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Animal Farm
ABOUT GEORGE ORWELL
- George Orwell is a pen name, the author's real name is Eric Arthur Blair.
- He was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic.
- He died in 1950 and is known for his dystopian novel 1984 and his allegorical novel, Animal Farm.
- more ...
IMPORTANT TERMS
SUMMARY
Animal Farm is a novel about revolution and brainwashing. The story is set on a farm, Manor Farm, where one of the animals highlights their disenfranchised state. The result of this was a revolution that saw the ousting (www.bulbsoup.com) of the human owner of the farm. The farm animals, led by the pigs, then managed the farm themselves. All the animals were equal, initially, but over time, a hierarchy slowly and deliberately developed, headed by the pigs. By the end of the novel, the pigs had adopted so many human qualities that they looked like humans to their fellow animals.
Animal Farm is a novel about revolution and brainwashing. The story is set on a farm, Manor Farm, where one of the animals highlights their disenfranchised state. The result of this was a revolution that saw the ousting (www.bulbsoup.com) of the human owner of the farm. The farm animals, led by the pigs, then managed the farm themselves. All the animals were equal, initially, but over time, a hierarchy slowly and deliberately developed, headed by the pigs. By the end of the novel, the pigs had adopted so many human qualities that they looked like humans to their fellow animals.
CHARACTERS
Old Major (Karl Marx)
Old Major (Karl Marx)
- He is the prize Middle White boar on Manor Farm.
- He called a meeting and relayed his strange dream, which heralded the birth of Animalism.
- He theorized, and relayed, that nearly all that the animals produced was stolen from them by man, therefore the removal of man will uproot the cause of overwork and hunger.
- He concluded that all men are enemies and all animals are comrades.
- He taught the animals the song 'Beasts of England'.
- He died three nights after the meeting in the barn.
- The initial protagonist, who was turned into an antagonist, by the end of the text.
- Snowball cares about his fellow animals and tries to implement programs to help them progress.
- He comes up with the idea of the Windmill and envisions it as a tool to help all the animals.
- He often butted heads with Napoleon.
- Napoleon eventually used his dogs to run him off Animal Farm.
- He was scapegoated by Napoleon and his propaganda machine; everything bad that happened on the farm was eventually blamed on him.
- The true antagonist of the play, who pretends to be the protagonist.
- Napoleon, from inception, puts plans in place to ensure that he gets power, as seen in his training of the puppies at the beginning of the novel.
- He is responsible for the scapegoating of Snowball, which was a strategy to cement his power and authority.
- He 're-enslaves' his fellow animals, by the end of the novel, through manipulation.
- Napoleon uses Squealer to spread propaganda and manipulate the animals.
- He is a horse and a very devoted worker.
- He does not question Napoleon.
- He literally works himself to an early grave and is rewarded for his hard work by being sold for slaughter.
- He is a raven who aids in keeping the animals oppressed.
- He does this through his stories of Sugarcandy Mountain, where animals go as a reward for their hard work on the farm.
- She is a horse that enjoys the comforts and privilege of being taken care of by humans.
- She did not enjoy living on Animal Farm and ran off to be the pet of a human.
- Boxer's friend.
- She suspected, consistently, that the Commandments were being tampered with.
- He is the only character who remains unchanged in the Revolution.
- He did his work but did not volunteer for extra work.
- He expressed no opinion about the Revolution.
- The dogs were taken, by Napoleon, when they were puppies.
- They were trained to be his agents of discipline.
- He is the owner of Manor Farm
- He treated his animals very badly by not feeding them and overworking them.
- The animals revolted against him out of sheer desperation.
