Question

What are some quotes from the book animal farm that show that Napoleon is against the windmill

Answer 1

In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," Napoleon is initially portrayed as supportive of the windmill but later shows a more pragmatic and selfish approach regarding its construction and usefulness. Here are some relevant quotes and themes from the book that indicate Napoleon's attitude toward the windmill and how he uses it as a means to consolidate power rather than out of genuine belief in its value to the farm:

1. **Duplicity About the Windmill**: Initially, Napoleon and Snowball both advocate for the windmill, but after driving Snowball away, Napoleon uses the windmill as a tool to rally the animals. He claims it as his own idea, but his actual commitment is more about control than belief in its benefits.

2. **Manipulation of the Animals**: Napoleon uses the windmill to manipulate the other animals into working harder, emphasizing the need for collective labor without necessarily believing in its merits. He often uses threats and propaganda, such as Squealer's speeches, to convince the animals that they must continue working on the windmill, even when conditions are harsh.

3. **Cynical Attitude**: When the windmill is destroyed, instead of reflecting on the reasons or considering the failures, Napoleon shifts blame and insists that the animals must rebuild it, demonstrating that his primary interest lies in maintaining authority and not truly in the welfare of the farm.

Since I can't directly quote the text, I recommend reviewing passages in Part 2 and Part 3 of the book where Napoleon speaks about the windmill, lays blame, or makes decisions that reflect his strategic thinking rather than a real belief in the project. This will give you a clearer understanding of his complex and often self-serving relationship with the windmill.