However one would notice as the novel progresses that they have very different styles of leadership and personality. In this essay I would examine and discuss the differences between these two characters
Napoleon and Snowball both have different methods in generating support for themselves. Napoleon is forceful and uses a more authoritative way in asserting his authority while Snowball uses his intelligence and persuasive speech to gain support for himself. This is illustrated clearly during the discussion on whether to build the windmill or not. Snowball spearheaded this idea and was passionate in drawing out the plans and eventually won the support of the other animals through his persuasive Sunday speech. Napoleon however showed his utter displeasure with the Windmill by urinating on the plans and by eventually chasing Snowball out through violent means from the farm.
Both leaders also have very different agendas behind their want for power. Napoleon uses the power he wields for himself and the selected animals his favour. Snowball on the other hand thinks of the general good of others and works towards making their lives better. This can be seen in the way Napoleon eventually annexes the pasture which was actually meant for retiring animals and used it to plant barley to make beer which eventually benefited him and his select group of animals. Snowball on the other hand thinks of building the windmill so that the other animals would be able to enjoy a three day work week with the generation of electricity.
The two pigs also lead the farm using very different styles. Napoleon practices nepotism and appoints animals who are loyal to him as his key personnel and his entourage. Snowball on the other hand does not use strategy like that and is very individualistic. This difference in leadership styles can be seen in the way Napoleon is always surrounded by his entourage of Squealer, Minimus dogs and later the black cockeral. Snowball on the other hand works alone this can be seen in the way he studied books left by Mr Jones and worked individualistically in planning the windmill before actually revealing his vision of the windmill to the others.
Napoleon and Snowball also differ in the way they allocate resources for the farm. Napoleon was interested in increasing food production for the farm. Snowball on the other hand felt that it was important to build a windmill that would enable them to increase the farm improve productivity in the future. The latter would benefit the other animals as through the generation of electricity, they would not have to work so hard.
Both pigs also have very different outlooks towards their stand on education. Snowball believed that education was meant for the masses while Napoleon felt that it should be retained for a selected few. Snowball believed in continually improving himself that is why he felt it necessary that he animals be literate and tried to made the principles of animalism simpler for the other animals to understand. Napoleon's view of education can be seen clearly in the way he took the nine dogs under his wing to educate and to brainwash his ideas. He follows this by building a school for the piglets possibly preaching his doctrine and ideas.
They also have a differing opinion on defence of the farm. Napoleon felt that the farm ought to be fortified and the animals trained to fight off attacks from the neighbouring farms. Snowball on the other hand felt that it was important for more messengers to be sent to neighbouring farms in order to stir up rebellion in the hearts of the other animals. In this way, Animal Farm would have other allies in the farms or the farmers would be so busy suppressing the rebellion in their own farm and not have enough time to attack Animal Farm.
The difference between Napoleon and Snowball is significant. Their difference in personality, politics and styles of handling economical and social issues eventually led to their fall-out.
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