SUMMARY
Chapter 1
As soon as Mr. Jones locks the hen houses and switches off the lights in the bedrooms, all the animals have a meeting with Major, aka Willingdon Beauty. He had a strange dream and wanted to tell the animals about it. They assembled in the big barn. Old Major tells them that they live in misery and slavery because of man, if he is removed, hunger and overwork will be abolished. He points out that man produces nothing, but is lord over all the animals. His message is rebellion and his warning is that they must not listen to the lie that man (www.bulbsoup.com) and animal have a common interest, man serves the interest of no creature but himself. Whatever goes on two legs is an enemy, whatever goes on four legs or has wings is a friend. He outlined specific rules to avoid becoming like man, even when he is conquered. He finally reports that his dream was that of an earth where man has vanished. He sings a song from his youth, which he recently recalled through a dream, titled 'Beast of England. Everyone sings enthusiastically, resulting in the farmer awakening and shooting in the air because he thought it was a fox. All the animals then went to sleep.
Chapter 2
Old Major dies peacefully in his sleep. The more intelligent animals, however, were affected by his speech and thought it their duty to prepare for the revolution. Three pigs, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, elaborated on the teachings of Old Major and called it animalism. The animals did not get it at first, but they had faithful disciples and they held secret meetings. The rebellion started much earlier than expected because of Mr. Jones' neglect of the farm and the animals. The animals rebelled out of desperate hunger, on Midsummer's Eve, and (www.bulbsoup.com) the humans fled. The animals then toured the property and decided that no one would live in the farmhouse, it would remain a museum. The pigs who could read renamed the farm Animal Farm and organized the principles of animalism into seven commandments. The cows were milked and the milk was mysteriously taken away, even though many animals were interested in consuming it.
Chapter 3
The animals worked hard and harvested the biggest harvest, with no waste, two days earlier than normal. The pigs and the horses had all the expertise and all the animals worked hard. The animals were happy despite encountering difficulties. With the pigs and Boxer at the helm, they were able to overcome all their issues. The only animals who shirked their duties were the cat and Mollie. They received a day off on Sunday, when they ate a late breakfast, hoisted the flag, and went to their meeting. It was in these meetings that the work week was organized and resolutions were forwarded by the pigs. The pigs were the only ones who could think of any resolutions and they held their headquarters in the harness room. From there, they organized committees and studied crafts/ skills that would help them on the farm. They obtained this knowledge (www.bulbsoup.com) from books that they found in the main house and initiated reading classes, which were a hit. Snowball formed the maxim 'four legs good, two legs bad' for the less intellectual animals. Napoleon took a different interest by concentrating on educating the young and taking the training of the puppies in hand. The animals learned that the pigs were not equally sharing the produce, for example, milk and apples were not content with this. The pigs explained that they needed them to be healthy because they did the brain work. They took more for everyone's good.
Chapter 4
News of Animal Farm spread, particularly via the efforts of the pigeons, prompted by Snowball and Napoleon. The owners of the neighbouring farms did not get along, but could not reconcile, even for their own good. They feared their animals learning of this, so they spread rumours about the animals', on Animal Farm, inability to function. Other animals, however, began to rebel, by singing the 'Beasts of England'. The humans feared this song and whipped any animal that sang it. An attempt was made to recapture the (www.bulbsoup.com) farm, by Jones and his two neighbours, but Snowball was ready, armed with the knowledge from an old book of Julius Caesar's campaigns. The animals won and medals were established and conferred on Snowball, Boxer, and the dead sheep. This battle was called Battle of the Cowshed and rituals were established to commemorate it.
Chapter 5
Molly became troublesome about performing her duties. She was spotted, by Clover, fraternizing with a human, and sugar and ribbons were found in her stall. She disappeared three days later. She was later spotted working for humans and was never spoken of again. Snowball and Napoleon decided on farm policy, which was ratified by a majority vote, but this system was marred by the fact that the pigs could not agree on the policies, at times. Snowball gave brilliant speeches and had ideas, while Napoleon was good at canvassing for support, but had no ideas. They disagreed about the windmill idea that Snowball developed. Snowball said that it would reduce their labour output when it was built, but Napoleon said it wasn't a priority at this point but feeding the animals was. The farm animals were divided in their views, except for Benjamin, who did not believe that either argument made any difference. They were also divided on the issue of the defense of the farm. Napoleon said that (www.bulbsoup.com) they should prepare to defend themselves, while Snowball said they should stir dissent among all animals because if they all rebelled then there would be no need to defend themselves. The animals could not decide who to side with. During a meeting to discuss the completed windmill plans, Napoleon initiated a coupe. He set dogs on Snowball and chased him off the farm, then initiated some changes. The most important change was that Napoleon was in charge. Squealer articulated the changes to the animals. He stressed that loyalty, obedience, and iron discipline are the new watchwords. Minimus, Napoleon, and Squealer led the Sunday meetings, which now had a military air about them, instead of debates and discussions. Three weeks into Napoleon's reign, he announced that they would build the windmill, but it would take extra work, rations would have to be limited and construction would take two years. Squealer then went to work convincing the animals, with the help of the dogs, that the windmill was originally Napoleon's idea and that Snowball had stolen Napoleon's plan. Napoleon had pretended to oppose the windmill plan as a tactic to get rid of Snowball, who was a bad influence.
