LEON TROTSKY (1879-1940)
Like the content of Orwell’s fairy story (as so he called it), Snowball’s character is almost pure allegory; the resemblance between the two personas is highly conspicuous. Throughout the novella, Snowball's character alludes directly to Trotsky’s intentions and experiences as a Marxist revolutionary and theorist.
Leon Trotsky (originally Lev Davidovich Bronstein) was born on November 7th, 1879 in Yanovka, Ukraine, to prosperous Jewish farmers. During his final year at school, Trotsky started to get involved in revolutionary activities and was introduced to the ideas of Karl Marx. Enthralled by Marxist theories, in 1897, he helped found the South Russian Workers’ Union. However, he was arrested within a year and spent two years in prison “before being tried, convicted and sent to Siberia for a four year sentence.” (biography.com: 2013) There, he met Alexandra Lvovna, a co-revolutionary who had also been sentenced to Siberia. While there, they had two daughters.
In 1902, after serving only two years of his sentence, Trotsky escaped exile and abandoned his wife and two daughters. On forged papers, he changed his name to Leon Trotsky (a moniker he would use for the rest of his life) and made his way to London, where he joined the Socialist Democratic Party and met Vladimir Lenin.
During the early years of the Social Democratic Party, there were often disputes among the party’s leadership over its form and strategy. Lenin (who argued for a small party of professional revolutionaries who would lead a large contingent of non-party supporters) and Martov (who advocated for a larger, more democratic organization of supporters) never came to a point of mutual agreement. Of all innocuous incentives, Trotsky often tried to find middle ground when confronted with arguments from respected revolutionaries. (biography.com: 2013) With many of the Social Democrats siding with Lenin’s authority, Trotsky’s neutrality was seen as disloyal.
Meanwhile, back in Soviet Russia on January 22nd, 1905, unarmed demonstrators marching against the Russian Tsar were killed by the Imperial Guard. Subsequently, Trotsky returned to Russia to support the uprisings and by the end of 1905, he emerged as a leader of the movement. However, the rebellion was crushed, and Trotsky was arrested and once again sent to Siberia. He managed to escape in 1907, traveled to Europe and spent 10 years in exile in cities such as New York, Vienna and Zurich. When he returned to Russia in May 1917, he immediately addressed some of the key problems in post-revolutionary Russia. In response to criticisms directed towards the provisional government, Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky saw Trotsky as a major threat and therefore, had him arrested.
During his time in jail, Trotsky was admitted to the Bolshevik Party and was released soon after. His first role in the new government was to serve as commissar for foreign affairs and making peace with the Germans. However, Germany had a long list of demands for territory and reparations. Though Trotsky hoped that, over time, Germany would be defeated by one of the Allies or suffer internal insurrection, Lenin felt that peace with Germany needed to be made so that the main focus could be shifted towards building a communist government. Due to continuous disagreements regarding the subject matter, Trotsky resigned from his post. After the provisional government was overthrown in November 1917, the Bolsheviks took control of government, and Trotsky was appointed leader of the Red Army and led it to a victory against the White Army (a party comprised of non-Bolshevik socialist revolutionaries). When the White Army surrendered, Trotsky was elected as a member of the Communist Party committee and was clearly positioned second to Lenin.
As Lenin’s health situation deteriorated, so did his relationship with the party. By 1922, the pressures of revolution had adversely affected Lenin's health and amongst worsening health, questions arose regarding the leadership of the party. Trotsky’s stellar experience and victory as a military leader made him an obvious choice, though his hardline stance against some policies had offended many in the Politburo (the Communist Party’s executive committee, led by Joseph Stalin). Although Stalin was initially appointed to an insignificant post at the time, he started consolidating his power by appointing party members to positions. Seeing Stalin's thriving influence within the party, Lenin tried to counter some of his influence as well as support Trotsky on several occasions. However, a third stroke managed to silence him and Stalin was able to out-maneuver Lenin. Between 1925 and 1928, Trotsky was gradually pushed out of Russia and in 1929, he was banished entirely from the Soviet Union. Over the next seven years, he lived in Turkey, France and Norway, before arriving in Mexico City.
Shortly after the end of The Great Purge throughout the 1930s, Ramón Mercader, a Spanish communist working as an undercover agent for the Soviet Union's secret police, fatally struck Trotsky with an ice pick, puncturing his skull. Though he was taken to the hospital subsequent to the attack, he died a day later at the age of sixty.
