The main theme of Animal Farm is the corruption of power. The pigs, who initially led the revolution on the farm for equality, gradually become as tyrannical as the humans they overthrew. It shows how power can be misused and how those in power can manipulate language and rewrite history to maintain their control.
The main characters include Napoleon, a power - hungry pig who becomes the dictator on the farm. Snowball, another pig who is initially involved in leading the revolution but is later chased away by Napoleon. And Boxer, the hard - working horse who is loyal to the cause but is ultimately betrayed by the pigs.
One of the main themes is power and corruption. The pigs, especially Napoleon, gradually gain more and more power and become corrupt. Another theme is the abuse of language for control. The pigs manipulate language to justify their actions and mislead the other animals. Also, there is the theme of the failure of utopian ideals. The initial vision of an equal animal society quickly deteriorates into a dictatorship.
Symbolism in Animal Farm is extensive. Orwell uses the character of Old Major as a symbol of the initial revolutionary idea. He plants the seed of rebellion in the animals' minds. The pigs' transformation from comrades to dictators is symbolized by their changing behavior and appearance. For instance, they start walking on two legs like humans. The milk and apples that the pigs take for themselves symbolize the perks and privileges that the ruling class often appropriates for themselves. The animals' different reactions to these symbols show how a society can be divided and manipulated.
Not at all. 'Animal Farm' is a profound allegorical work that offers insights into power, corruption, and oppression. It's far from the light-hearted nature of a fairy story.