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Animal Farm

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Animal Farm The Dogs Character Analysis

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Characters Animal Farm The Dogs Character Analysis

Ferocious, frightening, and staunchly devoted to Napoleon, the dogs in Animal Farm represent the Soviet secret police force. At Napoleon’s beck and call, they follow every order given to them. An example of this obedience is when they attack Snowball and massacre the animals that confess to having collaborated with Snowball. Napoleon personally trains—or “educates,” as he says—Jessie and Bluebell’s puppies to ensure their loyalty to him. Though not leaders in any sense, they are given special privileges, unlike the other animals on the farm. These privileges, Orwell suggests, show how power, even if only in proximity, can corrupt morals for the sake of benefits. Because of their special status, the dogs have no reason to rebel against the pigs. In this regard, the dogs also represent the German Gestapo, the secret police force of Nazi Germany. The dogs, when questioned about their actions, explain that they simply follow orders. Thus, the dogs’ role in the novella highlights the dangers of totalitarianism and a dictatorial society that governs through fear and the abuse of power.