Animal Farm – Napoleon Essay Example

wrong. In chapter eight, the commandment that strictly prohibits animals from killing each other was deviously changed to "No animal shall kill any other animal without cause" following a string of executions of alleged traitors and possible Snowball supporters.

Napoleon compelled confessions and eradicated potential traitors according to the recently amended law, which enhanced his popularity, prestige, and thirst for authority. A notable instance of disobedience to commandment five - "No animal shall drink alcohol" - occurred multiple times. Napoleon's request for whiskey signified a problematic situation on the Animal Farm.

Napoleon exhibited partiality towards the pigs, allowing them to act with impunity and view themselves as superior creatures exempt from the seventh commandment and the original tenets of the revolution, which upheld that "all animals are equal." The "dumb" animals began to realize that something was amiss when Napoleon commanded them to decrease their eating, drinking and sleeping while increasing their workload. This reveals Napoleon's self-centered and unsympathetic disposition towards his followers. Additionally, Napoleon employed an incredulous amount of propaganda through Squealer in order to establish and maintain his power and trustworthiness. Squealer convinced the other animals of Napoleon's infallibility and even composed an exceptionally laudatory song about him, called "Comrade Napoleon."

Excessive propaganda had a negative impact on the animals, leading to false confessions and even their deaths at the hands of Napoleon. His self-centered beliefs extended to his desire to educate young animals in the way he wanted, ensuring that only loyal followers remained once the old animals died off. When Jessie and Bluebell's litter of nine puppies were born, Napoleon quickly took them away and raised them privately, later turning them into

his guard dogs. Those who opposed Napoleon were met with intimidation from these dogs and silenced, as seen when young pigs protested but were quickly silenced by the menacing growls of Napoleon's guard dogs.

Throughout the novel, Napoleon's power and pride were reinforced by the success of violence in eliminating any potential opposition he may have faced. As a result, he held complete control over the animals, who were forced to respect him or face death.

The reader never fully saw the strength of Animal Farm as a whole, with the focus instead on Napoleon's control and power. Despite his continual betrayal and excuses, such as blaming "Snowball," to avoid accountability, this showed how equality among animals, though ideal in theory, proved problematic in practice. Every group needs a leader, creating a hierarchy where one member possesses more power. Napoleon exploited his superiority to further his own interests and mistreat loyal followers. Friedrich Nietzsche warned that fighting monsters risks becoming one; seeking power often sacrifices individuality for it. Jones' mistreatment sparked the Revolution but by the end, Napoleon had become a new oppressor who disregarded commandments and harmed followers.

Napoleon played a significant role in Animal Farm, being the leader of the Revolution and responsible for introducing and ending equalism among animals. Moreover, he was the pig who made a promise of a brighter future.