George Orwell’s allegorical novella, Animal Farm, is a compelling tale that mirrors the events of the Russian Revolution. Each character in the story represents a figure or group from that tumultuous period in history. One character that stands out is Mollie, the white mare. Mollie’s actions and attitudes throughout the story make her a representative of the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution.
The bourgeois middle class, much like Mollie, enjoyed a comfortable and privileged lifestyle. They were accustomed to the luxuries and benefits provided by the ruling class, and were often reluctant to give them up. Mollie, too, finds it difficult to embrace the new way of life on Animal Farm, where all animals are equal and work for the common good. She is reluctant to let go of her human owners, who pamper her with treats and ribbons.
Mollie’s refusal to fully engage in the revolution is reflected in her actions. She frequently shirks her duties on the farm, avoiding the hard work and commitment required by Animalism. Instead, she spends her time preening herself and enjoying the attention of humans. This behavior symbolizes the middle class’s detachment from the struggle of the working class and their unwillingness to participate in the revolution.
Despite her lack of commitment, Mollie does not openly oppose the revolution either. She does not actively work against the other animals or sabotage their efforts. Similarly, the bourgeois middle class did not openly oppose the revolution in Russia. They did not actively rally against the working class or try to undermine their efforts. Instead, they chose to remain on the sidelines, passively observing the changes taking place.
Mollie’s ultimate departure from Animal Farm can be seen as a reflection of the middle class’s unwillingness to embrace the new society. She willingly leaves behind the principles of Animalism and returns to a life of servitude under human masters. Mollie prefers the benefits and comforts offered by the human owners, rather than the equality and collective responsibility demanded by Animalism.
Mollie in Animal Farm represents the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. Her reluctance to let go of her privileged lifestyle, detachment from the struggles of the working class, and ultimate departure from Animal Farm all symbolize the middle class’s resistance to change and their preference for the comforts of the old regime. Mollie serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in uniting all classes for a common cause during times of revolutionary upheaval.
Who Does Mollie Represent And Why?
Mollie, one of the characters in the story, represents the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. The middle class, similar to Mollie, enjoyed the comforts and privileges of their social status and were often reluctant to give them up to join the revolutionary cause. Mollie’s character symbolizes the self-centeredness and materialistic tendencies associated with the bourgeois class.
1. Mollie represents the bourgeois middle class: Mollie’s character embodies the bourgeoisie, who were affluent individuals that held a comfortable position in society during the Russian Revolution.
2. Enjoyment of luxuries: Mollie’s primary concern throughout the story revolves around her desire for ribbons, sugar, and other luxuries. This reflects the bourgeois class’s attachment to material possessions and their focus on personal comfort.
3. Reluctance to give up privileges: When the revolution begins and the animals overthrow their human oppressors, Mollie is resistant to the changes. She is hesitant to give up her comfortable lifestyle and is unwilling to adapt to the new regime on the farm.
4. Indifference towards the revolution: While Mollie does not actively oppose the revolution, she does not participate in it either. This indifference mirrors the bourgeoisie’s ambivalence towards the revolution, as they were not wholeheartedly against it but were not fully committed to its cause either.
5. Symbol of class division: Mollie’s character serves as a representation of the class division that existed during the Russian Revolution. Her separation from the other animals on the farm highlights the disconnect between the bourgeois middle class and the working class, emphasizing the social and economic disparities within society.
Mollie symbolizes the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. Through her enjoyment of luxuries, reluctance to give up privileges, indifference towards the revolution, and representation of class division, Mollie’s character embodies the characteristics and attitudes associated with the bourgeois class during this historical period.
Who Does Each Character Represent In Animal Farm?
In George Orwell’s allegorical novel, Animal Farm, each character represents a key figure or concept from the Russian Revolution of 1917. Here is a detailed breakdown of the character representations:
1. Old Major: Old Major symbolizes Karl Marx, the influential philosopher and economist who laid the foundations for communism. Just as Old Major inspires the animals on the farm to rebel against their human oppressors, Marx’s ideas ignited the desire for a socialist revolution.
2. Snowball: Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution and a rival to Joseph Stalin. Snowball is an intelligent and charismatic pig who envisions a society of equality and progress. Similarly, Trotsky was a skilled orator and a proponent of a more democratic and internationalist approach to communism.
3. Napoleon: Napoleon symbolizes Josef Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union following the death of Vladimir Lenin. Similar to Stalin, Napoleon is portrayed as a power-hungry and ruthless dictator who manipulates the revolution for his own benefit. He gradually consolidates his control over the farm, eroding the principles of equality and justice.
4. Squealer: Squealer represents propaganda and the manipulation of information. He is a persuasive and eloquent pig who spreads false narratives and justifies Napoleon’s actions. Squealer’s ability to manipulate facts and deceive the other animals reflects the propaganda machinery employed by Stalin’s regime.
5. Boxer: Boxer is a representation of the hardworking and loyal Russian laborers and workers. He is a strong, but naive horse who tirelessly works for the betterment of the farm, trusting in the promises made by the pigs. Boxer’s eventual betrayal and tragic fate symbolize the exploitation and disillusionment of the working class under Stalin’s rule.
It is important to note that while these characters represent specific individuals or concepts, Animal Farm is a fictional work that uses animals to allegorically depict the events and dynamics of the Russian Revolution. The novel serves as a critique of totalitarianism and a cautionary tale about the corruption of power.
What Does Mollie Leaving The Farm Represent?
Mollie leaving the farm represents several key aspects in the context of Animal Farm. Here are the main points to consider:
1. Resistance to change: Mollie’s departure symbolizes her resistance to embracing the new way of life introduced by Animalism. She is unable or unwilling to adapt to the principles and values of the new society established on the farm.
2. Attachment to materialistic desires: Mollie’s preference for being owned by humans highlights her materialistic desires. She values the luxuries and comforts provided by humans, such as ribbons, sugar, and being pampered. This signifies her prioritization of personal comfort over the collective goals and principles of Animalism.
3. Disregard for equality and communal living: By leaving the farm, Mollie shows her disregard for the principles of equality and communal living advocated by Animalism. She is not willing to contribute to the common good and share resources equally with her fellow animals.
4. Symbol of the bourgeoisie or upper class: Mollie’s departure can be seen as a representation of the bourgeoisie or upper class in society. She seeks privilege, exclusivity, and a higher social position. Her decision to leave the farm aligns with the actions of those who are unwilling to give up their privileged status and resist movements for social equality.
Mollie leaving the farm symbolizes resistance to change, attachment to materialistic desires, disregard for equality, and represents the bourgeoisie or upper class in society.
Conclusion
Mollie’s character in Animal Farm serves as a representative of the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. Her reluctance to fully embrace the new way of life on the farm mirrors the hesitation and resistance of the middle class to relinquish their luxuries and join the fight for change. Mollie’s departure from Animal Farm symbolizes the abandonment of the revolution by those who prioritize personal comfort and materialistic desires over the collective goals of the movement.
Mollie’s decision to leave the farm and return to being owned by humans highlights her preference for the benefits and privileges associated with her previous life. She is unwilling to endure the hardships and sacrifices demanded by Animalism, reflecting the middle class’s attachment to their own personal wealth and social status.
By portraying Mollie in this manner, George Orwell exposes the inherent contradictions and conflicts within the bourgeois middle class during times of revolution. Mollie’s character represents a significant segment of society that does not actively oppose the revolution but is not willing to fully support it either. This ambivalence often results in their eventual departure or alienation from the movement.
Mollie’s character in Animal Farm serves as a poignant allegory for the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution, highlighting their reluctance to let go of their privileged lifestyles and join the fight for a more equal society.
