Animal Farm Compared to the Russian Revolution

Education is not as prominent in the book as during the Russian Revolution. In the book, education is mentioned when Snowball finds old spelling books, once belonging to Mr. Jones. He begins to teach himself, followed by the other pigs, and finally he helps the other animals to read and write. Some of the not so intelligent animals find this quite taxing, whereas the pigs– being the most intelligent, learn the fastest. Snowball is the most interested in educating the animals, and the well being of the other animals on the farm. Just as Trotsky was intent in educating the Russian people, and their well being during the Revolution. "Napoleon took no interest in Snowball's committees. He said that education of the young was more important than anything that could be done for those who were already grown up." This shows Snowball's commitment to the animals compared to the uninterested Napoleon.
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<br>In the book Napoleon began his leadership role quite well, with his ideas being fair and with a positive meaning. As the story continues he becomes more corrupt, and his ideas turn into a dictatorship. "Napoleon lead the animals back to the store-shed and served out a double portion of corn to everyone, with two biscuits for each dog." As time went on his true nature, of a power crazy character begins to surface, he becomes more selfish and the principle idea of equality no longer exists. The farm is run on terror, and no animal dare speak out against him, for fear of death. "The news leaked out that every pig was receiving a ration of a pint of bear daily, with half a gallon for Napoleon."
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<br>Just as during the revolution, when at first Stalin was fair and just but as he was given power he turns into a corrupt man with dictatorship qualities. He became more selfish and sinister. When securing his power base he engineered the permanent exile of Trotsky. This compares to the book, when Napoleon and his ‘nine sturdy puppies' chased Snowball out of the farm.