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Animal Farm
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell was first published in England on 17 August 1945 by Secker and Warburg. The novella reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist era of the Soviet Union, a period when Russia lived under the communist ideology of Joseph Stalin. Orwell, a democratic socialist, was critical of Stalin and hostile to Moscow-directed Stalinism, which influenced his writing of “Animal Farm” during the wartime alliance between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell is an allegorical novella about a group of farm animals who take over their farm in 1940s England. The story begins with Old Major, a prize-winning boar, gathering the animals of Manor Farm for a meeting. He tells them of a dream he has had in which all animals live together with no human beings to oppress or control them. He teaches them a song called “Beasts of England,” in which his dream vision is lyrically described. The animals greet Major’s vision with great enthusiasm.
After Major’s death, three younger pigs— Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer —formulate his main principles into a philosophy called Animalism. Late one night, the animals manage to defeat the farmer Mr. Jones in a battle, running him off the land. They rename the property Animal Farm and dedicate themselves to achieving Major’s dream. The cart-horse Boxer devotes himself to the cause with particular zeal.
As time passes, however, Napoleon and Snowball increasingly quibble over the future of the farm. They begin to struggle with each other for power and influence among the other animals. Snowball concocts a scheme to build an electricity-generating windmill, but Napoleon solidly opposes the plan. At the meeting to vote on whether to take up the project, Snowball gives a passionate speech. Although Napoleon gives only a brief retort, he then makes a strange noise, and nine attack dogs burst into the barn and chase Snowball from the farm.
Napoleon assumes leadership of Animal Farm and declares that there will be no more meetings. From that point on, he asserts, the pigs alone will make all of the decisions—for the good of every animal. Napoleon now quickly changes his mind about the windmill, and the animals, especially Boxer, devote their efforts to completing it. One day, after a storm, the animals find the windmill toppled. The human farmers in the area declare smugly that the animals made the walls too thin, but Napoleon claims that Snowball returned to the farm to sabotage the windmill.
He stages a great purge, during which various animals who have allegedly participated in Snowball’s great conspiracy meet instant death at the teeth of the attack dogs. With his leadership unquestioned (Boxer has taken up a second maxim, “Napoleon is always right”), Napoleon begins expanding his powers. The animals continue to work hard on the windmill throughout the year, despite the scarcity of food. One day, Boxer’s strength fails; he collapses while pulling stone for the windmill. The other animals rush to tell Squealer, while Benjamin and Clover stay near their friend.
The pigs announce that they will arrange to bring Boxer to a human hospital to recuperate. But when the cart arrives, Benjamin reads the writing on the cart’s sideboards and announces that Boxer is being sent to a glue maker to be slaughtered. The animals panic and begin crying out to Boxer that he must escape. They hear him kicking feebly inside the cart, but he is unable to get out. The cart drives away, and Boxer is never seen again.
To placate the animals, Squealer tells them that Boxer was not taken to a knacker but that the veterinarian had bought the knacker’s truck and had not yet repainted the words on its side. The animals are relieved when they hear this. The chapter ends with a grocer’s van delivering a crate of whisky to the pigs, who drink it all and do not arise until after noon the following day.
In the novel’s final scene, a deputation of neighboring farmers are given a tour of the farm, after which they meet in the dining-room of the farmhouse with Napoleon and the other pigs. Mr. Pilkington makes a toast to Animal Farm and its efficiency. Napoleon then offers a speech in which he outlines his new policies. His greatest policy change, however, is his announcement that Animal Farm will again be called Manor Farm. Soon after Napoleon’s speech, the men and pigs begin playing cards, but a loud quarrel erupts when both Napoleon and Pilkington each try to play the ace of spades. As Clover and the other animals watch the arguments through the dining-room window, they are unable to discriminate between the humans and the pigs.
Plot
Chapter 1:
In the opening chapter, we are introduced to the setting of Manor Farm and its owner, Mr. Jones, who is characterized by his drunkenness and negligence. After Mr. Jones retires for the night, the animals gather in the big barn at the request of Old Major, a highly respected 12-year-old pig. Old Major has called this meeting to share a profound dream and to deliver a speech that he feels could alter the destiny of every animal on the farm.
Old Major begins by highlighting the miserable, laborious, and short lives of the animals. He points out that the farm’s resources are plentiful enough to provide for all, yet the animals live in poverty and hunger because of Man’s tyranny. The root of their suffering, according to Old Major, is not the natural order but the human beings who exploit them, taking all the products of their labor—milk, eggs, and offspring—while giving nothing in return.
The wise boar recounts a dream he had the previous night, envisioning a world where animals live free from the oppression of humans. He passionately urges the animals to rebel against their human owner and seize control of their own fates. To achieve this, they must adopt a sense of solidarity and comradeship against the common enemy—Man. Old Major emphasizes that animals must never adopt human vices post-rebellion; they must not engage in trade, touch money, or adopt any human habits.
During the meeting, a brief debate arises about the status of rats as comrades, leading to Old Major’s simple maxim: “Four legs good, two legs bad.” This becomes a foundational slogan for the animals’ revolution.
Old Major then teaches the animals a revolutionary song called “Beasts of England,” which speaks of a utopian land free of human control and filled with abundance. The animals sing the song with such fervor that they wake Mr. Jones, who, thinking there is a fox in the yard, fires a shot into the side of the barn. The meeting disperses abruptly, but the seeds of rebellion have been sown.
This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the novel, introducing key characters and themes. We see the beginnings of the animals’ disillusionment with their human masters and the spark of revolutionary thought. The character traits established here—Jones’s drunkenness, Old Major’s wisdom, and the animals’ varying degrees of comprehension—will all play significant roles as the story unfolds.
The chapter is rich with Orwell’s insights into political rhetoric and the power of language as a tool for manipulation and control. It foreshadows the tragic trajectory of the rebellion and the eventual betrayal of the animals’ hopes and dreams.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- Chapter 1 of Animal Farm is a direct allegory of the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The character of Old Major represents Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party, who inspired the revolution against the Tsarist regime. Just as Old Major calls for a rebellion against human oppressors, Lenin called for the workers to unite against their economic oppressors.
