Question

Which three words best describe Snowball's personality? (A) sympathetic, resourceful, and kind (B) cunning, sympathetic, and kind (C) timid, resourceful, and kind (D) cunning, resourceful, and brave

Short answer

(A) sympathetic, resourceful, and kind

Step-by-step solution

Identify Snowball's personality traits in the novel

Read or recall "Animal Farm" and note down Snowball's actions, his interactions with other characters, and how he carries out his responsibilities. This will give a better understanding of his personality traits.

Compare the traits with given options

Review the list of options provided in the exercise and compare with key traits observed from the novel. This will help to choose the best possible answer.

Check each option

(A) sympathetic, resourceful, and kind: Snowball is sympathetic and kind towards his fellow animals and shows a genuine interest in their welfare. He is also resourceful, evidenced by his plans for the windmill, which represents his ingenuity and care for the animals' future. (B) cunning, sympathetic, and kind: Snowball is sympathetic and kind; however, he is not portrayed as cunning. It is Napoleon, his main rival, who displays cunning behavior in the novel. (C) timid, resourceful, and kind: Snowball is not timid because he shows leadership abilities and is not afraid to express his ideas. He is resourceful and kind, as mentioned earlier. (D) cunning, resourceful, and brave: In this option, cunning is incorrect and brave is quite fitting as Snowball's character since he defended the farm from the humans during the Battle of the Cowshed.

Choose the best answer

Based on the analysis of each option and the comparison with the traits observed from the novel, the correct answer is: (A) sympathetic, resourceful, and kind This selection best describes Snowball's personality traits based on his actions, interactions, and responsibilities throughout the storyline in "Animal Farm".

Key concepts

Literary Analysis

Engaging with literary analysis involves delving deeply into the text to uncover the underlying meanings and ideas. In "Animal Farm," George Orwell uses characters to symbolize broader political concepts and philosophies. Analyzing Snowball requires understanding how his actions, words, and interactions with others contribute to the story and its themes.
Snowball is a representation of a revolutionary leader who genuinely seeks to improve society. Through literary analysis, we see Snowball's role as more than just a character. He embodies the idealist who believes in working for the collective good.
You can explore how Orwell uses Snowball's accomplishments, like the windmill plan, to symbolize innovation and progress. In the text, analyzing dialogue and narrative descriptions helps bring these complex ideas to light. It helps in understanding the author's purpose and how Snowball fits into the broader narrative of the farm's political struggles.
Furthermore, examining Snowball's interactions with other characters, especially his rivalry with Napoleon, provides insight into the intricacies of leadership and power dynamics. This anticipates how his traits influence the farm's fate.

Personality Traits

Understanding personality traits involves looking at a character's consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Snowball's personality in "Animal Farm" can be broken down into three key traits: sympathetic, resourceful, and kind.

• Sympathetic: Snowball shows empathy and concern for his fellow animals. He is driven by a genuine desire to improve the conditions on the farm and to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.


• Resourceful: He's known for his ingenuity, particularly exemplified in his plans for the windmill. This demonstrates his ability to solve problems and think ahead, offering new ideas to benefit the community.


• Kind: Snowball's kindness is evident in his interactions. His actions are motivated by care and respect, striving for the collective well-being of the farm animals.

Taking these traits into account helps students understand how characters influence the narrative. This examination shows Snowball as a character striving for progress and betterment in "Animal Farm."

Animal Farm

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a notable allegorical novella that explores the dynamics of power and corruption in society. The character of Snowball is integral to understanding the text's critique of political systems.
"Animal Farm" serves as a political allegory for the Russian Revolution and subsequent Soviet regime. Snowball represents Leon Trotsky, a revolutionary leader who sought genuine reform but was ultimately ousted by Stalin (represented by Napoleon).
In the context of the farm, Snowball's efforts to bring about change highlight the complexities of revolutionary politics. His vision for the windmill signifies technological advancement and prosperity for the farm, which Orwell uses to convey the potential for positive change led by the right ideals.
Understanding Snowball within "Animal Farm" allows readers to grasp how Orwell criticizes the betrayal of revolutionary goals and the perversion of power. This remains relevant as a reflection on how well-meaning individuals can be overtaken by oppressive regimes. Through Snowball, Orwell emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and community in the face of conflict.