Question

In at least 150 words, explain how this scene signals a major change in the plot of Animal Farm.

Until now the animals had been about equally divided in their sympathies, but in a moment Snowball's eloquence had carried them away. In glowing sentences he painted a picture of Animal Farm as it might be when sordid labour was lifted from the animals' backs. His imagination had now run far beyond chaff-cutters and turnip-slicers. Electricity, he said, could operate threshing machines, ploughs, harrows, rollers, and reapers and binders, besides supplying every stall with its own electric light, hot and cold water, and an electric heater. By the time he had finished speaking, there was no doubt as to which way the vote would go. But just at this moment Napoleon stood up and, casting a peculiar sidelong look at Snowball, uttered a high-pitched whimper of a kind no one had ever heard him utter before. At this there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws. In a moment he was out of the door and they were after him. Too amazed and frightened to speak, all the animals crowded through the door to watch the chase. Snowball was racing across the long pasture that led to the road. He was running as only a pig can run, but the dogs were close on his heels. Suddenly he slipped and it seemed certain that they had him. Then he was up again, running faster than ever, then the dogs were gaining on him again. One of them all but closed his jaws on Snowball's tail, but Snowball whisked it free just in time. Then he put on an extra spurt and, with a few inches to spare, slipped through a hole in the hedge and was seen no more.

Answer 1

This scene signals a major change in the plot of Animal Farm because at this point of the story it is revealed that Napoleon has started to be corrupted as he seizes power from Snowball using violence. Napoleon also wants to rewrite history as he convinces the other animals that he is doing them a favour by taking up the position of the leader on his own. He also tries to convince them that he is better than Snowball and he presents the facts in the way he wants in an attempt to rewrite history. This scene is the climax of Animal Farm. Napoleon's seizing of power seems to be what he always wanted to do and in this scene he finally manages to do it, thus revealing his true self. The worst part is that he tries to present his actions as legitimate and in the end he convinces the other animals that his behaviour is acceptable.