In the novel, Animal Farm, Orwell utilizes the desire for power and the approval of others to convey key motives for Napoleon’s deceptive tactics, illustrating why a government will always deceive its people in some way.
Orwell begins by presenting a farm of free animals, which highlights the void of power that is available. Of the animals on the farm, Napoleon is the most driven to fill that void. His desire for power is so strong that he deceives the other animals on the farm in order to gain power. The first of his deceptions was when he had convinced the entire farm that Snowball, the pig who wanted equality and the best for all animals, was a traitor who allied with the humans. This deception propelled Napoleon into the void of power that he had been obsessed with obtaining because the animals now saw Napoleon as an intelligent protector who had saved them. No animal questioned his actions because of how he claimed to have their best interest in mind. In reality, Napoleon was constantly breaking the rules of equality that were originally agreed upon, so he could gain a life of luxury while keeping his power. Orwell’s depiction of Napoleon serves as a representation of a totalitarian government which has gone unchecked. Additionally, it could also be seen as a representation of the relationship between government and its people in general. People are left ignorant to the truth while those in government, in power, keep the truth to themselves and use the media to deceive their people. Orwell perfectly portrays the illusion of a trustworthy government through Napoleon’s deceit and lust for power.
Orwell then shifts to unveil Napoleon’s search for an alliance with human farmers, showcasing not only a betrayal but a hidden motive for Napoleon’s deception. The animals on the Animal Farm freed themselves from humans after years of oppression, but they begin to see Napoleon conversing with humans. Napoleon deceives the other animals by convincing them that the farm simply needs money to improve the lives of the working class animals. The working class animals' lives do not improve, for they begin to get progressively worse This lie reveals Napoleon’s goal to ally with the humans despite his supposed loyalty to the animals. The goal is pivotal to the story because it reveals how Napoleon’s rise in power wasn’t just to rule animals, but he actually sought the recognition of those who had oppressed him for years. Succumbing to corruption, Napoleon befriends and earns the admiration that he had been seeking while the other animals suffer under his rule. Orwell incorporates Napoleon’s corruption to mimic what actually occurs in governments. Candidates entering office claim to be acting upon the interests of the people, and they may be telling the truth. However, the persuasion of others in power will eventually lead the individual to corruption.
Overall, Orwell integrates a political warning of the government through the demonstration of Napoleon’s deception.