Editor's Choice

In Animal Farm, what is the significance of Farmer Jones' name?

Quick answer:

Farmer Jones' name signifies the average man, representing a typical, conservative Englishman. The common name "Jones" suggests he is a type rather than a complex character, embodying traditional values and resistance to change. Symbolically, he represents Tsar Nicholas II, being out of touch with and neglectful of those under his care, which leads to revolution.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

"Jones" is a very common name in England and Wales. Jones is a name, therefore, representative of the average man.

This name suggests that Mr. Jones is not so much a well-developed novelistic character as a type. Though we learn that he drinks too much, he is basically an ordinary, conservative Englishman. The lithograph of Queen Victoria he has hanging over his mantlepiece, long after her reign has ended, shows his backward-looking and traditional values.

Mr. Jones is the last person who would embrace new ideas or values coming to his farm. He appears to be a true believer in a hierarchy that reveres the monarchy and believes people and animals should stay in their places. People like Mr. Jones are likely to be extremely surprised when a revolution comes.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The name Jones is a very common name. Thus, Jones could stand for any farmer who does not take care of his land or for any country that does not take care of its people. In the novel, he represents Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia, before the Communist took over the country. Nicholas was out of touch with his people, just a Jones is out of touch with his animals. Nicholas lived a luxurious life while his people starved to death. Although Jones is not rich, he does not feed his animals with any consistency, thus leading to the revolution. In Russia, the people were also angry and jealous at the Tsar for his lifestyle while he ignored their needs.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial