Hierarchy: The animals arrange themselves in a hierarchical manner, with the pigs, who are considered the most intelligent, at the front and the other animals behind them in descending order of perceived importance. This arrangement reflects the social structure of the farm, where the pigs hold power and make decisions for the other animals.
Symbolic Representation: The positioning of the animals also symbolizes their varying levels of understanding and involvement in the rebellion against Mr. Jones. The front row, occupied by the pigs, represents those who are most aware of the injustices of Mr. Jones' rule and are committed to bringing about change. The animals farther back, such as the horses, cows, and chickens, represent those who are less informed and may be more hesitant to challenge the status quo.
Inclusiveness: Despite the hierarchical arrangement, the fact that all the animals are gathered together listening to Major's speech suggests a sense of unity and equality among them. This reinforces the idea that the rebellion is a collective effort involving all the animals, regardless of their individual characteristics or positions within the farm's hierarchy.
Symbolic Power: The gathering itself holds symbolic power as a representation of collective action and the potential for change. The arrangement of the animals serves to emphasize the importance of unity, organization, and shared purpose, which are essential elements for a successful revolution or any significant social transformation.
Overall, the arrangement of the animals in the gathering underscores themes of hierarchy, awareness, inclusiveness, and collective power, setting the stage for the events that unfold throughout the novella. It foreshadows the power dynamics and conflicts that arise within the animal society as the story progresses.