revolutions can be undermined by internal power struggles.
- History is often rewritten by those who hold power.
Snowball inAnimal Farmis far more than just a character in a fable he is a symbol of revolutionary idealism, visionary leadership, and the tragic consequences of political betrayal. His intelligence, bravery, and dedication to the principles of Animalism initially make him a hero of the revolution. Yet his downfall at the hands of Napoleon demonstrates how quickly political tides can turn, and how truth can be reshaped to serve the ambitions of those in control. Through Snowball’s story, George Orwell delivers a powerful commentary on the fragility of truth and the dangers of power, lessons that remain relevant in every political era.