As a result of Stalin's hatred and totalitarian control, for decades, Trotsky was discredited in the Soviet Union. However, ten years after the collapse of the Soviet government, in 2001, Trotsky's reputation was officially "rehabilitated" by the Russian government (biography.com: 2013) and his reputation as a brilliant intellect, a tireless worker, rousing public speaker and decisive administrator was restored.
Leon Trotsky (originally Lev Davidovich Bronstein) was born on November 7th, 1879 in Yanovka, Ukraine, to prosperous Jewish farmers. During his final year at school, Trotsky started to get involved in revolutionary activities and was introduced to the ideas of Karl Marx. Enthralled by Marxist theories, in 1897, he helped found the South Russian Workers’ Union. However, he was arrested within a year and spent two years in prison “before being tried, convicted and sent to Siberia for a four year sentence.” (biography.com: 2013) There, he met Alexandra Lvovna, a co-revolutionary who had also been sentenced to Siberia. While there, they had two daughters.
In 1902, after serving only two years of his sentence, Trotsky escaped exile and abandoned his wife and two daughters. On forged papers, he changed his name to Leon Trotsky (a moniker he would use for the rest of his life) and made his way to London, where he joined the Socialist Democratic Party and met Vladimir Lenin.
During the early years of the Social Democratic Party, there were often disputes among the party’s leadership over its form and strategy. Lenin (who argued for a small party of professional revolutionaries who would lead a large contingent of non-party supporters) and Martov (who advocated for a larger, more democratic organization of supporters) never came to a point of mutual agreement. Of all innocuous incentives, Trotsky often tried to find middle ground when confronted with arguments from respected revolutionaries. (biography.com: 2013) With many of the Social Democrats siding with Lenin’s authority, Trotsky’s neutrality was seen as disloyal.
Meanwhile, back in Soviet Russia on January 22nd, 1905, unarmed demonstrators marching against the Russian Tsar were killed by the Imperial Guard. Subsequently, Trotsky returned to Russia to support the uprisings and by the end of 1905, he emerged as a leader of the movement. However, the rebellion was crushed, and Trotsky was arrested and once again sent to Siberia. He managed to escape in 1907, traveled to Europe and spent 10 years in exile in cities such as New York, Vienna and Zurich. When he returned to Russia in May 1917, he immediately addressed some of the key problems in post-revolutionary Russia. In response to criticisms directed towards the provisional government, Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky saw Trotsky as a major threat and therefore, had him arrested.
During his time in jail, Trotsky was admitted to the Bolshevik Party and was released soon after. His first role in the new government was to serve as commissar for foreign affairs and making peace with the Germans. However, Germany had a long list of demands for territory and reparations. Though Trotsky hoped that, over time, Germany would be defeated by one of the Allies or suffer internal insurrection, Lenin felt that peace with Germany needed to be made so that the main focus could be shifted towards building a communist government. Due to continuous disagreements regarding the subject matter, Trotsky resigned from his post. After the provisional government was overthrown in November 1917, the Bolsheviks took control of government, and Trotsky was appointed leader of the Red Army and led it to a victory against the White Army (a party comprised of non-Bolshevik socialist revolutionaries). When the White Army surrendered, Trotsky was elected as a member of the Communist Party committee and was clearly positioned second to Lenin.
As Lenin’s health situation deteriorated, so did his relationship with the party. By 1922, the pressures of revolution had adversely affected Lenin's health and amongst worsening health, questions arose regarding the leadership of the party. Trotsky’s stellar experience and victory as a military leader made him an obvious choice, though his hardline stance against some policies had offended many in the Politburo (the Communist Party’s executive committee, led by Joseph Stalin). Although Stalin was initially appointed to an insignificant post at the time, he started consolidating his power by appointing party members to positions. Seeing Stalin's thriving influence within the party, Lenin tried to counter some of his influence as well as support Trotsky on several occasions. However, a third stroke managed to silence him and Stalin was able to out-maneuver Lenin. Between 1925 and 1928, Trotsky was gradually pushed out of Russia and in 1929, he was banished entirely from the Soviet Union. Over the next seven years, he lived in Turkey, France and Norway, before arriving in Mexico City.
