In Animal Farm, Napoleon takes control of the food supply on the morning after the Rebellion against Mr Jones. Specifically, this occurs when Napoleon steals the milk (at the end of Chapter Two) and decides, without the consent of the other animals, that it will be mixed into the pigs' mash.
It is ironic that Napoleon seizes control of the food supply on the same day that he and the other animals have developed the Seven Commandments. While these Commandments say nothing about stealing, they promote the equality of all animals and foster a spirit of brotherhood and mutual sacrifice.
In stealing the milk, then, Napoleon contravenes this spirit and demonstrates his inner selfishness and powers of deception. This act also foreshadows the events to come in which Napoleon claims absolute power and rules the farm with an iron fist.
No comments:
Post a Comment