far wider readership. There are those who enjoy the story without any historical significance (some school children do not know the background to the book). Then there are many people in the western world who appreciate its universal quality and can relate the events to other world leaders, even in the twenty-first century. There are also those who relate it to their own personal struggle within a country with an autocratic government.

The symbols from the story include the farm itself, the windmill, the seven commandments, and even Old Major's skull, which is dug up after his death as a symbol and a reminder of what the animals' so-called freedom stands for. (In 1924, Lenin's body was put on display in Moscow.)

The farm can be seen as symbolic of Russia and Communist rule or can represent any society that is susceptible to the abuse of power. One abuser is ultimately replaced by another as the pigs become indistinguishable from the humans.

The building of the windmill is comparable to the modernization projects in Russia after the revolution and reveals the real exploitation that is possible, and how easily manipulated people (or animals) are. The pigs (Napoleon) only serve themselves, but are able to persuade the animals that their actions (and ridiculously hard work) will benefit the greater good. Blaming Snowball for sabotaging the windmill and their plans ensures that the animals become more dependent on Napoleon in their fight against Snowball, their supposed common enemy.

The seven commandments (which compare to Karl Marx's manifesto) are inspiring and promise a great future, but gradually their potential as the ultimate symbol of freedom (the socialist concept that Communism promised) is eroded as they are changed to suit the pigs. Self-serving governments take advantage of citizens who are often less educated and blinded by empty promises to the point that citizens overlook the signs that the very government that won their trust is corrupted by the influence of power. 

This information will hopefully allow you to decide on a symbol and explain its importance and relevance. 

Much discussion has been had over the cat's role in Animal Farm by George Orwell. Some think she represented the wealthy, educated class because, like them, the cat did not work other than, perhaps, catching mice, for which she received benefits--milk and a home. The cat does not seem to have any real interest in Animalism and disappears whenever there is real work to be done. She is above manual labor.

Another possibility is that the cat represents the problems inherent in Communism. She is somewhat of a shady character, who tries to convince the birds to come closer, using Animalism as a reason she "cannot" harm them, though the reader gets the feeling that given the opportunity, she'll devour the birds in a heartbeat. She has not bought into the idea of Animalism, like so many people who did not buy into Communism. In order for it to work, everyone had to participate. The cat used Animalism to further her own life, but she never cared about any of the others.