Question

What action does Napoleon take after Snowball's expulsion?

• A. He declares Snowball a hero
• B. He rewrites history to claim the windmill idea was his
• C. He ignores the incident
• D. He went the farm

Answer 1

Answer:

B. He rewrites history to claim the windmill idea was his

Napoleon's Manipulation and Historical Revisionism in Animal Farm

• After Snowball's expulsion, Napoleon, with the help of his propagandist Squealer, immediately initiates a campaign to discredit Snowball and rewrite the history of the Animal Farm rebellion.

• The Windmill Idea:

  • The idea for the windmill originally belonged to Snowball, who envisioned it as a means to provide electricity, lighten the animals' labor, and improve their living conditions.
  • Snowball spent considerable time researching and drawing plans for the windmill, demonstrating his intellect and commitment to the farm's future.

• Napoleon's Deception:

  • Napoleon vehemently opposed the windmill project while Snowball was present, arguing it was a distraction from food production. This was a tactical move to undermine Snowball's popularity.
  • However, shortly after driving Snowball out, Napoleon announces that the windmill will be built after all.
  • Through Squealer's persuasive rhetoric, the animals are convinced that the windmill was, in fact, Napoleon's original idea, stolen by Snowball. This is a prime example of historical revisionism.

• Significance for Competitive Exams:

  • This act highlights the theme of propaganda and manipulation of truth, a central element in Animal Farm. Squealer's role is crucial here, as he represents the state's propaganda machinery (e.g., the Soviet newspaper Pravda).
  • It directly parallels the historical rivalry between Joseph Stalin (Napoleon) and Leon Trotsky (Snowball) in the Soviet Union. Stalin systematically erased Trotsky from historical records and claimed credit for many of his initiatives after Trotsky's exile.
  • This action solidifies Napoleon's totalitarian control, demonstrating his ability to rewrite history, control information, and eliminate any challenge to his authority, even posthumously (or in Snowball's case, post-expulsion).
  • The rewriting of history is a key tool used by totalitarian regimes to maintain power, control narratives, and ensure obedience among the populace.
  • The animals' acceptance of Squealer's lies, despite their own memories, illustrates the dangers of an uncritical populace and the effectiveness of relentless propaganda.