- Mr. Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, symbolizes Tsar Nicholas II, whose rule was marked by poverty and upheaval for the Russian people. The Tsar’s inability to address the needs of the Russian people and his eventual abdication parallel Mr. Jones’s neglect of the farm and his subsequent expulsion by the animals.
- The meeting in the barn, where Old Major shares his dream and principles of Animalism, mirrors the spread of communist ideology based on Karl Marx’s theories, which Lenin adapted. The animals’ hope for a better future without humans reflects the Russian people’s desire for a society free from the autocratic rule of the Tsar.
- The rebellion that Old Major advocates is an allusion to the actual uprising that took place in Russia, which led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of a communist government. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the novel, which continues to draw parallels with the events and aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Chapter 2:
After the death of Old Major, the animals, particularly the pigs, start to plan for the rebellion he envisioned. Two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, along with a persuasive pig named Squealer, take charge of this movement. They develop Old Major’s teachings into a more formal philosophy called Animalism.
The pigs hold secret meetings and begin educating the other animals about Animalism. They face skepticism and questions about loyalty to Mr. Jones and concerns about survival without him. Despite these challenges, they persist in spreading the message.
Mollie, a vain horse, worries about losing her luxuries like sugar and ribbons, which Snowball argues are symbols of their enslavement. Meanwhile, Moses, a raven, distracts some animals with tales of Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise where animals supposedly go after death. The pigs work hard to debunk these tales and focus the animals on the rebellion.
Boxer and Clover, two cart-horses, become key supporters of the pigs. They may not be very intelligent, but they are loyal and help simplify the pigs’ message for the other animals.
The chapter culminates in the unexpected early occurrence of the rebellion. Mr. Jones, having fallen into a drunken stupor after losing money, neglects to feed the animals. Driven by hunger, the animals break into the store-shed. When Mr. Jones and his men try to stop them, the animals retaliate. They chase the humans away from the farm, thus achieving their first victory.
In the aftermath, the animals destroy the instruments of their oppression and enjoy a double ration of corn. They sing “Beasts of England” multiple times, basking in their newfound freedom. The next morning, they explore the farmhouse, which symbolizes the luxuries of the life they have been denied.
This chapter is pivotal as it sets the stage for the rest of the novel, showcasing the initial success of the animals’ rebellion and the establishment of Animal Farm. It also highlights the emerging divisions and class structures that will later define the farm’s society.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Pigs as Leaders: Just as the pigs Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer take charge of spreading the principles of Animalism, the Bolshevik leaders, including Lenin, Trotsky, and others, worked to educate the Russian people about the ideals of communism.
- The Rebellion: The animals’ rebellion against Mr. Jones, which occurs much earlier than expected and with surprising ease, parallels the February Revolution of 1917, which led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. The Tsar’s mismanagement and the military’s defeats in World War I had left the country ripe for revolution.
- The Role of Education: The pigs’ efforts to teach the other animals about the new ideology reflect the Bolsheviks’ efforts to spread communist doctrine among the Russian populace, who had been living under a feudal-capitalist system.
- Mollie and Moses: Characters like Mollie, who is concerned about her luxuries, and Moses, who tells tales of Sugarcandy Mountain, represent the segments of society that were either resistant to change or distracted by religion and other promises.
- The Immediate Aftermath: The animals’ initial joy and the sense of victory they feel after expelling Mr. Jones are akin to the Russian people’s relief at the end of Tsarist rule. However, just as the animals face the challenge of running the farm themselves, the Russian people faced the daunting task of establishing a new government.
- The Changing Commandments: The subtle changes to the commandments that begin in this chapter foreshadow the manipulation of communist principles that would occur under Stalin’s rule, just as the pigs start to alter the principles of Animalism to suit their needs.
Chapter 3:
The animals embark on the harvest, a laborious task, but they are motivated by the fact that this is the first harvest they will own. The pigs, being the cleverest, devise ways for the animals to use human tools. Every animal contributes according to their ability, resulting in a harvest larger than any they had seen with Mr. Jones.
Boxer, the workhorse, proves to be an invaluable asset with his immense strength and his personal motto, “I will work harder!” His dedication earns him the admiration of all the animals on the farm.
The chapter also describes the establishment of a new routine. Sundays are reserved for rest and meetings, where the animals make decisions about the farm. A green flag with a white hoof and horn is raised during the flag ceremony, symbolizing their new-found freedom.
Snowball and Napoleon emerge as the most vocal in the meetings, often disagreeing with each other. Snowball forms committees to improve life on the farm, though most of these fail. However, he succeeds in teaching the animals to read and write to varying degrees.
To simplify the Seven Commandments of Animalism for those who cannot read, Snowball distills them into a single maxim: “Four legs good, two legs bad.” This slogan is readily adopted by the animals, particularly the sheep, who chant it often.
Meanwhile, Napoleon focuses on the education of the young and takes nine puppies to train them privately, away from the other animals. This act raises some concerns, but the animals are too preoccupied with the success of the harvest to question his motives.
Towards the end of the chapter, the animals discover that the pigs have been taking all the milk and apples for themselves. When confronted, Squealer, the persuasive pig, explains that these foods are essential for the pigs’ brainwork, which is vital for the farm’s management. He convinces the animals that this is necessary to prevent Mr. Jones’s return, and the animals accept this explanation.
This chapter is crucial as it demonstrates the initial success and unity of the animals while also planting the seeds of future inequality and control by the pigs. It highlights the power of rhetoric and the beginning of the manipulation that will characterize the pigs’ leadership.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Harvest: The animals’ collective effort in the harvest can be seen as a representation of the early Soviet Union’s push for increased industrial and agricultural output. The animals’ success mirrors the initial achievements of the Soviet Union’s Five-Year Plans, which aimed to rapidly modernize the economy.