Chapter 6
The animals worked like slaves but were happy because they were working to better themselves, not humans. They worked long hours during the week and did volunteer work on Sundays, and the work on the mill progressed slowly. They had the materials to build, but it was laborious work to break the limestone rocks with gravity. Boxer was the hero of the day, yet again, when he worked harder and longer hours, voluntarily. The animals were still happy, despite the additional work hours. The issue that they had was discovering a way to acquire things that they could not produce, that they needed, for the farm. Napoleon announced a new policy to solve the issue, they would trade with the humans. He was willing to sell hay and eggs if necessary, the hens should welcome the sacrifice as a special contribution to the windmill. The animals, again, were vaguely weary, but Squealer informed them that he already made the arrangements for the eggs. He explained to the animals that the resolution against trading with humans and using money had never been passed. The lie was circulated by Snowball and there was nothing in writing to prove that it existed. Though (www.bulbsoup.com) vaguely uncomfortable, the animals believed Squealer. After this discussion, Mr. Whymper came every Monday to get his orders from Napoleon, and the animals, though fearful of humans, felt pride that Napoleon was giving the orders. Even the humans developed a grudging respect for how efficiently the animals handle their business. The pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and the animals remembered the resolution about sleeping in beds, but Squealer convinced them that the leaders needed a quiet place to work. The animals were further disturbed when they heard that they took their meals in the kitchen, used the drawing room as their recreational room, and slept in the beds. Clover disagreed with Boxer, for the first time, and investigated the fourth commandment. It was altered to include 'with sheets'. Napoleon used this to emphasize that the issue was with the sheets, not with the bed. He also convinced them that the leaders needed these comforts to function better. The pigs also stated that they would rise an hour later than the other animals and no complaints were lodged. The animals were still tired, by autumn, but happy. Food stock was low and Boxer was still doing extra hours. The windmill, however, was damaged and Napoleon blamed it on Snowball.
Chapter 7
It was a bitter winter for the animals. They tried to rebuild the windmill in the sleet and snow, in the face of horrible rumours about the animals' behaviour on Animal Farm. January brought with it food shortages and Napoleon devised ways to prevent the humans from discovering their desperate plight. They would have to get grain from somewhere else. Napoleon began to act like royalty and sent a message to one of the Sunday meetings, which he didn't attend anymore, stating that the hens must surrender their eggs. The hens rebelled and Napoleon cut their rations, with the result being the death of nine hens before they relented. Napoleon created an atmosphere of fear by using Napoleon to represent all the disasters that occurred on the farm. Squealer built on this fear by convincing everyone that Snowball was in league with humans from the beginning. It was a hard sell, especially with Boxer, but everyone eventually aligned with the rhetoric. Napoleon then spoke to the animals, with his newly gained medal on display. The astonishing thing that happened in this meeting, however, is that the pigs were attacked in front of Napoleon to confess their crimes. They admitted that they were in league with Snowball and were killed. Other animals, three hens, a goose, and some sheep, confessed to other crimes and were killed as well. The animals were sad and defeated, and Boxer suggested that the only solution was to work harder. The animals huddled together in a knoll and contemplated what they saw. The reader is made privy to Clover's thoughts and the other animals comforted themselves by singing "Beasts of England". Squealer informed them, however, that the song was now abolished because the rebellion was complete and the dream of a better society had been realized. Minimus composed another song, but it did not compare to the original anthem.
