Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, is a renowned allegorical novella that uses a group of farm animals to reflect the events leading up to the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era. Orwell, born as Eric Arthur Blair in 1903, was an English novelist, journalist, and critic, famous for his commitment to political and social justice. As an outspoken advocate for democratic socialism, his works often drew from his own experiences, including his time spent fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Animal Farm, published in 1945, remains one of Orwell’s most celebrated and influential literary works, utilizing a deceptively simple tale to expose the corruption and inherent flaws of political systems.
Chapter 1: The Rebellion Begins
Chapter 1 of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, titled “The Rebellion Begins,” introduces readers to the setting and the initial stages of revolution on Manor Farm. The story starts as Mr. Jones, the neglectful and irresponsible owner of the farm, stumbles into the barn drunk, forgetting to feed the animals. The animals, led by Old Major, a wise and respected boar, gather together in the barn to discuss their miserable lives under human control.
Old Major delivers a passionate speech about the animals’ exploitation and encourages them to rise up against their oppressors. He teaches them the song “Beasts of England,” which becomes the anthem of their revolution. Old Major passes away peacefully not long after, but his words inspire the animals and they decide to carry on his vision.
Following Old Major’s death, the animals continue with their lives under the cruel rule of Mr. Jones until a rebellion is sparked. One evening, when the animals are starved after having been left without food for too long, led by the pigs, they finally decide to take action. They break into the store shed where the food is stored and begin devouring it, while Jones and his farmhands drunkenly sleep.
The rebellious animals successfully seize control of the farm. They rename it “Animal Farm” and create Seven Commandments as their guiding principles, engraved on the wall of the barn. The most important of these commandments is “All animals are equal,” emphasizing their desire for a society free from human tyranny.
Chapter 1 of Animal Farm sets the stage for the animals’ fight for freedom and begins their journey towards establishing a new order on the farm. It presents the initial catalysts for the rebellion and the animals’ determination to change their fate.
Chapter 2: The Revolution
In Chapter 2 of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the animals successfully rise against their human oppressors and take control of Manor Farm. This chapter explores the aftermath of their revolution and the challenges they face in establishing their new society.
After the humans flee the farm, the animals find themselves in a state of jubilation and disbelief. They celebrate their newfound freedom by renaming the farm “Animal Farm” and adopt the seven commandments which serve as the core principles of their revolution. These commandments emphasize equality and the rejection of human vices.
Snowball and Napoleon, two pigs, emerge as the leaders of the animals, with Snowball being seen as the more eloquent and visionary, while Napoleon is recognized for his forceful personality. The two establish a weekly meeting called the “Sunday-Morning Meetings” where decisions about the farm are discussed and voted upon.
The animals work hard to harvest the crops and build new structures, focusing on the idea of self-sufficiency. They constantly reinforce the principle of “Animalism” and the belief that all animals are equal. However, some animals, particularly the pigs, begin to emerge as a ruling class, taking on positions of authority and privileges.
The pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, take on the responsibility of educating the other animals on the principles of Animalism. They create rules and systems to ensure productivity, such as organizing committees and conducting debates. Snowball establishes a program called “The Egg Production Committee” to increase food output.
Despite some initial positive developments, signs of inequality start to emerge. The pigs begin to separate themselves by residing in the farmhouse and claiming the milk and apples, which were supposed to be shared equally among all animals, for themselves. Snowball and Napoleon also frequently disagree on various topics, with tensions between them becoming more evident.
By the end of Chapter 2, the stage is set for power struggles and further divisions within Animal Farm. The animals, though still hopeful, begin to realize that their revolution may not be as equal and idyllic as they initially believed.
Chapter 3: A New Order
Chapter 3 of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, entitled “A New Order,” presents a snapshot of the evolving structure and conditions on the farm following the rebellion against Mr. Jones. The chapter portrays the establishment of a new order, wherein the pigs exert increasing control and begin to consolidate power.
