In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Napoleon’s accusations against Snowball play a pivotal role in consolidating his own power while manipulating the other animals. The conflict between these two pigs becomes a central narrative thread that exposes themes of propaganda, scapegoating, and political corruption. Napoleon blames Snowball for numerous events, both realistic and absurd, to shape public opinion and eliminate opposition. These accusations are not merely personal attacks they are carefully crafted strategies that allow Napoleon to rewrite history, control the truth, and rule the farm through fear and misinformation.
The Initial Power Struggle Between Napoleon and Snowball
At the start of the revolution, both Napoleon and Snowball appear to be leaders with a shared vision for the farm’s future. However, their differences soon surface. Snowball is a more intellectual and idealistic pig who proposes ambitious projects, such as the construction of a windmill. Napoleon, in contrast, is more calculating and prefers to strengthen his control through manipulation and intimidation.
Their rivalry reaches a climax during the debate over the windmill. When it becomes clear that Snowball has gained popular support for the project, Napoleon uses brute force his trained dogs to chase Snowball away from the farm. From that moment, Snowball becomes an enemy of the state and the subject of an ongoing smear campaign.
Main Accusations Napoleon Makes Against Snowball
After Snowball’s expulsion, Napoleon launches a series of accusations that serve multiple purposes. These accusations create a sense of external threat, justify harsh measures, and maintain fear among the animals.
1. Sabotaging the Windmill
One of the first and most persistent accusations is that Snowball is responsible for the destruction of the windmill. After the windmill collapses in a storm, Napoleon immediately blames Snowball, claiming he crept in at night and destroyed it out of spite and treachery. There is no evidence to support this claim, but the animals are too intimidated or confused to question it.
By blaming Snowball, Napoleon deflects attention from the possibility that the windmill failed due to poor construction or planning. This strategy keeps the animals’ faith in their leader intact while redirecting their frustration toward a convenient scapegoat.
2. Being a Secret Agent of Mr. Jones
Another serious accusation is that Snowball has been working with Mr. Jones, the former human owner of the farm, all along. Napoleon claims that Snowball betrayed the animals by conspiring with their former oppressor. This is presented as ultimate proof of his treachery and is used to invalidate everything Snowball ever said or did.
This accusation is especially important because it retroactively alters the animals’ memory of the Battle of the Cowshed, where Snowball played a heroic role. Napoleon’s followers claim that he was not a hero but a traitor. This rewriting of history shows how those in power can manipulate collective memory to serve their own purposes.
3. Colluding With Other Enemies
As the story progresses, Napoleon expands the list of supposed crimes committed by Snowball. He accuses him of sabotaging other aspects of the farm, from stealing food to plotting with neighboring farms to invade Animal Farm. These claims become increasingly irrational and serve to keep the animals in a constant state of fear and suspicion.
Any time something goes wrong on the farm crop failure, tools breaking, or animals falling ill Napoleon blames Snowball. The repeated accusations are a tool of psychological manipulation. By linking all problems to an external enemy, Napoleon avoids accountability and justifies his authoritarian measures.
Political Purpose Behind the Accusations
The accusations against Snowball are not grounded in truth they are a calculated strategy to maintain control over the animals. They serve multiple political functions
- Consolidating PowerWith Snowball gone, Napoleon eliminates his only real rival and faces no opposition.
- Creating a ScapegoatSnowball becomes a symbol of all problems, allowing Napoleon to deflect criticism.
- Spreading FearThe idea that Snowball is always lurking in the shadows makes the animals fearful and obedient.
- Rewriting HistoryAccusing Snowball of betrayal allows Napoleon to revise the past and reshape the narrative to his advantage.
The Role of Propaganda and Squealer’s Influence
Squealer, Napoleon’s mouthpiece, plays a critical role in spreading these accusations and convincing the animals to believe them. He uses complex language, emotional appeals, and repetition to implant false ideas in their minds. When the animals begin to doubt, Squealer invokes fear, reminding them that questioning Napoleon is dangerous and that Snowball’s return would mean the return of chaos.
One of the most effective tools Squealer uses is gaslighting. For example, when the animals remember Snowball’s bravery, Squealer insists they are mistaken and suggests that Snowball’s heroism was staged. This constant manipulation of facts shows how propaganda can distort reality when critical thinking is suppressed.
The Tragic Consequences of the Accusations
Napoleon’s campaign against Snowball has devastating effects on Animal Farm. It leads to paranoia, purges, and violence. Animals are forced to confess to being in league with Snowball and are executed in public. These acts of terror solidify Napoleon’s rule but destroy the spirit of the revolution.
The community that once dreamed of equality and freedom becomes a dictatorship ruled by fear. Snowball, though absent from the farm, becomes a powerful presence used as a tool to justify cruelty, control, and lies. His image is distorted into a villain, though he initially stood for progress and hope.
The Betrayal of Ideals
Perhaps the most heartbreaking result of these accusations is the betrayal of the original ideals of Animalism. What started as a rebellion for justice and equality becomes a regime driven by fear and deception. Napoleon’s use of Snowball as a scapegoat illustrates how revolutions can be hijacked by those who seek power rather than change.
The animals slowly lose their ability to remember or question the truth. This loss of collective memory ensures that Napoleon remains unchallenged, and Snowball’s true contributions are forgotten.
The Power of False Accusation
Napoleon accuses Snowball of numerous crimes, from sabotage and treason to alliance with the enemy. These accusations are not rooted in fact but are part of a calculated effort to eliminate rivals and maintain absolute power. By turning Snowball into a symbol of all evil, Napoleon creates a perpetual enemy that justifies his rule and silences dissent.
The themes exposed through these accusations manipulation, fear, propaganda, and the rewriting of history are central to Orwell’s political message. They serve as a warning about how easily truth can be distorted and how dangerous unchecked power can become. InAnimal Farm, Snowball’s fate reminds us that in authoritarian regimes, truth is the first casualty, and fear is the strongest tool of control.