Animal Farm: Key Theme: Leadership (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note
Animal Farm mind map
The theme of leadership in key chapters of Animal Farm:
Chapter | Quote | Summary |
2 | “The work of teaching and organising the others fell naturally upon the pigs” | Due to their intelligence, the pigs assume leadership roles very quickly after the rebellion |
4 | “Snowball now gave the signal for the charge” | Snowball demonstrates brave and strategic leadership during the “Battle of the Cowshed” |
5 | “All questions relating to working of the farm would be settled by a special committee of pigs” | Napoleon establishes his absolute rule by removing decision-making from most of the animals |
6 | “This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced” | In order to manipulate the animals and control their behaviour, the pigs disguise work on Sundays as voluntary |
7 | “Napoleon acted swiftly and ruthlessly” | Napoleon enforces his leadership through fear, threats and executions, all of which keeps the animals under total control |
What are the elements of leadership in Animal Farm?
Napoleon’s ruthlessness: Napoleon is able to assume totalitarian control over the farm through his “nine enormous dogs”. The dogs are used to intimidate the animals and prevent them from challenging Napoleon’s authority. Their presence marks Napoleon’s shift from a manipulative leader to a ruthless dictator.
Pigs as natural leaders: Leadership is first established when the pigs assume control of the farm. At first, they aspire to equality and Napoleon uses Old Major’s ideas and turns them into Animalism. However, his continuous amendments to the Commandments illustrate his willingness to subvert the laws for his own gain.
Squealer’s propaganda: Squealer’s use of propaganda enables Napoleon to maintain his leadership and ensures the animals remain loyal and obedient. This becomes a method of oppression and exploitation.
Fear and control: Napoleon strengthens and enforces his leadership by using fear and violence. By securing the support of the sheep and encouraging them to chant “Four legs good, two legs bad” during debates, it prevents the other animals from presenting their own opinions, meaning Napoleon’s leadership is never questioned. This removal of democracy ensures the pigs have complete control.
The impact of leadership on characters
The theme of leadership is prevalent throughout the novella and has an impact on many characters.
Character | Impact |
Mr Jones |
|
Old Major |
|
Snowball |
|
Napoleon |
|
The pigs |
|
Why does Orwell use the theme of leadership in his novella?
1. Setting and atmosphere
Establishes leadership as central to how the farm is governed and creates an atmosphere of control and fear
2. Plot driver
Drives the conflict of the novella by signalling the betrayal of the original ideals of the revolution
3. Audience appeal
Reflects historical events, particularly the Russian Revolution, and the dangerous rise of authoritarian regimes
4. Narrative device
Creates irony as the pigs who initially espoused equality finally become indistinguishable from the oppressive humans they replaced
Exam-style questions on the theme of leadership
Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of leadership:
How does Orwell use the theme of leadership to explore the differences between good and evil? (You could start with the contrast between Snowball’s democratic leadership and Napoleon’s authoritarian rule, showing how leadership can be used for either progress or control.)
How does Orwell use leadership to show how certain characters manipulate the animals for personal gain? (You could start with Squealer’s role in spreading propaganda and keeping the animals loyal through deception.)
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