A beast fable is a genre of stories in which the characters are animals that portray certain human virtues, vices, prudences and follies. Typically, beast fables end with a moral that reflects the actions of the animals. Animal farm is a short novel written by George Orwell. It tells the tale of a group of animals who rebel against their master and take over the farm. It uses the techniques of a classic beast fable to communicate a particular moral to the reader.
Animal's in the story Animal Farm take on human characteristics. All the animals can talk to each other, despite the fact that they are of different species. Even before the revolt they held meetings and had an understanding of each other. "It had been agreed that they should all meet in the big barn as soon as Mr. Jones was safely out of the way."(Pg 2) .
Orwell constructed many complex characters in his novel Animal Farm, and although it is not always obvious, the names of the characters relate to their nature. For example, Old Major was a very peaceful character that had a military routine. When the animals met in the barn it was very formal with the animals taking turns to speak and Old Major playing the part of a facilitator. The name "Old Major" reflects this personality and these characteristics. Napoleon, on the other hand, was a dictator. He announced himself as the leader and ordered the other animals around. The name Napoleon unconsciously reminds the reader of Napoleon Bonaparte, the well-known dictator. In fact, all the names of the characters in Animal Farm could be related to their personalities or characteristics.
The animals" traditions also reflected the similarities with humans. In Animal Farm the creatures created special ceremonies and traditions for themselves. For example every Sunday they would raise their flag and parade around the farm. Also, "It was decided to place the gun up at the foot of the flag staff, like a piece of artillery, and to fire it twice a year- once on October the twelfth, the anniversary of the Battle of the Cowshed, and once on Midsummer day, the anniversary of the Rebellion"(Pg 42).