What Happened to Snowball in Animal Farm: A Tale of Betrayal and Power Dynamics

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a profound allegory that delves into the complexities of power, leadership, and betrayal. Among its many characters, Snowball stands out as a symbol of idealism and progressive thought. However, his fate is one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in the novel. This article explores what happened to Snowball, the circumstances surrounding his expulsion, and the broader implications of his downfall.
Snowball’s Role in the Revolution
Snowball is introduced as one of the primary leaders of the animal rebellion on Manor Farm. Alongside Napoleon, he plays a crucial role in overthrowing Mr. Jones and establishing Animal Farm. Snowball is portrayed as an intelligent, articulate, and visionary pig who genuinely believes in the principles of Animalism. He is instrumental in drafting the Seven Commandments and organizing the animals into a cohesive unit.
Snowball’s contributions extend beyond the initial rebellion. He is the driving force behind the construction of the windmill, a project he envisions as a means to improve the animals’ lives by providing electricity and reducing their labor. His speeches are filled with enthusiasm and hope, inspiring the animals to work toward a better future.
The Rivalry Between Snowball and Napoleon
Despite their shared leadership, Snowball and Napoleon are fundamentally different in their approaches and ambitions. Snowball represents the idealistic, democratic side of the revolution, advocating for collective decision-making and technological progress. Napoleon, on the other hand, is more authoritarian and power-hungry, prioritizing control over the farm and its inhabitants.
The rivalry between the two pigs intensifies as the story progresses. Snowball’s popularity among the animals grows due to his innovative ideas and charismatic leadership. This threatens Napoleon’s desire for absolute power, leading to a series of manipulative actions aimed at discrediting Snowball.
The Expulsion of Snowball
The turning point in Snowball’s fate occurs during a meeting to discuss the construction of the windmill. Snowball presents a detailed plan, arguing that the windmill will bring prosperity to the farm. Napoleon, however, opposes the idea, claiming it is unnecessary and wasteful. The debate reaches a climax when Napoleon unleashes a pack of ferocious dogs he has secretly trained. The dogs chase Snowball off the farm, effectively removing him from the leadership and silencing his voice.
This moment marks a significant shift in the narrative. Snowball’s expulsion is not just a personal tragedy but also a symbolic representation of the erosion of democratic ideals. With Snowball gone, Napoleon consolidates his power, transforming Animal Farm into a dictatorship.
The Propaganda Campaign Against Snowball
After Snowball’s expulsion, Napoleon launches a relentless propaganda campaign to tarnish his reputation. Snowball is branded a traitor and a collaborator with Mr. Jones, despite his earlier contributions to the revolution. Squealer, Napoleon’s loyal propagandist, spreads lies about Snowball’s intentions, claiming that he was secretly working against the animals’ interests all along.
The animals, initially confused and skeptical, gradually accept the narrative due to fear and manipulation. Snowball becomes a scapegoat for all the farm’s problems, from the failure of the windmill to food shortages. This rewriting of history serves to justify Napoleon’s authoritarian rule and suppress dissent.
The Broader Implications of Snowball’s Downfall
Snowball’s fate is a microcosm of the broader themes explored in Animal Farm. His expulsion highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of democratic institutions. It also underscores the role of propaganda in shaping public perception and maintaining power.
Moreover, Snowball’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. His vision of a fair and prosperous society is replaced by a regime that mirrors the oppression of the human farmers. This reflects Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism and the corruption of noble causes.
Conclusion
What happened to Snowball in Animal Farm is a tragic reminder of how easily idealism can be crushed by the forces of greed and tyranny. His expulsion marks the end of hope for a truly egalitarian society and the beginning of a dark chapter in the farm’s history. Through Snowball’s downfall, Orwell masterfully illustrates the complexities of power dynamics and the devastating consequences of betrayal.
Related Questions
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Why did Napoleon expel Snowball from Animal Farm?
Napoleon expelled Snowball to eliminate a rival and consolidate his power. Snowball’s popularity and progressive ideas threatened Napoleon’s authoritarian ambitions. -
What role did propaganda play in Snowball’s downfall?
Propaganda was used to discredit Snowball and rewrite history. Squealer spread lies about Snowball’s intentions, turning him into a scapegoat for the farm’s problems. -
How does Snowball’s fate reflect the broader themes of Animal Farm?
Snowball’s fate symbolizes the betrayal of revolutionary ideals and the rise of totalitarianism. It highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of democratic institutions. -
What was Snowball’s vision for Animal Farm?
Snowball envisioned a prosperous and egalitarian society, driven by technological progress and collective decision-making. His windmill project was a key part of this vision. -
How did the animals react to Snowball’s expulsion?
Initially confused and skeptical, the animals gradually accepted the propaganda against Snowball due to fear and manipulation. His expulsion marked the end of their hopes for a better future.