In the book Animal Farm, George Orwell’s main antagonist, Napoleon, is able to prove
that too much power can change anyone, even if they start off with pure intentions. When
Napoleon is introduced to power, he immediately begins to take advantage of the other animals
on the farm, using all sorts of manipulation. He wants the power so much that it causes him to
believe that he is better than all of the other animals when he achieves it. He lies to the other
animals to get what he wants and to keep himself powerful. Napoleon is a very evil character and
ultimately ends up being the farm’s worst nightmare, which proves that power can change
anyone.
In the story, Napoleon changes the rules in an effort to manipulate the other animals.
First, he discontinues the weekly communal meetings and decides to take over all of the decision
making for the farm (38). He eventually erases all of the original commandments and leaves one
in their place, “All Animals are Equal but some Animals are More Equal Than Others” (92).
Napoleon also goes out of his way to stop the animals from rebelling against him by banning the
“Beasts of England” (61). By manipulating the animals, Napoleon ultimately succeeds at
swaying the farm animals and he continues to get his way.
When Napoleon finally achieves absolute power, he begins to treat the other animals like
they are worthless compared to him. Napoleon’s rule originally begins with him telling the other
animals that he will make all of the farm’s decisions from now on (38). He also told the other
animals that he should be able to sleep in a bed, even though the others can not, because he is
constantly working his brain (48). Napoleon also finds a way to control the animals by keeping
them poor while he stays rich. “Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without
making the animals themselves any richer except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.” (88)
Therefore, Napoleon treats the other animals like peasants whilst he continues to enjoy whatever
he wants.
To stay in charge, Napoleon uses a series of lies to trick the others into trusting him more.
A recurring lie that Napoleon starts in hopes to have the other animals turn on Snowball revolves
around the idea that Snowball is sabotaging the farm animal’s work, living conditions, and the
windmill (57). Napoleon also tends to lie about how the commandments are interpreted such as
what they mean for him and what they mean for the other animals in the farm (92). To keep the
animals from having any luxury, he tells them, “The whole management and organization of this
farm depends on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we
drink that milk and eat those apples" (25). In the story, Napoleon often uses his cunning and
manipulative skills accompanied by lies to keep the others on his side.
Orwell uses three main topics to express that power without limits can, and will, change
people. Orwell shows how Napoleon immediately becomes the farm’s worst nightmare when he
comes face-to-face with great power and chooses to manipulate the animals to keep that power.
Napoleon treats the power like it is his reason for getting all of the special treatment that he
allows himself. When faced with hardship and questions, Napoleon turned to lies to keep
everyone happy and quiet. In conclusion, Napoleon uses three simple factors: manipulation,
privilege, and lies to keep his position of most powerful leader on the farm.
Work Cited
Orwell, George. Animal Farm McDougal Littell Inc. 1997