Most of the overt symbolism in Animal
Farm comes from the representation of real-world events and people in the
form of animals on a farm. For example, Boxer is representative of the working class,
hard workers who do not question authority but instead work harder in the hopes that
their work will be recognized and rewarded. This extends to the plot, which shows that
in fact, hard work is not rewarded -- Boxer is sold for the price of whiskey when he
can't work anymore.
Another good example is Squealer, who
represents propaganda; by using circular logic, lies, and semantics, Squealer is able to
twist the meaning of events and facts.
"Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I
dislike them myself... We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organisation
of this farm depend on us... It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those
apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come
back!"
(Orwell, Animal Farm,
msxnet.org)
These small lies
become larger and larger until Squealer is quoting from imaginary reports that "prove"
how prosperous the farm is, and how little work the animals perform, even as the
evidence of their eyes disproves it. Working in conjunction with Napoleon's dogs (the
military) Squealer is instrumental in convincing the animals that they are actually
being oppressed for their own good. If they refuse to submit to Napoleon, Jones will
return -- even though that would be an improvement in their
lives.
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