- The Windmill Debate: The debate over the windmill reflects the ideological split within the Bolshevik Party between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. Snowball’s plans for the windmill, which would generate electricity and reduce labor, symbolize Trotsky’s vision for modernizing the Soviet Union. In contrast, Napoleon’s opposition and eventual sabotage of the project represent Stalin’s rejection of Trotsky’s ideas.
- The Pigs’ Leadership: The pigs’ emergence as the leaders of the farm, taking on the role of organizers and educators, parallels the rise of the Bolshevik elite who began to separate themselves from the proletariat they claimed to represent. The pigs’ gradual assumption of privileges and the start of their corruption reflect the Soviet leadership’s drift from communist ideals.
- The Sheep’s Chant: The simplification of the Seven Commandments into the sheep’s chant, “Four legs good, two legs bad,” represents the reduction of Marxist theory into simplistic slogans used by the Soviet state to control the masses and discourage critical thinking.
- The Education of the Young: Napoleon’s focus on the education of the young puppies, whom he takes away for personal training, symbolizes the Soviet regime’s focus on youth indoctrination. This ensured that the next generation would be loyal to Stalin’s vision.
- The Growing Disparity: The chapter also hints at the growing disparity between the ruling class (the pigs) and the working class (other animals), which was a reality in the Soviet Union as the government officials enjoyed more privileges than the average citizen.
Chapter 4:
By late summer, news of the rebellion and the establishment of Animal Farm has spread across the county. Mr. Jones, the ousted owner, has taken to drinking and lamenting his misfortune in the nearby town of Willingdon. Meanwhile, the neighboring farmers, Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick, view Animal Farm with suspicion and fear that the revolutionary spirit might infect their own livestock. Despite their concerns, their mutual rivalry prevents them from uniting against the animal’s new society.
Snowball, who has become one of the most proactive leaders of Animal Farm, uses his intelligence to expand the influence of Animalism. He sends pigeons to neighboring farms to teach the song “Beasts of England” to other animals, hoping to incite further rebellions.
In early October, the animals receive word that Mr. Jones is marching towards Animal Farm with men from Pilkington’s and Frederick’s farms, intent on reclaiming his property. Snowball, who has studied the battle campaigns of Julius Caesar, prepares the animals for defense. He leads them in an ambush against the humans in what becomes known as the “Battle of the Cowshed.” The animals fight bravely, with Boxer and Snowball showing exceptional courage. The humans are quickly defeated, and the animals suffer only minor losses.
After the battle, Boxer is troubled by the thought that he may have killed a stable boy, reflecting his gentle nature despite his physical strength. Snowball, however, reassures him by asserting that the death of humans is justified in their struggle.
The animals decide to commemorate their victory by declaring the date of the Battle of the Cowshed as a holiday and by firing Mr. Jones’s gun twice a year: once on the anniversary of the battle and once on Midsummer’s Day, the anniversary of the Rebellion.
This chapter is crucial as it not only demonstrates the animals’ ability to defend their autonomy but also begins to reveal the emerging ideological differences between Snowball and Napoleon. It also sets the stage for the power struggles that will define the future of Animal Farm.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- Spread of Animalism: The efforts of Snowball to spread the message of Animalism to the neighboring farms represent Leon Trotsky’s attempts to promote communism internationally through the Comintern (Communist International). Trotsky believed in the concept of Permanent Revolution, which held that the success of socialism in Russia depended on the spread of the revolution globally.
- The Battle of the Cowshed: The attack by Mr. Jones and the other farmers on Animal Farm mirrors the Russian Civil War (1917-1923), which took place after the Bolshevik Revolution. The Civil War pitted the Red Army (Bolsheviks) against the White Army (a loose coalition of anti-Bolshevik forces), along with intervention by foreign powers that opposed the revolution.
- The Neighboring Farmers: Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington, the neighboring farmers, symbolize the capitalist nations that were hostile to the Bolshevik government. Their fear of the revolutionary ideas spreading to their own animals reflects the fear among capitalist countries of communism spreading to their territories.
- The Animals’ Defense: The animals’ successful defense of the farm against the humans represents the Red Army’s defense of the newly formed Soviet state against the White Army and foreign intervention during the Civil War. The victory solidified the Bolsheviks’ power and ensured the survival of the Soviet state. (Leon Trotsky founded the Red Army, also known as the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army, in January 1918 to defend the Bolshevik government led by Vladimir Lenin against the White Army and other anti-Bolshevik armies during the Russian Civil War (1918-20). In 1919, the Red forces defeated Admiral Aleksandr Kolchak’s forces in Siberia and the White Armed Forces of South Russia in Ukraine. In late 1920, the Red Army overcame the remaining White forces led by Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel in Crimea, bringing the Russian Civil War to a conclusion in November 1920. The Bolshevik victory confirmed the Russian Communists’ control in the Soviet Union.)
- The Allegory of Leadership: The leadership roles of Snowball and Napoleon continue to represent the power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin. Snowball’s strategic planning and the animals’ unity in defense of the farm reflect the early unity among the Bolsheviks during the Civil War before the power struggle intensified.
Chapter 5:
As winter sets in, the animals face new challenges and changes on Animal Farm. Mollie, the farm’s vain horse, becomes increasingly difficult to manage. She is often late for work, shirks her duties, and is caught accepting treats from men associated with nearby farms. Her behavior is in direct conflict with the principles of Animalism. Eventually, Mollie disappears, lured away by a fat, red-faced man who strokes her coat and feeds her sugar; she is later seen pulling his carriage.
The cold weather brings the outdoor work to a halt, and the animals spend their time planning for the upcoming season. The pigs, considered the most intelligent, naturally take on the role of planning, while the other animals have the right to ratify their decisions. However, the meetings are dominated by the ongoing disagreements between Snowball and Napoleon.
Snowball is an eloquent speaker and a better debater, often winning the support of the animals during meetings. In contrast, Napoleon is more adept at canvassing support individually, particularly among the sheep, who disrupt Snowball’s speeches with their bleating.
