Snowball (Animal Farm)

Snowball is a fictional pig in the book Animal Farm written by George Orwell. He is based on Leon Trotsky.

Snowball's ideas

Snowball believes in a continued revolution: he argues that in order to defend Animal Farm and strengthen the reality of Old Major's dream of a life without humans, the animals should stir up rebellions in other farms throughout England. Snowball also writes the first version of the Seven Commandments. These are later altered by Squealer under the orders of Napoleon to accommodate the actions of the pigs. For example, the commandment stating “No animal shall drink alcohol” is changed to “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess”, and is later removed entirely. The rule that states, “No animal should sleep in a bed,” changed to “No animal should sleep in a bed with sheets”.

Snowball is eventually forced out of the farm when Napoleon uses his guard dogs to chase Snowball. After that he is blamed for problems on the farm, and it is claimed he was in support of Jones from the start. Though he fought bravely at the Battle of Cowshed, the facts are altered to say he openly fought for Jones. Those accused of supporting him are executed, and a reward is offered for his capture.