The chapter opens with a description of the animals’ daily routine, which is organized by the pigs and supervised by Napoleon and Snowball, the two most prominent pigs on the farm. The pigs’ intelligence is highlighted as they take leadership roles, making decisions and developing a set of commandments known as the Seven Commandments. These commandments are depicted as the guiding principles of the newly formed society.
As time passes, the pigs prove to be the most capable of reading and writing, which grants them an advantage in expanding their influence. They create additional committees, such as the Egg Production Committee and the Clean Tails League, to further regulate the farm. The pigs’ intellect and leadership skills allow them to justify their privileged position and convince the other animals that they should be the ones to make decisions on behalf of the collective.
The chapter also introduces Squealer, a persuasive and articulate pig who acts as a propagandist for Napoleon and the pigs. Squealer plays a crucial role in manipulating and distorting information to maintain the pigs’ control. He often revises the commandments to suit the pigs’ interests without arousing suspicions among the other animals.
Overall, Chapter 3 depicts the gradual power shift on the farm, where the pigs, led by Napoleon, begin to take charge and establish a hierarchy based on intellect and persuasion. The animals, while initially united in their fight against human oppression, find themselves being subjugated by their own leaders, who exploit their trust and manipulate their values to maintain their dominance.
Chapter 4: Working Towards Utopia
Chapter 4 of Animal Farm by George Orwell, titled “Working Towards Utopia,” continues the narrative of the animals’ struggle to maintain their new society. The chapter highlights the increasing control and manipulation exercised by the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, as they exploit their superior intelligence and further consolidate their power over the other animals on the farm.
The animals start working tirelessly to build the windmill, a symbol of progress and prosperity for their community. Snowball, with his ingenious ideas, manages to rally the animals and they make great strides in constructing it. However, at every turn, Napoleon fiercely opposes Snowball’s plans and accuses him of being a traitor, reflecting the growing clash of ideals between the two leaders.
During a heated discussion, Snowball passionately argues for animal education and technological advancements, while Napoleon focuses on food production and protecting the farm from potential human attacks. Snowball eventually gains the support of the majority of the animals, leaving Napoleon infuriated. In response, Napoleon uses his secret weapon, nine huge dogs he has raised in complete secrecy, to chase Snowball from the farm. Snowball becomes the scapegoat for any setbacks that occur on the farm, and Napoleon subsequently assumes full control.
Under Napoleon’s reign, the principles of Animalism that the revolution was founded on slowly begin to collapse. The power dynamic shifts, and the pigs become the ruling elite who live in luxury, while the other animals increasingly work harder with little reward. The original commandments gradually change, with the pigs even engaging in commerce with humans, something they had initially fiercely opposed.
Ultimately, Chapter 4 depicts the pigs’ growing corruption and their manipulation of the animals for their own benefit. Orwell presents a powerful critique of totalitarian regimes and the potential for noble ideals to be perverted by those in power.
Chapter 5: Conflict and Power Struggles
In Chapter 5 of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the animals on the farm face escalating conflicts and power struggles under the increasingly authoritarian rule of the pigs. The chapter begins with the Battle of the Cowshed, where Snowball bravely leads the animals in repelling Frederick and his men who try to retake the farm. The animals’ victory boosts their confidence and pride, and they celebrate their success, adopting the title of “Animal Hero, First Class” for Snowball and Boxer. However, conflicts soon arise when Snowball and Napoleon disagree over the plans for a windmill.
Snowball energetically promotes the construction of a windmill, emphasizing its potential to provide electricity and make the animals’ lives easier. He gives passionate speeches, explaining the benefits of the windmill and encouraging the animals’ participation. However, Napoleon, who had earlier opposed the idea, suddenly unleashes a secret pack of dogs, trained since puppies by himself, to violently expel Snowball from the farm. Snowball narrowly escapes, and Napoleon solidifies his power.
With Snowball gone, Napoleon declares himself the leader and takes control of decision-making, essentially establishing a dictatorship. He dismisses Snowball’s windmill plans as useless, furthering the animals’ oppression and exploitation. The animals soon realize that their lives become more difficult under Napoleon’s regime. They endure increased workloads, food shortages, and arbitrary punishments.