Chapter 8
The animals remembered the sixth commandment, which was "No animal should kill another animal", and so were disgruntled. When Clover and Muriel checked the wall, "without cause" was added to it. They assumed that they had forgotten this and concluded that the commandment had not been violated. The animals then proceeded to work even harder than the previous year. Squealer, or another pig, gave the animals their orders and Napoleon was rarely seen. When he did appear, it was with a lot of pomp and circumstance. Despite undercurrents of dissatisfaction regarding food portions, the animals referred to him as 'our leader, comrade Napoleon' and attributed all good things to him. Minimus even wrote a poem about him. He liked it and placed it beside the commandments, with an image of himself. Napoleon was busy negotiating with his neighbours to sell the pile of timber and there were rumours of Frederick and his men plotting against Animal Farm. In the middle of summer, three hens (inspired by Snowball) plotted to kill Napoleon and then confessed. The result was more security around Napoleon. The decision was made that Pilkington would get the pile of lumber and Napoleon had an almost friendly relationship with him. The animals did not trust him but liked him better than Frederick, who was hated for how it was rumoured that he treated his animals and the fact that he supposedly was leading an attack against Animal Farm. The animals (www.bulbsoup.com) were encouraged to change their slogan from "Death to Humanity" to "Death to Frederick". Snowball continued to be blamed for all things bad, this time it was the weeds in the wheat crop, and a gander admitted to being his accomplice and then killed himself. Snowball was also stripped of his "Animal Hero: First Class" distinction by Squealer, who convinced the animals that their memories were faulty. The windmill was finally completed in autumn and the animals were so very proud. Napoleon called it Napoleon Mill. The animals were shocked to hear that the pile of timber was sold to Frederick. Napoleon had been in secret negotiations with him. Squealer explained Napoleon's genius to the animals, as well as Snowball's hand in the series of events. The animals were allowed to see the bank notes that would buy the machinery for the windmill. Three days later, however, they discovered that the bank notes were forgeries. A death sentence was placed on Frederick by Napoleon and he told the animals to expect treacherous deeds. They were attacked the very next morning. They almost lost, but when the windmill was destroyed, they gained the impetus to fight. There were casualties on both sides. The humans were injured and some animals were killed. Squealer wanted them to celebrate, but the animals did not feel victorious. Squealer convinced them of their victory and Napoleon's speech confirmed it, so they celebrated for two days. Squealer, while drunk, told the animals that Napoleon had died. Napoleon got better the next day and then decided to plant barley. Squealer was caught changing the commandments, but only Benjamin realized. A few days later, Muriel noted that the 5th commandment was different.
Chapter 9
The animals started rebuilding the windmill the day after the victory celebrations. Boxer worked just as hard, despite his injury. His new goal, before he reached retirement, was to see the new windmill erected. The retirement spot was shifted from the small to the corner of a pasture. The animals were enduring difficult times but Squealer convinced them that it was better than under Jones and at least they were free. A crop of pigs was born and had more privileges than the rest of the animals. The rationing of food continued and only pigs were allowed barley. They were getting fat while everyone else was tired and hungry. Spontaneous Demonstrations, of which the sheep were most devoted, helped them to cope with their hunger. Animal Farm became a republic, in April, with Napoleon as the only unanimous candidate for leader. They also learned that Snowball led the humans against them at the same time. Moses returned after years of absence and spoke to any and all about (www.bulbsoup.com) Sugar Candy Mountain. The pigs allowed him to stay, even though they were all contemptuous of him. He even got rations. Meanwhile, Boxer was looking ill and working just as hard as ever. However, he fell one day and Squealer delivered the message, very late, that he would be sent to the vet. Clover and Benjamin took good care of him. While everyone was at work, the 'vet', in the form of a horse slaughterer and glue boiler, collected Boxer. The animals tried to stop it, even Boxer, belatedly, but he was carted off. Three days later, Squealer came to tell them that Boxer died in the hospital and that he was present. He said that veterinarians owned the slaughter van. They bought a wreath for Boxer's grave, his body was not at the farm and the pigs had a banquet to celebrate his life. They all got drunk at the banquet and no one knew where the money came from to purchase the whiskey.