Snowball proposes a grand plan to build a windmill, which would generate electricity and reduce the animals’ workload. He passionately argues that the windmill would bring comfort and ease to their lives. Napoleon, however, opposes the idea, believing that the animals should focus on their immediate needs rather than distant plans.
During a crucial meeting to decide on the windmill project, Snowball delivers an inspiring speech. Just as the animals seem ready to vote in favor of the windmill, Napoleon signals nine fierce dogs, which he has secretly raised and trained, to attack Snowball. The dogs chase Snowball off the farm, and he is never seen again.
With Snowball gone, Napoleon declares that there will be no more debates; from now on, the pigs will make all the decisions for the good of every animal. This announcement marks the end of democratic decision-making on the farm.
Squealer, Napoleon’s spokesperson, convinces the animals that Napoleon’s takeover is a sacrifice for the greater good. He claims that Napoleon, being the cleverest, should make all decisions to prevent the return of Mr. Jones. The animals are placated, though they remain confused and disturbed by the turn of events.
Boxer, the hardworking horse, adopts two maxims: “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.” These slogans reinforce Napoleon’s authority and quell dissent among the animals.
Three weeks after Snowball’s expulsion, the animals learn that Napoleon supports the windmill project, which he had previously opposed. This sudden change of stance further consolidates Napoleon’s control over the farm.
Chapter 5 is critical as it illustrates the manipulation of truth, the rise of a dictatorship, and the betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. It foreshadows the increasing oppression and the rewriting of history that will characterize Napoleon’s regime.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- Mollie’s Defection: Mollie, the self-absorbed horse who eventually leaves the farm for a life of comfort with humans, represents the bourgeois class in Russia who were opposed to the revolution’s ideals. They often fled the country to escape the changes brought about by the Bolsheviks.
- The Power Struggle: The conflict between Snowball and Napoleon in the chapter is an allegory for the power struggle between Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin. Snowball’s expulsion from the farm mirrors Trotsky’s exile from the Soviet Union as Stalin consolidated his power.
- The Windmill Debate: The debate over the windmill represents the ideological split within the Communist Party regarding industrialization. Snowball’s plans for the windmill, which would reduce labor and improve the animals’ lives, symbolize Trotsky’s vision for rapid industrialization and modernization. Napoleon’s opposition to the windmill reflects Stalin’s initial resistance to such plans.
- The Shift in Governance: Napoleon’s decision to end the democratic decision-making process at the farm meetings symbolizes the end of the political pluralism that existed briefly after the revolution. It marks the beginning of a totalitarian regime under Stalin, where dissent was not tolerated.
- The Role of Propaganda: Squealer’s role in convincing the animals about the necessity of the pigs’ leadership and the benefits of their decisions despite the hardships they face represents the use of propaganda in the Soviet Union to control public perception and maintain the Communist Party’s power.
- The Betrayal of Ideals: The chapter illustrates the gradual betrayal of the revolution’s ideals, as the pigs begin to enjoy privileges and power at the expense of the other animals. This parallels the way the Soviet leadership, under Stalin, began to enjoy the benefits of power while the populace faced increasing hardship.
Chapter 6:
Throughout the year, the animals labor intensely, both to harvest enough food for themselves and to construct the windmill. The leadership, under Napoleon, declares Sunday work voluntary, but any animal who chooses not to work will have their rations halved, effectively making it mandatory.
Boxer, the stalwart horse, dedicates himself to the cause, working with the strength of three horses and never complaining. Despite the challenges, such as figuring out how to break stone without proper tools, the animals manage to make progress on the windmill.
As resources like iron, nails, and oil run low, Napoleon makes a controversial decision to engage in trade with the outside world. He hires Mr. Whymper, a human solicitor, to represent Animal Farm in these dealings. This move shocks the animals, but Squealer, Napoleon’s spokesperson, convinces them that trade and the use of money were never against their principles, suggesting any memory of such a prohibition is a lie spread by Snowball.
The pigs begin to adopt more human behaviors, moving into the farmhouse and allegedly sleeping in beds. When Clover, a horse, questions this apparent violation of the commandments, she finds that the commandment now reads, “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” Squealer explains that the evil lies in the sheets, not the beds, and that the pigs need rest for their brains to manage the farm.
A violent storm hits Animal Farm, causing significant damage, including the destruction of the half-finished windmill. Napoleon quickly blames Snowball for the disaster and offers a reward for his capture. Despite the setback, Napoleon insists on starting the windmill’s reconstruction immediately.
This chapter illustrates the growing divide between the pigs and the other animals, the manipulation of language and rules to maintain power, and the increasing resemblance of the pigs to the humans they overthrew. It also highlights the animals’ continued belief in the cause, despite the mounting evidence of corruption and inequality.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Windmill: The construction of the windmill in the novel symbolizes the industrialization efforts of the Soviet Union under Stalin’s Five-Year Plans. These plans were ambitious projects aimed at rapidly transforming the country from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse.
- The Hardship of the Animals: The animals’ hard work and the scarcity of resources they endure while building the windmill reflect the hardships faced by the Soviet people during the implementation of the Five-Year Plans. The plans led to widespread labor demands and shortages of consumer goods.
- Napoleon’s Trade with Humans: Napoleon’s decision to engage in trade with humans, particularly the selling of timber, mirrors the Soviet Union’s interactions with capitalist countries. Stalin, despite his professed commitment to communism, engaged in trade with the West to acquire the capital necessary for industrialization.
- The Alteration of Commandments: The subtle changes to the Seven Commandments, such as the addition of “without cause” to the rule about not killing other animals, represent the Soviet government’s manipulation of Marxist-Leninist doctrine to justify its actions, including the use of terror and purges.
- The Betrayal of the Revolution’s Ideals: The increasing privileges enjoyed by the pigs, while the other animals face austerity, symbolize the betrayal of the revolution’s promise of equality. In the Soviet Union, a new elite class emerged, enjoying luxuries while the populace suffered.
- The Shift in Leadership: The chapter also highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of the pigs, particularly Napoleon, which is analogous to Stalin’s rise to absolute power, eliminating all opposition and dissent within the Communist Party.
