Short Answer 
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell is an allegory of the Russian Revolution, using farm animals to represent various social classes and political figures. Key characters like Napoleon and Snowball symbolize Stalin and Trotsky, reflecting the power struggles of post-revolution Russia, demonstrating Orwell’s critique of communism through their dynamics and conflict.
Step 1: Understand the Source Material
The book “Animal Farm” by George Orwell serves as an allegorical representation of the events surrounding the Russian Revolution. The story features a group of farm animals who reflect different social classes and political figures from Russia, primarily focusing on the rise of communism. By examining key characters and their roles, one can understand how the farm symbolizes the larger political landscape of Russia during this tumultuous time.
Step 2: Identify Key Characters and Their Symbolism
In “Animal Farm,” the character dynamics mirror historical figures, notably through Napoleon and Snowball, who represent Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky, respectively. Their struggle for dominance on the farm acts as a direct parallel to the power struggle that occurred in post-revolution Russia. Notably, the quote about Snowball and Napoleon being bred for sale emphasizes the planned political control over the farm, much like the control exercised over society in Communist Russia.
Step 3: Analyze the Supporting Detail
The chosen detail—“Pre-eminent among the pigs were two young boars named Snowball and Napoleon…”—highlights the establishment of a leadership structure within the farm, mirroring the power dynamics of Russia. This line not only reinforces the idea of a struggle for power but also symbolizes the specific roles that the characters play in echoing the political situation of their real-life counterparts. The inherent conflict and eventual dominance of one character over the other is essential in understanding how Orwell presents his critique of communism.