Chapter 10
Years passed and the rebellion was forgotten because the animals involved had passed. Clover, Benjamin, Squeeler, and Napoleon were still alive, along with the crow. Lots of animals were on the farm, both born and bought, but the rebellion was only a dim tradition to them. The farm was organized and prosperous, led by the mantra: working hard + frugality = happiness. So they no longer yearned for the initial plans for the windmill, it was used for milling corn. The pigs and dogs got wealthier and the other animals were poor. The animals could not remember if things were better before or now. They never gave up hope and appreciated the fact that they were both free and equal. One evening, Clover was startled by a pig walking on two legs, and then all the other pigs followed Squealer. When the animals would have protested, the sheep began to sing: "Four legs good, two legs better". Clover asked Benjamin to read the 10th commandment for her. The list was now shortened to one sentence: All animals are equal, but (www.bulbsoup.com) some are more equal than others". After that day, all pigs carried whips in their trotters and took on human habits. Humans came to dinner and friendly relations were established, while the lower creatures watched from the window. The pigs were congratulated on the successful subjugation of their fellow animals. Napoleon's response was to disown all the achievements of the rebellion and reaffirm that the pigs wanted good relations with the humans. He said he would suppress all the strange habits associated with the revolution and most importantly, revert to calling Animal Farm, Manor Farm. The pigs began to physically look like humans, to Clover. The dinner party ended in an argument.
Chapter 1
As soon as Mr. Jones locks the hen houses and switches off the lights in the bedrooms, all the animals have a meeting with Major, aka Willingdon Beauty. He had a strange dream and wanted to tell the animals about it. They assembled in the big barn. Old Major tells them that they live in misery and slavery because of man, if he is removed, hunger and overwork will be abolished. He points out that man produces nothing, but is lord over all the animals. His message is rebellion and his warning is that they must not listen to the lie that man (www.bulbsoup.com) and animal have a common interest, man serves the interest of no creature but himself. Whatever goes on two legs is an enemy, whatever goes on four legs or has wings is a friend. He outlined specific rules to avoid becoming like man, even when he is conquered. He finally reports that his dream was that of an earth where man has vanished. He sings a song from his youth, which he recently recalled through a dream, titled 'Beast of England. Everyone sings enthusiastically, resulting in the farmer awakening and shooting in the air because he thought it was a fox. All the animals then went to sleep.
Chapter 2
Old Major dies peacefully in his sleep. The more intelligent animals, however, were affected by his speech and thought it their duty to prepare for the revolution. Three pigs, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, elaborated on the teachings of Old Major and called it animalism. The animals did not get it at first, but they had faithful disciples and they held secret meetings. The rebellion started much earlier than expected because of Mr. Jones' neglect of the farm and the animals. The animals rebelled out of desperate hunger, on Midsummer's Eve, and (www.bulbsoup.com) the humans fled. The animals then toured the property and decided that no one would live in the farmhouse, it would remain a museum. The pigs who could read renamed the farm Animal Farm and organized the principles of animalism into seven commandments. The cows were milked and the milk was mysteriously taken away, even though many animals were interested in consuming it.
Chapter 3
The animals worked hard and harvested the biggest harvest, with no waste, two days earlier than normal. The pigs and the horses had all the expertise and all the animals worked hard. The animals were happy despite encountering difficulties. With the pigs and Boxer at the helm, they were able to overcome all their issues. The only animals who shirked their duties were the cat and Mollie. They received a day off on Sunday, when they ate a late breakfast, hoisted the flag, and went to their meeting. It was in these meetings that the work week was organized and resolutions were forwarded by the pigs. The pigs were the only ones who could think of any resolutions and they held their headquarters in the harness room. From there, they organized committees and studied crafts/ skills that would help them on the farm. They obtained this knowledge (www.bulbsoup.com) from books that they found in the main house and initiated reading classes, which were a hit. Snowball formed the maxim 'four legs good, two legs bad' for the less intellectual animals. Napoleon took a different interest by concentrating on educating the young and taking the training of the puppies in hand. The animals learned that the pigs were not equally sharing the produce, for example, milk and apples were not content with this. The pigs explained that they needed them to be healthy because they did the brain work. They took more for everyone's good.
