Who died in Animal Farm? This question often puzzles readers of George Orwell’s classic novel. While the story focuses on the struggle for power among the animals, the death of certain characters serves as pivotal moments that underscore the themes of corruption and the betrayal of ideals. In this article, we will explore the deaths of key characters in Animal Farm and their significance in the narrative.
Animal Farm, published in 1945, is an allegorical novel that satirizes the Russian Revolution and the rise of Joseph Stalin’s regime. The story is narrated by Old Major, a boar who inspires the animals to rise up against their oppressive human masters and establish their own utopian society. However, as the novel progresses, the animals’ dream of a classless society begins to crumble, and some of them meet tragic ends.
One of the first deaths in the novel is that of Old Major himself. After his revolutionary speech, Old Major dies, leaving the animals to continue the struggle without him. This death symbolizes the passing of the torch to the next generation of animals, who will have to carry on the fight for freedom.
Another significant death is that of Boxer, the loyal and hardworking cart horse. Boxer is portrayed as a symbol of the working class, and his death serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of their struggle. After years of toil, Boxer is struck down by a car, a tragic metaphor for the collapse of the utopian dream. His death also highlights the corruption of the pigs, who have abandoned the principles of Animalism and started living like humans again.
Mollie, the vain and materialistic mare, also meets a tragic end. She dies in a dogfight, which serves as a metaphor for the chaos and violence that can arise when ideals are abandoned. Mollie’s death further emphasizes the theme of the decay of the original revolutionary spirit.
The most dramatic death in the novel is that of Napoleon, the cunning and power-hungry pig who eventually takes control of the farm. In a climactic scene, Snowball, the other revolutionary pig, is chased out of the farm and killed by a mob of hounds. This death symbolizes the ultimate betrayal of the revolutionary cause and the triumph of tyranny.
In conclusion, the deaths of various characters in Animal Farm serve as critical moments that underscore the novel’s themes of corruption, betrayal, and the ultimate decay of the revolutionary ideal. These deaths remind readers of the complexities of power and the fragility of idealism, making Animal Farm a timeless allegory for the human condition.