Shortly after the end of The Great Purge throughout the 1930s, Ramón Mercader, a Spanish communist working as an undercover agent for the Soviet Union's secret police, fatally struck Trotsky with an ice pick, puncturing his skull. Though he was taken to the hospital subsequent to the attack, he died a day later at the age of sixty.
As a result of Stalin's hatred and totalitarian control, for decades, Trotsky was discredited in the Soviet Union. However, ten years after the collapse of the Soviet government, in 2001, Trotsky's reputation was officially "rehabilitated" by the Russian government (biography.com: 2013) and his reputation as a brilliant intellect, a tireless worker, rousing public speaker and decisive administrator was restored.
PARALLELS BETWEEN TROTSKY AND SNOWBALL
NAME
Orwell meant the name “Snowball” to suggest that Trotsky could “snow” his listeners and roll his words into a verbal “snowball” that overwhelmed his opponents. But there is no equivalent in the Russian language for this English metaphor.
-John Rodden (Interview with Sergei Task, Translator for the Russian edition of Animal Farm), Understanding Animal Farm: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources and Historical Documents, 1999, pg. 173
Though it is evident that Orwell already had an intended purpose behind the name "Snowball," it is believed that there is more to just one explanation. As one of the major themes throughout the novella is how the power of malicious incentives outbalances loyalty and eventually rules the farm, this lengthy conflict is somewhat encapsulated through the ingenious symbolism in Snowball’s name. As “Napoleon was a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar”, (pg.9) in symbolism, the “snow” in “Snowball” reiterates the connection between “light” and “good,” hence the dramatic juxtaposition between Napoleon’s nefarious schemes with “darkness” and “evil.” On the other hand, his name may reflect on Trotsky's beliefs about the Communist Revolution; a "Snowball Effect," otherwise known as the "Domino Effect" or the "Butterfly Effect" is a figurative term for "a situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and faster rate." (Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary and Thesaurus: 2008)
SNOWBALL
Snowball, a wise pig who helps lead the rebellion of the farm, is portrayed as “a more vivacious pig than Napoleon, quicker in speech and more inventive” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 9) in Orwell’s classic novella, Animal Farm. In the novel, Snowball is the animal most clearly attuned to Old Major's thinking (ie. Marxist theories), and he devotes himself to bettering the animals’ in intellectual, moral and physical ways.
Acknowledging the prominent intellectual gap between the pigs and other animals on the farm, Snowball “declared that the Seven Commandments could in effect be reduced to a single maxim, namely: ‘Four legs good, two legs bad.’ This, he said, contained the essential principle of Animalism.” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 21) In a sense, this shows that Snowball genuinely cares for the cultivation of the animals on the farm and promotes a sense of unity to stimulate the revolution against man. On the other hand, this incentive also relates to a goal of his own; to “incite communist revolts in other countries.” (Rodden, 1999, pg. 61) In parallel to the views of Leon Trotsky, Russia “was a backward country incapable of completing the socialist revolution on its own” (Rodden, 1999, pg. 62), therefore, “to be permanently successful, it would have to depend on revolutions in other countries, particularly in western Europe.” (Trotskyism: 2013) As western European countries (symbolized by Mr Pilkington) generally opposed the revolution, the Russian Revolution did not have other revolutions to “depend” on, hence failing altogether and leading to absolute dictatorship.
Given the hardships of Napoleon's tyranny and the aftermath of Animal Farm under his rule, it is easy to visualize Snowball (Trotsky) as a luminary figure; Orwell portrays him under a relatively positive light. However, he had many prominent flaws in his leadership- he was endowed with certain moral flaws. It is noted at the start of the novel that he was partially responsible for the collection of the apples for the consumption of the pigs. As "even Snowball and Napoleon" were in "full agreement on this point," showing that Snowball believes in a hierarchy based society. He was "sent to make the necessary explanations to the others" and told the animals that the milk and apples were distributed solely to the pigs for "brainwork" and manipulates the animals' fear of Jones to get them to work harder.
Ironically, despite his moral flaws, Snowball devotes himself to bettering the animals in moral ways. This is seen by the fact that he is the only pig that legitimately believes and acts in near compliance in the notion of Animalism, and the idea that all animals should work together for their collective betterment. Snowball’s work in the “Egg Production Committee for the hens, the Clean Tails League for the cows, the Wild Comrades’ Re-education Committee...the Whiter Wool Movement for the sheep, and various others” shows that his real enjoyment derives from talking to other animals about politically revolutionary fervor and post. (Orwell, 2008, pg. 20) In this, revolutionary life represents a morally legitimate and politically authentic leadership alternative to Napoleon, who is more inclined (even in the initial stages of post) to embrace political notions that only he benefits from.
