Often, the names of characters in literature have been chosen very carefully by the author.

The vast majority of the time, characters’ names are somehow symbolic of the character, whether
obvious or hidden to the reader. Such is the case with the animals of Animal Farm. Orwell has
chosen the names of his animals very carefully, in order to emphasize and enhance the
symbolism and significance of the allegory. For each of the following characters, make an
inference as to why Orwell chose these symbolic names for the animals. Brainstorm the meaning
of the actual word, as if it was not a name; then explain the symbolism of the name as it connects
with your thought process. There are no wrong answers here, unless your inferences are
completely random and illogical. An example has been done for you.

EXAMPLE: Snowball
a. Thought Process: snow is white and pure; a snowball is a ball of snow, packed very hard,
snowballs are made by packing on more and more layers of snow.
b. Symbolism of the name: Snowball could be a white or very light colored pig; his name could
symbolize the “purity” of the farm--he could turn out to be the “good guy.” He could have
several layers, making him a talented pig and very important to the farm. He could also be very
strong, packed with drive and power. There is also the negative connotation of a “snowball
effect” when something continues to grow and get worse.

1​.​ Old Major

A. Thought Process: Old Major was the one who originally came up with the idea of the
Republic of Animals, and he was the leader, as Major is a rank that is above captain but below
Lieutenant Colonel.
B. Symbolism of the Name: Old Major was the original leader/creator of the Republic of
Animals, so because he was the leader of it, that’s probably why he is called Old Major.

2.​ ​Napoleon
A. Thought Process: Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader that rose quickly through
the ranks.
B. Symbolism of the Name: Since Napoleon became a leader very quickly and was able to drive
Snowball out of Animal Farm, he was named Napoleon because he was able to gain power very
quickly.

3. Moses
A. Thought Process: Moses led the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt and through the Red
Sea.
B. Symbolism of the Name: In ​Animal Farm​, Moses claims to know about Sugarcandy
Mountain, where all animals go when they die, much like Heaven in the Bible. Because he is
telling everyone about this, he is almost like Moses, who God spoke to and then relayed to his
brother Aaron to tell the Israelites.

4. Squealer
A. Thought Process: To squeal means to make a lot of high pitched noises, and Squealer was the
messenger who spread the propaganda to the other animals.
B. Symbolism of the Name: Squealer was probably named Squealer because he was the
messenger of the pigs and spread the propaganda, so he was the one making all of the
commotion.

5. Boxer
A. Thought Process: The name Boxer means a desire to please and having a friendly nature.
B. Symbolism of the Name: Because Boxer is the most devoted out of all of the farm animals, he
has a desire to please Napoleon and Snowball (when he was still on the farm) and is friendly to
the other animals.