In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," Napoleon initially opposes the idea of building the windmill for several strategic reasons:
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Fear of Increased Labor and Responsibility: Napoleon believes that the windmill project will require significant labor and resources, which he may have felt would stretch the animals too thin. He was concerned that the animals might become overworked and dissatisfied, which could threaten his control over them.
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Distraction from Immediate Needs: Napoleon prioritizes addressing immediate issues on the farm, such as securing food and maintaining power, over long-term projects like the windmill. He worries that the animals might focus too much on the windmill and neglect other pressing concerns.
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Consolidating Power: Initially, Napoleon wants to consolidate his power and eliminate any potential challenges to his authority. By downplaying the windmill idea, he seeks to undermine Snowball, who is the primary advocate for the project, thus eliminating a rival and consolidating his control over the farm.
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Skepticism and Distrust: Napoleon may also possess a general skepticism about the windmill as a viable solution for the farm's problems. He sees it as a potentially risky venture that could fail, leading to disappointment and unrest among the animals.
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Ideological Differences: Napoleon’s priorities differ from Snowball’s vision of progress through innovation. Napoleon is more focused on regulating and maintaining control, which might not align with the idealistic aspirations embodied by the windmill project.
Ultimately, when it becomes politically expedient for him, Napoleon accepts the windmill project and uses it to further his own agenda, demonstrating the opportunistic nature of his leadership.
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