The windmill stands as a symbol of Trotsky’s aspirations and later symbolizes Napoleon’s manipulation of the other animals for his own benefit. While the windmill would incontrovertibly bring great benefits to the farm, including the alleviation of “sordid labour,” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 35) the implementation of electricity, “supplying every stall with its own electric light, hot and cold water and an electric heater” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 35) as well as a “three day week,” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 34-35) this is when one has to wonder when Snowball’s plans may be overly fanciful and implausible, which alludes directly to another one of Trotsky’s main flaws- idealism. Napoleon’s initial disdain for the idea parallels with Stalin’s wish to keep “socialism” in one country. On the other hand, Snowball’s enthusiasm for the windmill echoes Trotsky’s hopes to take the revolution to an “international level.”
Acknowledging the prominent intellectual gap between the pigs and other animals on the farm, Snowball “declared that the Seven Commandments could in effect be reduced to a single maxim, namely: ‘Four legs good, two legs bad.’ This, he said, contained the essential principle of Animalism.” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 21) In a sense, this shows that Snowball genuinely cares for the cultivation of the animals on the farm and promotes a sense of unity to stimulate the revolution against man. On the other hand, this incentive also relates to a goal of his own; to “incite communist revolts in other countries.” (Rodden, 1999, pg. 61) In parallel to the views of Leon Trotsky, Russia “was a backward country incapable of completing the socialist revolution on its own” (Rodden, 1999, pg. 62), therefore, “to be permanently successful, it would have to depend on revolutions in other countries, particularly in western Europe.” (Trotskyism: 2013) As western European countries (symbolized by Mr Pilkington) generally opposed the revolution, the Russian Revolution did not have other revolutions to “depend” on, hence failing altogether and leading to absolute dictatorship.
Given the hardships of Napoleon's tyranny and the aftermath of Animal Farm under his rule, it is easy to visualize Snowball (Trotsky) as a luminary figure; Orwell portrays him under a relatively positive light. However, he had many prominent flaws in his leadership- he was endowed with certain moral flaws. It is noted at the start of the novel that he was partially responsible for the collection of the apples for the consumption of the pigs. As "even Snowball and Napoleon" were in "full agreement on this point," showing that Snowball believes in a hierarchy based society. He was "sent to make the necessary explanations to the others" and told the animals that the milk and apples were distributed solely to the pigs for "brainwork" and manipulates the animals' fear of Jones to get them to work harder.
Ironically, despite his moral flaws, Snowball devotes himself to bettering the animals in moral ways. This is seen by the fact that he is the only pig that legitimately believes and acts in near compliance in the notion of Animalism, and the idea that all animals should work together for their collective betterment. Snowball’s work in the “Egg Production Committee for the hens, the Clean Tails League for the cows, the Wild Comrades’ Re-education Committee...the Whiter Wool Movement for the sheep, and various others” shows that his real enjoyment derives from talking to other animals about politically revolutionary fervor and post. (Orwell, 2008, pg. 20) In this, revolutionary life represents a morally legitimate and politically authentic leadership alternative to Napoleon, who is more inclined (even in the initial stages of post) to embrace political notions that only he benefits from.
The windmill stands as a symbol of Trotsky’s aspirations and later symbolizes Napoleon’s manipulation of the other animals for his own benefit. While the windmill would incontrovertibly bring great benefits to the farm, including the alleviation of “sordid labour,” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 35) the implementation of electricity, “supplying every stall with its own electric light, hot and cold water and an electric heater” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 35) as well as a “three day week,” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 34-35) this is when one has to wonder when Snowball’s plans may be overly fanciful and implausible, which alludes directly to another one of Trotsky’s main flaws- idealism. Napoleon’s initial disdain for the idea parallels with Stalin’s wish to keep “socialism” in one country. On the other hand, Snowball’s enthusiasm for the windmill echoes Trotsky’s hopes to take the revolution to an “international level.”