Chapter 7:
The winter is harsh, and the animals face the bitter cold as they work to rebuild the windmill. Their food supplies are dwindling, and in January, they fall short of food. The animals, led by Squealer, work to conceal this fact from the human farmers around them to prevent any perception that Animal Farm is failing.
Despite the humans’ disbelief that Snowball caused the destruction of the windmill, attributing it to thin walls, the animals resolve to build the walls twice as thick this time. Squealer delivers speeches on the glory of sacrifice, but it is Boxer’s example of hard work that truly inspires the animals.
In a desperate move to feed the animals, Napoleon decides to sell four hundred eggs a week. This shocks the animals, as they remember one of Old Major’s original complaints was about the cruelty of egg selling. The hens rebel against this decision, leading to a standoff where Napoleon cuts their rations entirely. Nine hens die before the rest submit to Napoleon’s demands.
Snowball’s presence continues to haunt the farm as Napoleon claims he is visiting at night and sabotaging their efforts. Anything that goes wrong is blamed on Snowball. Squealer announces that Snowball has sold himself to Mr. Frederick’s farm, Pinchfield, and has been in league with Mr. Jones from the start. The animals are stunned by these revelations, especially since they remember Snowball’s heroism at the Battle of the Cowshed.
Napoleon stages a purge, convening all animals and forcing confessions from those who have allegedly participated in conspiracies with Snowball. The dogs, trained by Napoleon, execute the supposed traitors. This brutal act of violence leaves the animals deeply shaken and confused. Boxer, in particular, is troubled and resolves to work even harder, believing that any fault must be within the animals themselves.
This chapter is critical as it showcases the extent of Napoleon’s manipulation and the lengths he will go to maintain control. The betrayal of the revolution’s ideals is now complete, and the farm is under the grip of a dictator. The chapter also highlights the power of propaganda and the use of a scapegoat to unify the populace under a common enemy.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Hens’ Rebellion: The hens’ rebellion against Napoleon’s egg-selling scheme parallels the resistance of the peasants to Stalin’s collectivization policies. The hens’ revolt and the subsequent brutal crackdown by Napoleon’s regime reflect the real-life rebellions by farmers, particularly during the Holodomor in Ukraine, where Stalin’s policies led to widespread famine and millions of deaths.
- The False Confessions and Purges: The confessions and executions of the animals accused of conspiring with Snowball mirror the Great Purge of the 1930s. During this time, Stalin conducted a series of campaigns against perceived enemies of the state, leading to show trials, forced confessions, and executions of countless individuals, including prominent Communist Party members.
- The Scapegoating of Snowball: Snowball’s role as a scapegoat for everything that goes wrong on the farm is similar to Trotsky’s role in Soviet propaganda. After Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party and exiled, Stalin used him as a convenient target for blame, accusing him of being a traitor and conspiring against the Soviet state.
- The Struggle for Survival: The animals’ struggle to survive the harsh winter while rebuilding the windmill reflects the hardships faced by the Soviet people during the industrialization and collectivization drives. The Soviet population endured severe shortages and labor demands, often leading to famine and suffering.
- The Manipulation of History: The alteration of the Seven Commandments and the rewriting of history on the farm represent the Soviet regime’s manipulation of facts to maintain control over the populace. Stalin’s government was known for revising historical records to suit its narrative and justify its actions.
- The Propaganda Efforts: Squealer’s role in spreading propaganda and manipulating the animals’ perceptions of reality mirrors the Soviet state’s use of media and censorship to control public opinion and suppress dissent.
Chapter 8:
After the executions, the animals discover that the commandment “No animal shall kill any other animal” has been altered to include “without cause.” This change, like previous ones, is attributed to the animals’ faulty memories. The animals work harder than ever, enduring hunger and cold, while Squealer presents misleading statistics to convince them that their conditions are better than under Mr. Jones.
Napoleon, now referred to as “Leader,” receives praise and admiration through a poem written by Minimus and displayed on the barn wall. Meanwhile, Napoleon engages in complex negotiations to sell a pile of timber, alternating between favoring Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington, depending on the current propaganda campaign against either farm.
Eventually, Napoleon sells the timber to Mr. Frederick for cash, after which it’s discovered that the banknotes are forgeries. Napoleon pronounces a death sentence on Frederick and prepares the animals for an attack. As predicted, Frederick and his men assault Animal Farm, planting dynamite and destroying the windmill. The animals, driven by rage, manage to drive the humans away but suffer heavy casualties, including a serious injury to Boxer.
The chapter also reveals the pigs’ discovery of a case of whisky in the farmhouse. After a night of drinking, there are rumors that Napoleon may be dying. However, he recovers by the evening. The next night, Squealer is found near the barn with a paintbrush, having fallen from a ladder near the Seven Commandments, hinting at further alterations.
This chapter is significant as it shows the extent of the pigs’ corruption, the betrayal of the revolution’s principles, and the animals’ continued suffering and manipulation. The destruction of the windmill symbolizes the shattering of the animals’ hopes and the cycle of their hard work leading to ruin.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Alteration of Commandments: The continued alteration of the Seven Commandments, such as the addition of “without cause” to the rule about not killing other animals, represents the Soviet government’s manipulation of laws and the constitution to justify its actions, including the use of terror and purges.
- The Windmill: The rebuilding of the windmill after its destruction can be seen as an allegory for the reconstruction of the Soviet Union after World War II. Despite the devastation, Stalin pushed for rapid industrial recovery and development.
- Napoleon’s Diplomacy: Napoleon’s negotiations with the human farmers over the timber, and his eventual betrayal by Mr. Frederick, who pays with counterfeit money, reflect the complex and often duplicitous diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and the Western capitalist nations during and after World War II.
- The Battle of the Windmill: The attack on the windmill by Mr. Frederick and his men, and the subsequent destruction of the windmill, can be seen as a representation of the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II, known as Operation Barbarossa, and the severe damage it caused to the country.
