What does the character of Moses the raven symbolize?

Moses the raven symbolizes organized religion and conformity to suffering within the context of Animal Farm. He represents the idea that religion can serve as a way to placate the oppressed and offer them hope of a better afterlife, thus keeping them compliant in their current suffering. Throughout the story, Moses preaches about Sugarcandy Mountain, a place where animals go when they die, which illustrates how religion can distract individuals from the harsh realities of their lives on the farm. His character shows how those in power might use spiritual beliefs to ensure control over the populace by promoting the idea that suffering in this life is justified by the promise of reward in the next. This perspective aligns with the novel's critique of how institutionalized religion can perpetuate the status quo, discouraging rebellion or discontent by providing false hope, rather than addressing the actual conditions of the oppressed.