DIFFERING IDEOLOGICAL STANDPOINTS: STALIN AND TROTSKY
Though Chapter 3 of the novella is representative of the idyllic days of the Animal revolution, tensions arise and become increasingly apparent between Snowball and Napoleon, as "it was noticed that these two were never in agreement: whatever suggestion either of them made, the other could be counted on to oppose it." (Orwell, 2008, pg. 20) While "Napoleon took no interest in Snowball's committees" (Orwell, 2008, pg. 22), Snowball "busied himself with organizing the other animals into what he called Animal Committees." (Orwell, 2008, pg. 20) Despite the fact that "these projects were a failure" (Orwell, 2008, pg. 20), this corresponds fully to the main concept of Trotskyism; a theory of Marxism advocated by Leon Trotsky. Napoleon, on the other hand, "said that the education of the young was more important than anything that could be done for those who were already grown up." (Orwell, 2008, pg. 22) Though “Napoleon produced no schemes of his own,” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 32), he “was better at canvassing support for himself in between times...they often interrupted the Meeting” with the bleating of ‘Four legs good, two legs bad.’” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 31) Furthermore, Napoleon goes to an extent so far that he “urinated over the plans and walked out without uttering a word.” (Orwell, 2008, pg. 33) As the reader knows, this is not in full compliance with Napoleon's genuine intention. The satire in this is that while Snowball's committees fail constantly, he still tries to work in the best interests of the animals on the farm, whereas Napoleon depends solely on fraudulent incentives to consolidate his power, while further oppressing those who have already been oppressed to extensive measures. From a few examples, we can already see that because of differing ideological standpoints, the initial facade of collaboration between Snowball and Napoleon has been debilitated, which mirrors the substantial ideological divide that eventually separates Stalin and Trotsky.
SNOWBALL AS TROTSKY: WAS ORWELL SUCCESSFUL?
Owing to a stint he had in a Trotskyist battalion in the Spanish Civil War, Orwell portrays Snowball as a zealous ideologue who, despite his flaws, is genuinely interested in improving the welfare of the animals on the farm. (Bloom: 1999) While his positive portrayal of Snowball, in the perspectives of many may be controversial to his condemnation towards the ideals of the Russian Revolution, it comes in a subtle form of juxtaposition which allows Orwell to validate his own rejection of Stalin (Napoleon). This is also encapsulated through the ingenious symbolism in Snowball’s name. As “Napoleon was a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar”, (pg.9) in symbolism, the “snow” in “Snowball” reiterates the connection between “light” and “good,” hence the relationship between Napoleon’s nefarious schemes with “darkness” and “evil.” As aforementioned, the “snow” in Snowball’s name adumbrates the vulnerability to stain, showing that Snowball's authority/schemes are somewhat "easy" to takeover- as epitomized by Napoleon assuming power over Animal Farm.
Though Snowball’s expulsion at the hands of his rival, Napoleon, suggests that the power of force and malevolence outbalances good morals/intentions and thus, governs the farm, in this, Orwell wishes to show that good leadership in the position of political power is evident and does not have to be corrupting. While each political ideology has its advantages and disadvantages, Snowball advocates the “good ideas” of communism; true equality, living in harmony with others and without exploitation of any sort- the socialist ideals Orwell coincides with. Because he is actually trying to attain the utopian ideal as presented by Old Major, Snowball represents the possibility of success without a ruling class. If his plans had gone through, and if Napoleon had been killed or simply not had as much sway, it is possible that the farm would have prospered as Old Major intended, instead of falling to a dictatorship. Snowball is the voice of reason and so is somewhat "better" in a purely objective sense.
Though Snowball’s expulsion at the hands of his rival, Napoleon, suggests that the power of force and malevolence outbalances good morals/intentions and thus, governs the farm, in this, Orwell wishes to show that good leadership in the position of political power is evident and does not have to be corrupting. While each political ideology has its advantages and disadvantages, Snowball advocates the “good ideas” of communism; true equality, living in harmony with others and without exploitation of any sort- the socialist ideals Orwell coincides with. Because he is actually trying to attain the utopian ideal as presented by Old Major, Snowball represents the possibility of success without a ruling class. If his plans had gone through, and if Napoleon had been killed or simply not had as much sway, it is possible that the farm would have prospered as Old Major intended, instead of falling to a dictatorship. Snowball is the voice of reason and so is somewhat "better" in a purely objective sense.