Chapter 4
News of Animal Farm spread, particularly via the efforts of the pigeons, prompted by Snowball and Napoleon. The owners of the neighbouring farms did not get along, but could not reconcile, even for their own good. They feared their animals learning of this, so they spread rumours about the animals', on Animal Farm, inability to function. Other animals, however, began to rebel, by singing the 'Beasts of England'. The humans feared this song and whipped any animal that sang it. An attempt was made to recapture the (www.bulbsoup.com) farm, by Jones and his two neighbours, but Snowball was ready, armed with the knowledge from an old book of Julius Caesar's campaigns. The animals won and medals were established and conferred on Snowball, Boxer, and the dead sheep. This battle was called Battle of the Cowshed and rituals were established to commemorate it.
Chapter 5
Molly became troublesome about performing her duties. She was spotted, by Clover, fraternizing with a human, and sugar and ribbons were found in her stall. She disappeared three days later. She was later spotted working for humans and was never spoken of again. Snowball and Napoleon decided on farm policy, which was ratified by a majority vote, but this system was marred by the fact that the pigs could not agree on the policies, at times. Snowball gave brilliant speeches and had ideas, while Napoleon was good at canvassing for support, but had no ideas. They disagreed about the windmill idea that Snowball developed. Snowball said that it would reduce their labour output when it was built, but Napoleon said it wasn't a priority at this point but feeding the animals was. The farm animals were divided in their views, except for Benjamin, who did not believe that either argument made any difference. They were also divided on the issue of the defense of the farm. Napoleon said that (www.bulbsoup.com) they should prepare to defend themselves, while Snowball said they should stir dissent among all animals because if they all rebelled then there would be no need to defend themselves. The animals could not decide who to side with. During a meeting to discuss the completed windmill plans, Napoleon initiated a coupe. He set dogs on Snowball and chased him off the farm, then initiated some changes. The most important change was that Napoleon was in charge. Squealer articulated the changes to the animals. He stressed that loyalty, obedience, and iron discipline are the new watchwords. Minimus, Napoleon, and Squealer led the Sunday meetings, which now had a military air about them, instead of debates and discussions. Three weeks into Napoleon's reign, he announced that they would build the windmill, but it would take extra work, rations would have to be limited and construction would take two years. Squealer then went to work convincing the animals, with the help of the dogs, that the windmill was originally Napoleon's idea and that Snowball had stolen Napoleon's plan. Napoleon had pretended to oppose the windmill plan as a tactic to get rid of Snowball, who was a bad influence.
Chapter 6
The animals worked like slaves but were happy because they were working to better themselves, not humans. They worked long hours during the week and did volunteer work on Sundays, and the work on the mill progressed slowly. They had the materials to build, but it was laborious work to break the limestone rocks with gravity. Boxer was the hero of the day, yet again, when he worked harder and longer hours, voluntarily. The animals were still happy, despite the additional work hours. The issue that they had was discovering a way to acquire things that they could not produce, that they needed, for the farm. Napoleon announced a new policy to solve the issue, they would trade with the humans. He was willing to sell hay and eggs if necessary, the hens should welcome the sacrifice as a special contribution to the windmill. The animals, again, were vaguely weary, but Squealer informed them that he already made the arrangements for the eggs. He explained to the animals that the resolution against trading with humans and using money had never been passed. The lie was circulated by Snowball and there was nothing in writing to prove that it existed. Though (www.bulbsoup.com) vaguely uncomfortable, the animals believed Squealer. After this discussion, Mr. Whymper came every Monday to get his orders from Napoleon, and the animals, though fearful of humans, felt pride that Napoleon was giving the orders. Even the humans developed a grudging respect for how efficiently the animals handle their business. The pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and the animals remembered the resolution about sleeping in beds, but Squealer convinced them that the leaders needed a quiet place to work. The animals were further disturbed when they heard that they took their meals in the kitchen, used the drawing room as their recreational room, and slept in the beds. Clover disagreed with Boxer, for the first time, and investigated the fourth commandment. It was altered to include 'with sheets'. Napoleon used this to emphasize that the issue was with the sheets, not with the bed. He also convinced them that the leaders needed these comforts to function better. The pigs also stated that they would rise an hour later than the other animals and no complaints were lodged. The animals were still tired, by autumn, but happy. Food stock was low and Boxer was still doing extra hours. The windmill, however, was damaged and Napoleon blamed it on Snowball.
