Moses and the Sugarcandy Mountain Myth

Traces the role of Moses and his tales of Sugarcandy Mountain as a religious opiate for the animals.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Moses as Jones's Pet

The Tale-Bearer The Raven's Role Moses, the tame raven, is Mr. Jones's special pet and a spy. He tells stories of Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise where animals go after death. The Pigs' Opposition The pigs argue against these tales, but some animals believe. Moses provides comfort for the hardships of life, a spiritual escape. The Initial Disappearance When the Rebellion happens, Moses flies away with Mrs. Jones, leaving the farm.

Moses Returns

The Return of the Raven Unchanged and Unworking After several years, Moses reappears. He still does no work and talks of Sugarcandy Mountain. He claims to have visited it. The Pigs' Ambivalence The pigs declare his stories lies, but they allow him to stay, giving him a gill of beer daily. They use him to keep the animals docile, offering a heavenly reward for earthly suffering. The Comfort of Illusion Many animals believe him, especially as their lives become harder. Moses provides a distraction from the pigs' exploitation.

The Myth Endures

The Lasting Myth The Unquestioned Promise Even as the pigs become tyrants, the animals still hope for a better world after death. Moses's tales are a counterpart to the pigs' propaganda. The Pigs' Tolerance Napoleon tolerates Moses because the myth discourages rebellion. It is a tool of control, a religious opiate. The Parallel to Human Religion Orwell's satire shows how religion can be used to pacify the oppressed, promising a reward in the afterlife while the powerful exploit them in life.

before the Rebellion

the summer of the year when Boxer dies

near the end of the story