The Makings of a Pig

As a reflection on communism, Animal Farm is likely to have many distinctive connections to true events and people of communist governments. It is evident from the first that there are characters in the book that are specific to officials within the USSR. The ties between Old Major and Marx are strong, since they were both the pioneers of communism (or Animalism rather). On the other hand, Old Major has a tie to Lenin as well, since they popularized their ideals and died shortly after. For his skill as an orator, Snowball may be placed as Trotsky, and Napoleon as his aggressive opponent may be assumed Stalin. This fits in perfectly with the scheme of things in Russia, since (as Napoleon did to Snowball) Stalin removes Trotsky from the government through force and slander. The horses, Boxer and Clover, are likely representative of the workers, those that were favored most by communism, while vain Mollie is the bourgeoisie. As the ones removed from power, the Jones' can be taken for either the monarchy before the revolution in Russia, or the temporary government that was instated and later removed.
Orwell clearly makes a case in Animal Farm for the corruption of communist governments. In the book, charismatic leaders extol the virtues of specific ideals, but once in power, quickly go back on these to strengthen themselves and not others. In the beginning, all animals are equal, but by chapter six, the pigs have special privileges that they are afforded because they are cleverer than the other animals and so need more to maintain their higher state. They change the rules, but promote a sense of mystery about the origin of the commandments so that none can question their rectitude. This is exemplified through the adding of words ("with sheets") to the commandments so that technically the pigs aren't violating anything. Also, through the reactions of the other animals, Orwell seems to argue that there are similarities between communism and fascism, which is dependant upon the leaders being vastly more intelligent than the populous. The leaders can rise to power on this assumption - their intellect deserves luxury, and without it, the entire system would fail. Once in power, they must use terror to subdue a public that is increasingly unhappy for a feeling of unfairness, thus the nine dogs or CHEKA. Perhaps the true argument though, is that it is not the man(or animal) that corrupts and abuses their power, but rather the power that corrupts the man, to make the pig. For this reason, Animal Farm can be seen as a cautionary tale to all, both leader and quiescent public.