- The Pigs’ Corruption: The increasing corruption of the pigs, who begin to adopt more human behaviors and enjoy luxuries such as whisky, mirrors the corruption and hypocrisy of the Soviet elite, who enjoyed privileges and comforts that were denied to the general populace.
- The Shift in Leadership: The chapter also highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of the pigs, particularly Napoleon, which is analogous to Stalin’s rise to absolute power, eliminating all opposition and dissent within the Communist Party.
Chapter 9:
The chapter begins with the animals, weary and weakened, setting about rebuilding the windmill. Boxer, despite a serious injury, shows remarkable resilience and refuses to take a day off. His determination is fueled by his desire to see the windmill well underway before his retirement, which is due as he approaches the age of twelve.
Food scarcity becomes a pressing issue, and all animals, except the pigs and dogs, face reduced rations. Squealer, ever the manipulator, presents skewed statistics to convince the animals that their lives are still better than under Mr. Jones’s rule. He argues that the well-being of the pigs and dogs is essential for the benefit of all on the farm.
Napoleon fathers thirty-one piglets and orders the construction of a schoolhouse for their education, despite the farm’s dwindling resources. He also institutes “Spontaneous Demonstrations” to celebrate the farm’s achievements, which some animals view skeptically but are drowned out by the sheep’s chants.
In a significant political move, Animal Farm is declared a republic, and Napoleon is elected president in a unanimous vote, being the only candidate. The same day, the leadership revises the history of Snowball’s actions at the Battle of the Cowshed, claiming he fought for Mr. Jones—a claim the animals accept without question.
Tragically, Boxer collapses while working on the windmill, due to what appears to be a lung ailment. The pigs promise to send him to a human hospital for treatment. However, when the cart arrives, Benjamin reads the side and realizes it belongs to a glue maker. Despite the animals’ cries and Boxer’s feeble attempts to escape, he is taken away and never seen again.
To calm the animals, Squealer claims that the cart was purchased by the veterinarian and that Boxer died peacefully at the hospital. The chapter ends with the pigs receiving a crate of whisky, leading to a night of drunkenness.
This chapter is a stark illustration of the betrayal and exploitation of the working class, represented by Boxer, whose strength and loyalty are abused until his very end. It also highlights the complete transformation of the pigs into the tyrants they once overthrew.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- Boxer’s Fate: Boxer, the hardworking horse who collapses and is sent to the knacker’s, symbolizes the Soviet working class. Despite their loyalty and immense contributions to the state’s industrialization efforts, they were ultimately betrayed and discarded when they were no longer useful or became a burden.
- The Pigs’ Privileges: The increasing privileges enjoyed by the pigs, while the other animals face austerity, reflect the growing inequality in the Soviet Union. The elite class, represented by the pigs, enjoyed a higher standard of living at the expense of the general populace.
- The Leadership’s Propaganda: Squealer’s manipulation of statistics and the truth to convince the animals that they are better off than before mirrors the Soviet state’s propaganda. The government often distorted facts to present an image of progress and prosperity, even when the reality was grim.
- The Revision of History: The leadership’s revision of the history of Snowball’s actions at the Battle of the Cowshed, claiming he fought for Mr. Jones, represents the Soviet regime’s rewriting of history to suit its narrative and demonize its enemies.
- The Windmill: The completion of the windmill for milling corn, rather than generating electricity as originally intended, symbolizes the failure of Stalin’s promises. The Five-Year Plans, which were supposed to improve the lives of the Soviet people, often resulted in projects that served the state’s interests rather than the workers’ needs.
- The Animals’ Subjugation: The animals’ continued subjugation and acceptance of the pigs’ explanations for their hardships reflect the Soviet people’s resignation to their fate under Stalin’s oppressive regime.
Chapter 10:
Years have passed since the rebellion, and many of the original animals have died, leaving only a few who remember the days before the Rebellion. The farm has expanded, with the purchase of two of Mr. Pilkington’s fields, and the second windmill is completed. However, it is used for milling corn, which is more profitable, rather than generating electricity as Snowball had proposed.
The farm appears prosperous, but the wealth is unevenly distributed. The pigs and dogs live comfortable lives, while the other animals continue to work hard for little reward. Squealer frequently justifies the pigs’ privileges by claiming they do important work, such as filling out forms, which the other animals cannot understand.
Napoleon and Squealer have become fat, and the farm is now populated with many pigs and dogs. The pigs have adopted human behaviors, moving into the farmhouse, sleeping in beds, and even walking on two legs. The commandment “All animals are equal” has been altered to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”.
The pigs begin to engage in trade and other activities with human farmers, blurring the lines between animal and human. During a dinner with human farmers, Napoleon announces that the animals will no longer address each other as “Comrade,” nor will they salute the flag with a horn and hoof. Instead, they will adopt human customs and traditions.
The chapter ends with the animals watching through a window as the pigs toast with the human farmers. Mr. Pilkington praises the pigs for making the animals work harder and on less food than any other group of farm animals in the county. As the animals look from pig to man and man to pig, they realize that it has become impossible to tell the difference between the two.
This final chapter depicts the complete transformation of Animal Farm back to Manor Farm, with the pigs resembling their human oppressors to the degree that it is impossible to say which was which. The ideals of the Rebellion have been completely betrayed, and the cycle of oppression continues.
Relation to the Russian Revolution:
- The Indistinguishable Elite: The pigs’ complete assimilation into human behaviors, such as walking on two legs and wearing clothes, symbolizes the Soviet elite becoming indistinguishable from the oppressive rulers they had overthrown. This reflects the way the Bolshevik leaders, who had promised equality and a classless society, ended up creating a new class hierarchy where they enjoyed privileges above the masses.
- The Betrayal of the Revolution: The renaming of Animal Farm back to Manor Farm signifies the betrayal of the revolution’s original goals. It represents how the Soviet Union, which was supposed to be a state for the workers and peasants, became a repressive regime that mirrored the autocracy it replaced.
