Who does Moses represent in Animal Farm, and how does his presence influence the animals' perception of reality?

In George Orwell’s allegorical novella Animal Farm, Moses the raven holds a unique and somewhat enigmatic role. While the other animals represent various facets of society, politics, and ideology, Moses stands apart as a symbol of religion and the promise of an afterlife. His character is often interpreted as a representation of the Russian Orthodox Church or organized religion in general, particularly its role in pacifying the masses during times of oppression. However, Moses’ influence extends beyond mere symbolism; his presence raises questions about the animals’ perception of reality, their hopes, and their willingness to endure suffering. This article explores Moses’ role in Animal Farm from multiple perspectives, examining his significance within the narrative and the broader implications of his character.

Moses as a Symbol of Religion

Moses is introduced early in the story as a tame raven who serves Mr. Jones, the original owner of Manor Farm. Unlike the other animals, Moses does not participate in the rebellion or the subsequent efforts to build a new society. Instead, he spends his time spreading tales of a mystical place called Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise where animals go after they die. This concept of an afterlife serves as a stark contrast to the harsh realities of life on Animal Farm, where the animals toil endlessly under the oppressive rule of the pigs.

From a symbolic perspective, Moses represents organized religion, particularly its role in maintaining social order by offering the promise of a better life after death. In the context of the Russian Revolution, Moses can be seen as a stand-in for the Russian Orthodox Church, which historically aligned itself with the ruling class and used religious doctrine to pacify the working class. By promising rewards in the afterlife, religion discourages individuals from challenging their present circumstances, effectively perpetuating the status quo.

The Role of Sugarcandy Mountain

Sugarcandy Mountain, the idyllic afterlife described by Moses, serves as a powerful metaphor for the concept of heaven. For the animals, who endure backbreaking labor and constant deprivation, the idea of a place where they can rest and enjoy eternal happiness is deeply appealing. However, Sugarcandy Mountain also functions as a tool of control. By focusing the animals’ attention on an unattainable future, Moses diverts their energy away from addressing the injustices of their current lives.

This dynamic mirrors the way religion has historically been used to justify suffering and inequality. For example, during the feudal era, the Church often taught that suffering in this life would be rewarded in the next, thereby discouraging peasants from rebelling against their lords. Similarly, Moses’ tales of Sugarcandy Mountain undermine the animals’ revolutionary spirit, making them more compliant and less likely to question the pigs’ authority.

Moses’ Relationship with the Pigs

One of the most intriguing aspects of Moses’ character is his relationship with the pigs, particularly Napoleon. Initially, the pigs dismiss Moses and his stories as nonsense, viewing religion as a threat to their ideology of Animalism. However, as the pigs consolidate their power and the farm’s conditions deteriorate, they allow Moses to return and continue spreading his tales. This shift in attitude suggests that the pigs recognize the utility of religion as a means of controlling the other animals.

By permitting Moses to preach about Sugarcandy Mountain, the pigs effectively co-opt religion to serve their own interests. This mirrors the way totalitarian regimes often manipulate religious institutions to maintain control over the population. For example, in Soviet Russia, the government initially sought to suppress religion but later allowed limited religious expression to pacify dissent. In Animal Farm, Moses’ return signals the pigs’ willingness to use any means necessary to preserve their dominance, even if it means embracing the very ideology they once rejected.

The Animals’ Perception of Reality

Moses’ presence on Animal Farm raises important questions about the animals’ perception of reality. Throughout the novella, the animals struggle to reconcile their ideals with the harsh realities of their lives. The promise of Sugarcandy Mountain offers them a way to cope with their suffering, but it also prevents them from fully confronting the injustices they face.

This dynamic is particularly evident in the character of Boxer, the loyal and hardworking cart-horse. Despite his unwavering dedication to the cause, Boxer is ultimately betrayed by the pigs, who send him to the knacker’s yard when he is no longer useful. Boxer’s fate underscores the tragic consequences of blind faith, whether in a political ideology or a religious promise. By clinging to the hope of Sugarcandy Mountain, the animals are unable to see the truth about their situation and take meaningful action to change it.

The Ambiguity of Moses’ Role

While Moses is often interpreted as a negative figure, his role in Animal Farm is not entirely straightforward. On one hand, his tales of Sugarcandy Mountain serve to pacify the animals and reinforce the pigs’ authority. On the other hand, his presence highlights the animals’ need for hope and comfort in the face of adversity. In this sense, Moses can be seen as a reflection of the animals’ own desires and fears, rather than merely a tool of oppression.

This ambiguity adds depth to Moses’ character and complicates the reader’s understanding of his role in the story. While he may represent the manipulative aspects of organized religion, he also embodies the universal human longing for meaning and transcendence. By including Moses in the narrative, Orwell invites readers to consider the complex interplay between faith, hope, and power.

Conclusion

Moses the raven is a multifaceted character whose presence in Animal Farm raises important questions about the role of religion, the nature of hope, and the animals’ perception of reality. As a symbol of organized religion, Moses serves to pacify the animals and reinforce the pigs’ authority, much like the Russian Orthodox Church during the Soviet era. However, his tales of Sugarcandy Mountain also highlight the animals’ need for comfort and meaning in the face of suffering. Ultimately, Moses’ role in the novella underscores the tension between idealism and pragmatism, faith and reason, and hope and despair. By exploring these themes, Orwell challenges readers to reflect on the ways in which ideology and belief shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.