Chapter 7
It was a bitter winter for the animals. They tried to rebuild the windmill in the sleet and snow, in the face of horrible rumours about the animals' behaviour on Animal Farm. January brought with it food shortages and Napoleon devised ways to prevent the humans from discovering their desperate plight. They would have to get grain from somewhere else. Napoleon began to act like royalty and sent a message to one of the Sunday meetings, which he didn't attend anymore, stating that the hens must surrender their eggs. The hens rebelled and Napoleon cut their rations, with the result being the death of nine hens before they relented. Napoleon created an atmosphere of fear by using Napoleon to represent all the disasters that occurred on the farm. Squealer built on this fear by convincing everyone that Snowball was in league with humans from the beginning. It was a hard sell, especially with Boxer, but everyone eventually aligned with the rhetoric. Napoleon then spoke to the animals, with his newly gained medal on display. The astonishing thing that happened in this meeting, however, is that the pigs were attacked in front of Napoleon to confess their crimes. They admitted that they were in league with Snowball and were killed. Other animals, three hens, a goose, and some sheep, confessed to other crimes and were killed as well. The animals were sad and defeated, and Boxer suggested that the only solution was to work harder. The animals huddled together in a knoll and contemplated what they saw. The reader is made privy to Clover's thoughts and the other animals comforted themselves by singing "Beasts of England". Squealer informed them, however, that the song was now abolished because the rebellion was complete and the dream of a better society had been realized. Minimus composed another song, but it did not compare to the original anthem.
Chapter 8
The animals remembered the sixth commandment, which was "No animal should kill another animal", and so were disgruntled. When Clover and Muriel checked the wall, "without cause" was added to it. They assumed that they had forgotten this and concluded that the commandment had not been violated. The animals then proceeded to work even harder than the previous year. Squealer, or another pig, gave the animals their orders and Napoleon was rarely seen. When he did appear, it was with a lot of pomp and circumstance. Despite undercurrents of dissatisfaction regarding food portions, the animals referred to him as 'our leader, comrade Napoleon' and attributed all good things to him. Minimus even wrote a poem about him. He liked it and placed it beside the commandments, with an image of himself. Napoleon was busy negotiating with his neighbours to sell the pile of timber and there were rumours of Frederick and his men plotting against Animal Farm. In the middle of summer, three hens (inspired by Snowball) plotted to kill Napoleon and then confessed. The result was more security around Napoleon. The decision was made that Pilkington would get the pile of lumber and Napoleon had an almost friendly relationship with him. The animals did not trust him but liked him better than Frederick, who was hated for how it was rumoured that he treated his animals and the fact that he supposedly was leading an attack against Animal Farm. The animals (www.bulbsoup.com) were encouraged to change their slogan from "Death to Humanity" to "Death to Frederick". Snowball continued to be blamed for all things bad, this time it was the weeds in the wheat crop, and a gander admitted to being his accomplice and then killed himself. Snowball was also stripped of his "Animal Hero: First Class" distinction by Squealer, who convinced the animals that their memories were faulty. The windmill was finally completed in autumn and the animals were so very proud. Napoleon called it Napoleon Mill. The animals were shocked to hear that the pile of timber was sold to Frederick. Napoleon had been in secret negotiations with him. Squealer explained Napoleon's genius to the animals, as well as Snowball's hand in the series of events. The animals were allowed to see the bank notes that would buy the machinery for the windmill. Three days later, however, they discovered that the bank notes were forgeries. A death sentence was placed on Frederick by Napoleon and he told the animals to expect treacherous deeds. They were attacked the very next morning. They almost lost, but when the windmill was destroyed, they gained the impetus to fight. There were casualties on both sides. The humans were injured and some animals were killed. Squealer wanted them to celebrate, but the animals did not feel victorious. Squealer convinced them of their victory and Napoleon's speech confirmed it, so they celebrated for two days. Squealer, while drunk, told the animals that Napoleon had died. Napoleon got better the next day and then decided to plant barley. Squealer was caught changing the commandments, but only Benjamin realized. A few days later, Muriel noted that the 5th commandment was different.
