Old Major

Old Major is a character in George Orwell's allegorical novella, Animal Farm. He is a prize-winning Middle White boar and the inspiration behind the revolution on Manor Farm.

Role in the Story:

Old Major serves as a revolutionary figurehead, though he dies before the rebellion actually takes place. He gathers the animals of Manor Farm to share a dream he had, where animals lived free from human tyranny. He delivers a powerful speech, summarizing the animals' suffering under Mr. Jones and urging them to overthrow him. He articulates the principles of Animalism, a philosophy that provides the ideological foundation for the revolution. His core message is that "All animals are equal."

Symbolism:

Old Major is widely understood to be an allegorical representation of Karl Marx and, to a lesser extent, Vladimir Lenin. Like Marx, he provides the philosophical groundwork for a revolution aimed at overthrowing oppression. His "Beasts of England" anthem functions as a revolutionary song, similar to "The Internationale." His skull is later displayed on a stump, akin to Lenin's embalmed body in Red Square, becoming a symbol of the revolution's initial ideals.

Impact:

Though he dies early in the story, Old Major's ideas are instrumental in sparking the Animal Revolution. His vision of a free and equal society motivates the animals to take control of the farm. However, the subsequent corruption and betrayal of those ideals highlight the dangers of utopian visions and the potential for power to corrupt, even in the name of noble intentions.