What is the authors use of names in Animal Farm?

George Orwell's use of names in *Animal Farm* is a key element of his allegorical satire. He employs a range of techniques to connect the animal characters to their real-world counterparts in the Russian Revolution:

1. Symbolic Names:

* Major: Represents Karl Marx, the father of Communism, whose ideas sparked the revolution.

* Snowball: Alludes to Leon Trotsky, the revolutionary leader who was later exiled and assassinated by Stalin.

* Napoleon: Represents Joseph Stalin, the brutal dictator who seized power after the revolution.

* Squealer: Represents the propaganda machine of the Soviet government, adept at twisting the truth.

* Boxer: Represents the working class, loyal and hardworking but ultimately exploited.

* Clover: Represents the ordinary people, who were initially hopeful for change but later become disillusioned.

2. Irony and Contradiction:

* Animal Farm: The name itself is ironic, as the animals are never truly free or equal.

* Seven Commandments: The initial principles of Animalism are gradually rewritten and corrupted, reflecting the way Stalin's regime deviated from its initial ideals.

3. Emphasis on Power Dynamics:

* Animal Farm: The farm becomes a microcosm of power structures, where those in control exploit and oppress the others.

* Napoleon's rise to power: The gradual shift from "All animals are equal" to "Some animals are more equal than others" highlights the dangers of unchecked power.

4. Use of Human-like Names:

* Moses the raven: Represents the Church and religion, which was often used by the Soviet government for propaganda.

* Pilkington and Frederick: Represent capitalist powers who are willing to exploit the animals for their own gain.

Overall Impact:

Orwell's use of names in *Animal Farm* adds depth and clarity to his allegory, allowing readers to easily identify the characters and their real-world counterparts. The symbolic names and ironic twists further enhance the satire, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption within the Soviet system.

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