As the chapter concludes, the animals’ spirits are low, and they start to question the changes that have taken place on the farm. The initial unity and hope that characterized the early days of rebellion against the humans have been eroded, replaced by a sense of disillusionment and fear. Orwell’s Chapter 5 of Animal Farm explores the themes of power, conflict, and manipulation, as the once-enthusiastic animals find themselves oppressed under the pigs’ rule.
Chapter 6: The Reign of Napoleon
In Chapter 6 of Animal Farm, titled “The Reign of Napoleon,” Napoleon, the pig who has taken control of the farm, consolidates his power and establishes a dictatorship. Under his leadership, the farm’s principles and ideals, outlined in the Seven Commandments, become distorted and betrayed.
Napoleon begins by initiating various changes to solidify his authority. He replaces the farm’s Sunday Meetings with a committee of pigs, allowing himself to make all the decisions. He forces the other animals to adopt an increased workload without any reward. Despite these changes, the animals continue to view Napoleon positively due to the propaganda efforts of Squealer, another pig who serves as Napoleon’s mouthpiece.
As time goes on, the animals’ conditions continue to deteriorate. They work longer hours, and their rations become even smaller. Despite this, Squealer continually manipulates the animals with misleading statistics that exaggerate their accomplishments and prove Napoleon’s indispensability. Meanwhile, Napoleon lives luxuriously in the farmhouse, enjoying privileges previously forbidden.
One day, a rumor spreads that Snowball, Napoleon’s rival, has been secretly visiting the farm. Napoleon uses this as an excuse to further oppress the animals, ordering the dogs to execute anyone who confesses. As a result, several animals are killed, including Boxer, a dedicated and loyal horse who had been one of the primary supporters of the rebellion. Napoleon cynically sells Boxer to a glue factory, pocketing the money for his selfish gain.
At the end of Chapter 6, the animals are increasingly disillusioned, as they recognize how far they have strayed from the original ideals of Animalism. Napoleon’s dictatorship has consolidated power, while the other animals suffer and live under constant fear and deception.
Chapter 7: Betrayal and Oppression
Chapter 7 of George Orwell’s Animal Farm continues to explore the gradual corruption and betrayal of the ideals upon which the farm was initially founded. The chapter is focused on the escalating oppression of the animals by Napoleon and his inner circle.
The chapter begins with the winter season, during which the animals endure harsh conditions and food shortages. Despite this, Napoleon takes measures to secure luxuries for himself and the other pigs, such as more comfortable living arrangements and special privileges. The pigs also begin trading with neighboring farms, betraying their initial promise never to engage with humans. They justify this betrayal by claiming they need certain supplies for the farm’s survival.
Furthermore, Napoleon starts implementing new policies to increase his control over the animals. He orders the animals to work harder and reduces their rations while simultaneously increasing those of the pigs. The animals suffer greatly, but their loyalty and dedication to the principles of Animalism prevent them from openly rebelling against the pigs.
Oppression becomes more evident when Napoleon orders the construction of a schoolroom and training ground for the young pigs. This showcases the pigs’ desire to educate themselves exclusively, further separating them from the other animals and solidifying their elitist status. The animals are even prohibited from meeting together without the presence of a pig.
To enforce his dominance, Napoleon relies on fear and intimidation. He employs a group of vicious dogs, raised by him, to act as his personal guard and attack any animal that questions his authority or attempts to challenge his rule. The dogs symbolize Napoleon’s use of force to suppress dissent and maintain his power.
Chapter 7 encapsulates the heartbreaking journey of Animal Farm from a supposed utopia of equality to a society where the pigs, led by Napoleon, progressively abuse their power. The chapter underscores themes of betrayal, oppression, inequality, and the consolidation of power.