- The Windmill’s Use: The windmill, once a symbol of progress and the betterment of all animals’ lives, is now used for milling corn for profit. This reflects how the industrial achievements of the Soviet Union were often used to strengthen the state and the position of its leaders, rather than to improve the lives of its citizens.
- The Final Scene: The final scene, where the pigs play cards with the human farmers and argue over cheating, represents the post-World War II conferences where the Soviet Union negotiated with the Western powers. The difficulty in distinguishing between pig and human symbolizes the convergence of interests between the Soviet elite and the capitalist West, despite their ideological differences.
- The New Commandment: The alteration of the commandment to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” epitomizes the ultimate hypocrisy of the Soviet regime. It reflects the reality that, despite the rhetoric of equality, there was a clear disparity in status and power.
George Orwell
Birth and Early Life: George Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, was born on 25 June 1903 in Motihari, Bengal Presidency, British India. He was born into the class of sahibs. His father was a minor British official in the Indian civil service.
Education: Orwell was raised and educated in England from the age of one. He was educated at Eton College.
Career: After school, he became an Imperial policeman in Burma, before returning to Suffolk, England, where he began his writing career as George Orwell. He made a living from occasional pieces of journalism, and also worked as a teacher or bookseller while living in London.
Pen Name: He wrote under the pen name of George Orwell. The surname Orwell was derived from the beautiful River Orwell in East Anglia.
Writing Style: His work is characterized by lucid prose, social criticism, opposition to totalitarianism, and support of democratic socialism.
Notable Works: He is best known for the allegorical novella “Animal Farm” (1945) and the dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” (1949). His non-fiction works, including “The Road to Wigan Pier” (1937), documenting his experience of working-class life in the industrial north of England, and “Homage to Catalonia” (1938), an account of his experiences soldiering for the Republican faction of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), are as critically respected as his essays on politics, literature, language, and culture.
Personal Life: He was married twice. His first wife was Eileen O’Shaughnessy, whom he married in 1936 and who died in 1945. His second wife was Sonia Brownell, whom he married in 1949. He had one child, Richard Blair.
Death: George Orwell died on 21 January 1950 in London, England.
Legacy: Orwell’s work remains influential in popular culture and in political culture, and the adjective “Orwellian”—describing totalitarian and authoritarian social practices—is part of the English language, like many of his neologisms, such as “Big Brother”, “Thought Police”, “Room 101”, “Newspeak”, “memory hole”, “doublethink”, and “thoughtcrime”.
Characters
Napoleon: Napoleon is one of the two pigs who postulate Old Major’s teachings into “Animalism”. He is a large and rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar. He is the one who becomes the leader of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. His counterpart is Snowball, who is more eloquent and able to get all animals on his side with his ideas and speeches. Napoleon, however, proves more treacherous than Snowball, using his guard dogs to consolidate his power by eliminating his enemies.
Snowball: Snowball is an intelligent, passionate, eloquent pig. He is less subtle and devious than his counterpart, Napoleon. Snowball seems to win the loyalty of the other animals and cement his power. However, he is eventually driven out of the farm by Napoleon and his dogs. He is based on Leon Trotsky, a leader of the Russian Revolution.
Boxer: Boxer is a cart-horse whose incredible strength, dedication, and loyalty play a key role in the early prosperity of Animal Farm. He is not very intelligent—he only learns the first four letters of the alphabet. However, he displays a moral compass that every animal on the farm lacks. He lives by the mottoes “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.”.
Squealer: Squealer is a small, fat pig with very round cheeks, twinkling eyes, nimble movements, and a shrill voice. He is a brilliant and persuasive propagandist who is tasked with justifying Napoleon’s actions and policies to the other animals. He represents the propaganda machine of a totalitarian government.
Old Major: Old Major is the aged and venerable boar who catalyzes the rebellion with his highly influential speech about the evils of humans. His philosophy of Animalism is a mixture of Marx and Lenin. He dies before he can see the result of the rebellion.
Clover: Clover is a stout motherly mare approaching middle life. She supports the revolution, as she naturally takes it upon herself to protect those weaker than she is, and she recognizes this kind of communal spirit echoed in the principles of Animalism.
Mr. Jones: Mr. Jones is the original owner of Manor Farm. He represents the kind of corrupt and fatally flawed government that results in discontent and revolution among its populace. He is overthrown during the Battle of the Cowshed.
Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick: They are the owners of the neighboring farms. They represent the countries that had diplomatic relations with the USSR. However, they find themselves unable to agree on anything.
Benjamin: Benjamin is a donkey, the oldest animal on the farm. He seldom talks and is unchanged by the Rebellion. He is skeptical, cynical, and never laughs. He represents the skeptical people who were unsure of the success of the Russian Revolution.
Mollie: Mollie is a foolish, pretty white mare who drew Mr. Jones’s trap. She likes sugar and wearing pretty ribbons in her mane. She represents the vain and selfish people in Russia who fled to other countries after the Russian Revolution.
Moses: Moses is a tame raven who tells the animals about Sugarcandy Mountain, a heavenly place where animals go when they die. He represents religion.
The Dogs: There are good dogs: Bluebell, Jessie and Pitcher, then there are Napoleon’s dogs that he uses to police the farm. They represent the secret organizations of the police.
The Hens: They bravely protest about their eggs being taken. Their rebellion against Napoleon’s orders symbolizes the resistance and rebellion against oppressive regimes.
The Sheep: They are generally referred to as an anonymous group – no named individual stands out. Their understanding of the aims of the revolution is limited to mindlessly bleating out the slogan ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’. When Squealer decides to alter this, it takes them a week to learn the new version.
Themes
The Corruption of Socialist Ideals in the Soviet Union: “Animal Farm” is a critique of the history and rhetoric of the Russian Revolution. The overthrow of the human oppressor Mr. Jones by a democratic coalition of animals quickly gives way to the consolidation of power among the pigs. The struggle for preeminence between Leon Trotsky and Stalin emerges in the rivalry between the pigs Snowball and Napoleon. The purges and show trials with which Stalin eliminated his enemies and solidified his political base find expression in Animal Farm as the false confessions and executions of animals whom Napoleon distrusts. Although Orwell believed strongly in socialist ideals, he felt that the Soviet Union realized these ideals in a terribly perverse form. His novella creates its most powerful ironies in the moments in which Orwell depicts the corruption of Animalist ideals by those in power.
