Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely: a quote by Lord Acton In the book “Animal Farm”, written by George Orwell, Napoleon represents Adolf Hitler. The Manor Farm, that was originally led by human farmers, had changed to Animal Farm. The animals decided to throw out and overrule the humans so that they could have everything their own way. Animal Farm is then led by Snowball and Napoleon, two pigs who rarely agree with each other. The animals had agreed on commandments that all would obey and follow. Although, some of the animals broke the commandments by killing other animals or disobeyed them and walked on two legs. Battles were fought between the humans and animals, and between farms and other farms. Napoleon is a prime example of how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Napoleon is evil and his absolute power over the farm and animals, corrupts everything and everyone. Absolute power cannot exist without corruption.
The character of Napoleon demonstrates that absolute power cannot exist without corruption because his leadership skills are evil. Napoleon is a dictator and everyone agrees with him because his evil plans seem to somehow make sense to the majority of the animals on the farm. For example, “... Napoleon took them away from their mothers, saying that he would make himself responsible for their education.” Napoleon took away nine puppies from their mother immediately after they were born, and is lying that he will be responsible for them. He makes himself appear as a good role model and a responsible leader; however, he would never do that because he is not a good pig. He does not show good and true leadership skills. In addition, Napoleon’s leadership skills are evil and are too controlling. For example, “Napoleon produced no schemes of his own, but said quietly that Snowball’s would come to nothing, and seemed to be biding his time.” Napoleon never thinks for himself and can do whatever he wants because he is the leader of all the animals. He does things in a way that is evil even though the animals agree with him. To summarize, Napoleon is a persuading leader Â
Next, the character of Napoleon demonstrates that absolute power cannot exist without corruption because he is a dictator like Hitler. For example, “According to Napoleon, what the animals must do was to procure firearms and train themselves in the use of them.” This means that he is saying a powerful speech that corrupts everyone. In addition, the animals fall for the great speech because it is motivational.  For example, “The animals first listened to Napoleon, then to Snowball, and could not make up their minds which was right…” The animals could easily fall for the bad speech because their minds can be easily changed. In order for this to happen though, the person who is speaking needs to make promises that sound realistic and that sound like they are possible. Similarly, Adolf Hitler gave many speeches to the Russians that was extremely persuading. Hitler seemed like a great leader and role model to the Russians. Hitler and Napoleon share many characteristics. In the novel, Napoleon is Hitler except in an allegorical way. In the end, Napoleon is a dictator just like Hitler and can persuade all the animals in an evil way.
Finally, the character of Napoleon demonstrates that absolute power cannot exist without corruption because he is fake and does not keep his promises. He claims that he will do many things. For example, "That will be attended to. The harvest is more important. Comrade Snowball will lead the way. I shall follow in a few minutes. Forward, comrades! The hay is waiting." To begin with, this quote shows figurative language such as personification. Personification is used to give human characteristics to a nonliving thing. Napoleon’s promise to the other animals is easy for the animals to believe at the moment because he is the only animal speaking out. In addition, Napoleon acts so friendly with every animal; however, he does not show that same nice and friendly traits when he is speaking to Snowball, the farmers, or the other animals on the other farms. For example, “Napoleon took no interest in Snowball’s committees.” Napoleon does not seem to care about anyone else’s ideas and ways. Everything has to be done his way. As a result, Napoleon is fake and makes promises to the animals that he cannot keep.
Napoleon is a prime example of how absolute power corrupts absolutely. The character of Napoleon demonstrates that absolute power cannot exist without corruption because his leadership skills are evil, he is a dictator like Hitler, and he is fake and does not keep his promises. Towards the end of the book, some of the animals rebel against Napoleon’s commands because they have finally realized he is not that good of a leader and that all he cares about is himself and controlling everyone on the farm by however he wants. In all, Napoleon is the prime example of how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
