What happened to the windmill in Animal Farm is a pivotal event that symbolizes the ultimate betrayal of the ideals that the animals had fought for. The windmill, a symbol of progress and independence, was intended to be a testament to the animals’ collective effort and the realization of their dream of a utopian society. However, as the story unfolds, the windmill becomes a metaphor for the gradual corruption and betrayal that leads to the animals’ disillusionment with the leadership of Napoleon, the pig who takes over the farm.
The initial excitement and optimism surrounding the construction of the windmill is palpable. The animals, led by Snowball, work tirelessly to build the structure, believing that it will provide them with a source of power and improve their living conditions. However, as the project progresses, the work becomes increasingly difficult and the animals begin to question the wisdom of Snowball’s vision. It is at this point that Napoleon steps in, taking control of the project and making it his own.
As Napoleon consolidates his power, the windmill becomes a tool for his manipulation and control over the other animals. He uses the construction of the windmill as a means to exploit the animals’ labor, promising them that the completed windmill will bring prosperity and freedom. However, as the animals toil under Napoleon’s oppressive regime, it becomes clear that the windmill is more of a symbol of his ambition and greed than a beacon of hope for the future.
The eventual collapse of the windmill serves as a turning point in the story, symbolizing the failure of the animals’ revolution and the breakdown of their dream of a classless society. The collapse is a metaphor for the animals’ realization that their leaders have betrayed them, just as the windmill was betrayed by Napoleon. The animals, once filled with hope and determination, are now disillusioned and defeated.
What happened to the windmill in Animal Farm is a powerful reminder of the dangers of idealism and the corrupting influence of power. The story illustrates how even the noblest of intentions can be perverted by those who seek to exploit and control others. The windmill, once a symbol of the animals’ collective strength and unity, becomes a symbol of their defeat and the erosion of their ideals.
In conclusion, the fate of the windmill in Animal Farm is a tragic and poignant narrative that underscores the complexities of power, revolution, and the human condition. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for corruption and the fragility of idealism, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of their dreams and the price of their freedom.