Chapter 9
The animals started rebuilding the windmill the day after the victory celebrations. Boxer worked just as hard, despite his injury. His new goal, before he reached retirement, was to see the new windmill erected. The retirement spot was shifted from the small to the corner of a pasture. The animals were enduring difficult times but Squealer convinced them that it was better than under Jones and at least they were free. A crop of pigs was born and had more privileges than the rest of the animals. The rationing of food continued and only pigs were allowed barley. They were getting fat while everyone else was tired and hungry. Spontaneous Demonstrations, of which the sheep were most devoted, helped them to cope with their hunger. Animal Farm became a republic, in April, with Napoleon as the only unanimous candidate for leader. They also learned that Snowball led the humans against them at the same time. Moses returned after years of absence and spoke to any and all about (www.bulbsoup.com) Sugar Candy Mountain. The pigs allowed him to stay, even though they were all contemptuous of him. He even got rations. Meanwhile, Boxer was looking ill and working just as hard as ever. However, he fell one day and Squealer delivered the message, very late, that he would be sent to the vet. Clover and Benjamin took good care of him. While everyone was at work, the 'vet', in the form of a horse slaughterer and glue boiler, collected Boxer. The animals tried to stop it, even Boxer, belatedly, but he was carted off. Three days later, Squealer came to tell them that Boxer died in the hospital and that he was present. He said that veterinarians owned the slaughter van. They bought a wreath for Boxer's grave, his body was not at the farm and the pigs had a banquet to celebrate his life. They all got drunk at the banquet and no one knew where the money came from to purchase the whiskey.
Chapter 10
Years passed and the rebellion was forgotten because the animals involved had passed. Clover, Benjamin, Squeeler, and Napoleon were still alive, along with the crow. Lots of animals were on the farm, both born and bought, but the rebellion was only a dim tradition to them. The farm was organized and prosperous, led by the mantra: working hard + frugality = happiness. So they no longer yearned for the initial plans for the windmill, it was used for milling corn. The pigs and dogs got wealthier and the other animals were poor. The animals could not remember if things were better before or now. They never gave up hope and appreciated the fact that they were both free and equal. One evening, Clover was startled by a pig walking on two legs, and then all the other pigs followed Squealer. When the animals would have protested, the sheep began to sing: "Four legs good, two legs better". Clover asked Benjamin to read the 10th commandment for her. The list was now shortened to one sentence: All animals are equal, but (www.bulbsoup.com) some are more equal than others". After that day, all pigs carried whips in their trotters and took on human habits. Humans came to dinner and friendly relations were established, while the lower creatures watched from the window. The pigs were congratulated on the successful subjugation of their fellow animals. Napoleon's response was to disown all the achievements of the rebellion and reaffirm that the pigs wanted good relations with the humans. He said he would suppress all the strange habits associated with the revolution and most importantly, revert to calling Animal Farm, Manor Farm. The pigs began to physically look like humans, to Clover. The dinner party ended in an argument.
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Orwell
Orwell, G. Animal Farm. Albatross Publishers. Naples, Italy: 2021.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Orwell
Orwell, G. Animal Farm. Albatross Publishers. Naples, Italy: 2021.
