Throughout the novel, Napoleon is shown as a manipulative and self-serving pig. He takes advantage of the other animals’ trust and loyalty to further his own goals. He uses his intelligence and charisma to manipulate the other animals, promising them a better life but only delivering his own power and wealth.
One of the most notable examples of Napoleon’s manipulative behavior is when he takes control of the farm after the revolution. He slowly builds up his own power, using propaganda and violence to crush any opposition. He sets up a cult of personality around himself, with the other animals praising him as a great leader who is working for their benefit.
However, behind the scenes, Napoleon becomes more and more corrupt. He slowly becomes more paranoid and cruel, using violence to maintain his grip on power. He begins to use the other animals as his personal servants, putting them to work on his own personal projects rather than improving the overall health of the farm.
One of the most poignant moments in the novel occurs when Napoleon orders the dogs to attack some of the other animals who have spoken out against him. This is a direct parallel to Stalin’s purges in the Soviet Union, where he would order the execution of anyone who opposed him.
Napoleon’s character is intended to be a warning about the dangers of corrupt leadership. He represents the kind of leader who puts his own interests above those of the people he is supposed to serve. He is willing to use violence and propaganda to manipulate those around him and maintain his grip on power.
Another important aspect of Napoleon’s character is his greed. He hoards food and resources for himself and his inner circle, leaving the other animals starving and struggling to survive. This is a direct reflection of the greed that exists in many societies, where a small elite takes all of the resources for themselves and leaves the rest of the population to struggle.
In conclusion, Napoleon is a complex character in Animal Farm who symbolizes the dangers of corrupt and self-serving leadership. He represents the worst aspects of human nature, using violence, propaganda, and greed to maintain his power and enrich himself at the expense of others. His character serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing unchecked power to corrupt those in positions of authority.