Who is Whymper in Animal Farm?
In George Orwell’s classic novel “Animal Farm,” Whymper plays a significant role as a symbol of the corrupting influence of capitalism on the ideals of the revolution. Whymper is a human solicitor who represents the wealthy farmers and landowners in the village of Manor Farm, where the animals live. His presence in the story serves to highlight the gradual erosion of the animals’ utopian dreams and the betrayal of their revolutionary ideals.
Whymper first appears in the novel when the animals, led by Snowball and Napoleon, have overthrown Mr. Jones, the human farmer, and taken control of the farm. The animals are hopeful that they will now live in a world free from human oppression and exploitation. However, Whymper’s arrival signals the beginning of a new form of tyranny, as he represents the interests of the former human owners who seek to regain control of the farm.
Whymper’s character is characterized by his cunning and opportunism. He is willing to manipulate the animals for his own gain, using their naive belief in the revolution to his advantage. When the animals are faced with the daunting task of rebuilding the farm and producing more food, Whymper convinces them to sign a contract that allows the humans to return and work alongside the animals. This contract is a clear betrayal of the animals’ original goal of living free from human control.
As the story progresses, Whymper’s role becomes increasingly sinister. He is depicted as a greedy and manipulative figure who is more concerned with his own interests than with the well-being of the animals. His presence on the farm serves as a constant reminder of the corruption that can arise when idealistic dreams are compromised by the realities of power and greed.
In the end, Whymper’s character serves as a stark contrast to the noble ideals of the animals. While the animals strive for a world free from oppression, Whymper represents the very forces they seek to overthrow. His presence in the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idealism and the corrupting influence of capitalism.
Overall, Whymper in “Animal Farm” is a compelling character who embodies the negative aspects of human nature and the dangers of idealistic revolutions. His role in the story serves to underscore the importance of remaining vigilant against the corrupting influence of power and greed, even in the pursuit of a better world.
