Snowball as a Model of Principled Governance and Leadership Bronson Hill 12th Grade

Whilst Snowball is used to convey an image of just leadership in Animal Farm, Orwell demonstrates how this leadership alone is inadequate. Orwell presents his views on leadership and governance through the characterisation of Snowball as the ideal competency-founded leader. With the contrast of Snowball and his antagonist Napoleon, the necessity for Snowball’s leadership qualities are evident. Most important to Orwell's views and values, is the display of how maintaining stable leadership is a societal obligation and its influence on prosperity or failure.

Through Snowball, Orwell portrays an ideal leader who naturally and righteously rises to power due to competence and integrity. Early in the establishment of Animal Farm Snowball commits himself to its development and organisation for the good of his comrades. Firstly 'organising the other animals' into committees, then providing education with 'reading and writing classes', Snowball attempts to share his gift of knowledge and intelligence. Snowball, naturally 'in charge of defensive operations' due to his superior abilities and commitment leads the farm to victory with his first and 'second line of attack'. Not only did he formulate the defence plan, but 'he himself dashed...