Leadership Flashcards
(5 cards)
Quote: ‘Napoleon is always right.’
Analysis: This quote shows how blind loyalty to a leader can suppress independent thought. Orwell critiques how authoritarian leaders demand unquestioning obedience, which leads to manipulation and abuse of power.
Quote: ‘Comrade Napoleon… our Leader, Comrade Napoleon.’
Analysis: Repetitive and formal praise of Napoleon reflects the cult of personality built around him. Orwell demonstrates how leaders use propaganda and idolisation to maintain their dominance.
Quote: ‘Snowball was a more vivacious pig than Napoleon, quicker in speech and more inventive.’
Analysis: This contrast between Snowball and Napoleon highlights different leadership styles. Orwell shows how effective and democratic leaders (like Snowball) are often overthrown by more ruthless, authoritarian figures.
“Quote: ‘He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?’”
Analysis: Squealer justifies Napoleon’s total control by suggesting that the animals are incapable of leading themselves. Orwell critiques how authoritarian leaders manipulate fear to prevent democracy and maintain power.
Quote: ‘It was a pig walking on his hind legs.’
Analysis: This marks Napoleon’s final transformation into a tyrant indistinguishable from the humans he overthrew. Orwell uses this to show the corrupting nature of leadership when power is unchecked.
