Who Is the More Effective Leader for Animal Farm ? Snowball or Napoleon?
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Who is the more effective leader for Animal Farm ? Snowball or Napoleon?
Those who want leadership vs. Those who deserve it
As Warren G. Bennis, a famous American scholar once said, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Leadership of this type is evident in the novella, Animal Farm, by George Orwell which is an allegory of the Russian Revolution during 1917. In this story, two intelligent pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, struggle to gain leadership of Animal Farm, a farm run by only animals, after the rebellion of their selfish master, Farmer Jones. At first, the hardworking Snowball, attempts to transform the animals visions of freedom into reality, but eventually Napoleon eliminates him and becomes the cruel leader of the farm. One can never discover what the final outcome of the story would be if Snowball remained in power of Animal Farm. It is clear that Snowball would have been a more effective leader than Napoleon because of their personalities, the way they treated the other animals on the farm, and the difference in their plans for the animal community.
In the story, Snowball and Napoleons personalities differ in many ways, showing that Snowball is a more effective leader on the farm. Napoleon is said to be a fierce-looking pig who is “not much of a talker but with the reputation of getting his own way” (Orwell 9). Whereas, Snowball is described as a more vivacious pig, who is a good speaker and more inventive. It is also stated in the novel that: “At the Meetings Snowball often won over the majority by his brilliant speeches” (Orwell 31). A leader with good communication skills is more effective than one who does not speak for themselves. As well, it is depicted that Napoleon is not a very hardworking pig. He did not produce any plans or schemes for the improvement of the farm and made negative remarks about Snowballs innovative plans. Conversely, Snowball is a very hardworking and dedicated leader who is full of plans for innovations and improvements” (Orwell 32). One must be extremely hard-working and must show initiative in order to be an effective leader. Lastly, Napoleon is very selfish, which is not a quality that a good leader should possess. He is determined to stay in power of Animal
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Farm and he rid the other animals of their right to vote or speak freely. He did whatever it took for him to have all power over the other animals and he made decisions that only benefited him. He told Squealer, his personal speaker, to convey to the other animals that he possessed great wisdom, goodness of heart, and deep love for all the animals, when all he cared about is having a good reputation. He also made it so that he is credited for every successful achievement or good fortune in the farm just to have a good impression. The reality is that Napoleon is simply selfish and extremely power hungry. Most achievements of the farm were because of the hard-work of the animals themselves. Conversely, Snowball is rather selfless than selfish. He focused on improving the farm for the advantage of the other animals and seemed to be interested in making the farm a batter place for all animals to live rather than just himself. However, the different personas of the two pigs are not the only thing that made Snowball a better leader.
The way Snowball and Napoleon treat the other animals on the farm play a large role in showing that Snowball is by far the better and more effective leader of Animal Farm. Firstly, Napoleon told the other animals many lies and deceived them. He and his corrupt government of pigs and the dogs disregarded all of the seven commandments and altered them. Eventually, all seven of the original commandments are defied by Napoleon and his corrupt government, and the other animals are left confused and miserable. In contrast, Snowball is a very loyal and truthful leader who did not deceive his followers and generally respected the seven commandments like the other animals on the farm. He did not lie to the animals or deceive them and only assumed leadership of the farm for the benefit of the animals. Napoleon abuses his power ruthlessly, and responded to the other animals innocence with violence. When several animals fearfully confess of crimes relating to Snowball, the scapegoat, Napoleons “dogs promptly tore their throats out…” (Orwell 56). His terrible actions against the animals on the farm confused the remaining animals and they remembered that “In the old days, there had often been scenes of bloodshed equally terrible, but it seemed to all of them that it is far worse now that it is happening among themselves.” (Orwell 57). The animals visions of freedom and equality are destroyed when they see this horrible scene, which resembled the times before the rebellion. Snowball never hurt a single animal and worked towards improving the farm so it did not resemble the terrible times before the rebellion happened. Napoleon urged the animals that their strengths and abilities should be used towards the pigs and the human beings needs. He orders that