Old Major was the name bestowed upon a significant character in George Orwell's allegorical novella, "Animal Farm," first published in 1945. In the fictional world created by Orwell, Old Major symbolizes a respected and wise elder animal, specifically a boar, who becomes the spiritual and intellectual leader of the farm animals.
As a representation of Karl Marx, Old Major serves as the catalyst for the revolution that takes place on Manor Farm. His character possesses profound insight and articulates his visionary ideas of an idyllic society where all animals are equal and free from human oppression. Old Major's stirring speech during a meeting with the fellow animals plays a pivotal role in awakening their dissatisfaction with their current existence.
Old Major's demise, occurring shortly after his speech, symbolizes the passing of the revolutionary spirit to the younger animals, who carry out his vision. However, his legacy is twisted and corrupted by the pigs, specifically Napoleon and Snowball, who seize power and establish a totalitarian regime on Animal Farm. Despite his physical absence, Old Major remains a powerful symbol throughout the novella, representing the origin of the ideals and principles that were never truly realized.
In essence, Old Major can be defined as the visionary and charismatic boar who sparks the initial ideas of rebellion and equality among the farm animals, although his untimely death ultimately leads to the distortion and betrayal of his philosophy.
