The sheep in George Orwell’s Animal Farm symbolize the unthinking masses or the general populace that can be easily manipulated by those in power. Throughout the story, the sheep are depicted as followers who bleat slogans without understanding their meaning, showcasing how a lack of critical thought can lead to blind obedience.
Orwell uses the sheep to illustrate how propaganda can be employed to control and influence the behavior of the populace. Their repeated chant of “Four legs good, two legs bad” serves as a prime example of simplistic ideas being used to drown out more complex and critical discussions about the farm’s governance.
In essence, the sheep represent the danger of complacency and the ease with which people can be led by leaders who exploit their naivety. They highlight the importance of questioning authority and thinking independently, rather than simply accepting the status quo.