Chapter 8: The Final Transformation
Chapter 8: The Final Transformation of Animal Farm starts with winter setting in, making life on the farm even harder for the animals. However, the pigs, led by Napoleon, continue to live luxuriously in the farmhouse with all the comforts, symbolizing their transformation into human-like beings. The other animals work tirelessly, barely having enough to eat, while the pigs exploit them for their own benefit.
Napoleon decides to trade timber with neighboring farmers, signaling a significant shift in the principles of Animalism. The animals had fought against humans to establish an equal society, but now the pigs are openly engaging in business with them. Moreover, Squealer convinces the animals that trading and engaging with humans is a necessity for the survival of the farm.
During this time, Snowball is discredited and portrayed as a traitor by Napoleon, fitting his agenda to maintain absolute control over the farm. The animals are manipulated into believing that Snowball was always a traitor and that he sabotaged their windmill project. The pigs justify this betrayal by blaming everything on Snowball, creating a sense of fear in the animals and keeping them loyal to Napoleon’s leadership.
The brutal conditions and constant exploitation of the animals take a toll on their physical and mental well-being. Many animals are injured or die due to the harsh winter and lack of resources. Yet, the pigs, in their constant state of luxury, ignore the suffering of the other animals.
By the end of the chapter, the pigs declare that the farm will be known as “The Manor Farm” once again, fully betraying the principles of Animalism and completing their transformation into humans. This final transformation demonstrates how power corrupts and how leaders can manipulate and exploit the very ideals they promised to uphold.
After Reading
In conclusion, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a thought-provoking and allegorical novel that beautifully depicts the corruption of power and the dangers of totalitarianism. Through the use of anthropomorphic animals and a seemingly idyllic farm setting, Orwell masterfully crafts a story that serves as a critique of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Joseph Stalin’s regime. The novel’s vivid characters and their actions highlight the manipulative tactics used by those in power to exploit and control the masses. Ultimately, Animal Farm is a timeless cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the constant fight for freedom and equality.
1. Natasha’s Dance” by Orlando Figes: This captivating narrative provides a rich exploration of Russian history through the lens of art and culture. Figes takes readers on a dazzling journey through the world of Russian music, ballet, literature, and visual arts, illuminating the profound impact they had on the country’s social and political evolution. With lyrical prose and extensive research, Figes creates a passionate celebration of the artistic spirit that defines Russia.
2. Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley: In this thought-provoking dystopian classic, Huxley paints a chilling portrait of a future society where science and technology have eradicated individuality and freedom. The story follows protagonist Bernard Marx as he navigates a world where humans are genetically engineered, emotions are suppressed with drugs, and personal relationships are deemed unnecessary. Huxley’s powerful critique of a society obsessed with consumerism and control remains eerily relevant, making this a must-read for fans of thought-provoking speculative fiction.
3. Fahrenheit 451″ by Ray Bradbury: As a fitting choice after reading “Animal Farm,” Bradbury’s masterful novel reflects on the dangers of censorship and the impact of a totalitarian government on intellectual freedom. Set in a future society where books are banned and burned, protagonist Guy Montag confronts the consequences of his role as a fireman tasked with destroying knowledge. Bradbury’s evocative prose and compelling exploration of the relationship between literature, society, and individuality make this a timeless classic that resonates deeply with readers.
4. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood: This provocative dystopian novel imagines a future America transformed into a theocratic regime where women are subjugated and reduced to the role of fertility vessels. Through the eyes of Offred, a handmaid, Atwood examines themes of power, gender, and the erosion of personal autonomy. The chillingly realistic portrayal of a society ruled by fanaticism and control serves as a stark warning and a powerful commentary on the subjugation of women throughout history.
5. “1984” by George Orwell: This iconic novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound exploration of totalitarianism. Set in a dystopian future where Big Brother is always watching, Orwell depicts a world in which truth and individualism are under constant threat. The novel follows Winston Smith as he rebels against a repressive state and attempts to reclaim his own thoughts and identity. Orwell’s chilling vision of a society dominated by surveillance and propaganda remains a powerful testament to the dangers of authoritarianism.