The Societal Tendency Toward Class Stratification: “Animal Farm” offers commentary on the development of class tyranny and the human tendency to maintain and reestablish class structures even in societies that allegedly stand for total equality. The novella illustrates how classes that are initially unified in the face of a common enemy, as the animals are against the humans, may become internally divided when that enemy is eliminated. The gradual disintegration and perversion of the Seven Commandments illustrates this hypocrisy with vivid force, as do Squealer’s elaborate philosophical justifications for the pigs’ blatantly unprincipled actions.
Totalitarianism: Orwell’s use of Totalitarianism as the theme demonstrates, without education and true empowerment of the lower classes, any revolution led would only be led into oppression and tyranny. Initially, the results of the revolution look promising, as the animals get the direct benefit of their labor. Soon, the pigs adopt human ways and make business deals with farmers that benefit them alone.
Power of Language: Language has the power to engage and disengage. In Animal form, Orwell excellently depicts the power of language through the pigs, only animals with a strong command of language. At the same time, the animals’ adoption of slogans like “Napoleon is always right” or “Four legs good, two legs bad” underlines their lack of understanding and easy to be manipulated nature.
Class structures: From time immemorial class division seems to be a major issue of human society. George Orwell comments on the same through the class division in ‘ Animal Farm ‘ before and after the revolution. He ironically presents the human tendency to have class structures even though they speak of total equality.
Power leading to corruption: “Power leading to corruption” is another major theme Orwell explores in ‘ Animal Farm ’. Many of the characters, predominantly the pigs after the humans demonstrate the theme in the novel. Initially, humans exploit their power over animals. Later following the revolt, the pigs start to fill in the gap created by the eviction of man.
Symbolism
Animal Farm: Animal Farm, known at the beginning and the end of the novel as the Manor Farm, symbolizes Russia and the Soviet Union under Communist Party rule. But more generally, Animal Farm stands for any human society, be it capitalist, socialist, fascist, or communist. It possesses the internal structure of a nation, with a government (the pigs), a police force or army (the dogs), a working class (the other animals), and state holidays and rituals. Its location amid a number of hostile neighboring farms supports its symbolism as a political entity with diplomatic concerns. The farm’s transformation from the Manor Farm to Animal Farm and back to Manor Farm again points to the cyclical nature of societal oppression.
The Barn: The barn at Animal Farm, on whose outside walls the pigs paint the Seven Commandments and, later, their revisions, represents the collective memory of a modern nation. The many scenes in which the ruling-class pigs alter the principles of Animalism and in which the working-class animals puzzle over but accept these changes represent the way an institution in power can revise a community’s concept of history to bolster its control. If the working class believes history to lie on the side of their oppressors, they are less likely to question oppressive practices. Moreover, the oppressors, by revising their nation’s conception of its origins and development, gain control of the nation’s very identity, and the oppressed soon come to depend upon the authorities for their communal sense of self.
The Windmill: The great windmill symbolizes the pigs’ manipulation of the other animals for their own gain. Despite the immediacy of the need for food and warmth, the pigs exploit Boxer and the other common animals by making them undertake backbreaking labor to build the windmill, which will ultimately earn the pigs more money and thus increase their power. The pigs’ declaration that Snowball is responsible for the windmill’s first collapse constitutes psychological manipulation, as it prevents the common animals from doubting the pigs’ abilities and unites them against a supposed enemy. The ultimate conversion of the windmill to commercial use is one more sign of the pigs’ betrayal of their fellow animals.
Food: Food is used to symbolize luxury and inequality. The distribution of food in the novel reflects the status and power of the animals. The pigs, who hold the highest status, are often seen indulging in apples and milk, while the other animals are given minimal rations. This unequal distribution of resources mirrors the class stratification in human societies, where the ruling class often has access to a disproportionate share of resources.
Flags and Rituals: Flags and rituals are used to both galvanize the animals and maintain contro. They serve as tools of propaganda, reinforcing the principles of Animalism and the sense of unity among the animals. They also serve to distract the animals from the inequalities and power dynamics at play. The adoption and manipulation of these symbols by the pigs demonstrate their cunning use of propaganda to control and manipulate the other animals.
The Seven Commandments: The Seven Commandments symbolize the utopian ideals that were the foundation of Animalism. However, as the pigs consolidate power, they manipulate and alter these commandments to justify their actions and maintain their authority, illustrating the corruption of power.
The Dogs: The dogs in “Animal Farm” serve as Napoleon’s private army. They are used to instill fear and maintain order among the other animals, symbolizing the use of force and terror to suppress dissent in a totalitarian regime.
The Hens: The hens symbolize the working class. Their rebellion against Napoleon’s orders to sell their eggs symbolizes the resistance and rebellion against oppressive regimes.
The Sheep: The sheep in “Animal Farm” represent the masses. Their mindless repetition of slogans like “Four legs good, two legs bad” underlines their lack of understanding and easy-to-manipulate nature.
Sugarcandy Mountain: Sugarcandy Mountain, the place where Moses the raven tells the animals they will go when they die, symbolizes the concept of heaven or an afterlife. It represents the religious beliefs that are often used by those in power to control and placate the masses.
Napoleon: Napoleon, the main pig, represents Joseph Stalin. He is known for his blatant lust for power and his method of getting his own way involves a combination of propaganda and terror. His greatest crime is his complete transformation into Jones — although Napoleon is a much more harsh and stern master than the reader is led to believe Jones ever was.
Snowball: Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. He is intelligent, passionate, and eloquent, and he believes in the principles of Animalism. However, he is eventually driven out of the farm by Napoleon and his supporters, who view him as a threat to their power.
Squealer: Squealer represents the disinformation and propaganda efforts of Stalin’s government. He justifies the pigs’ monopolization of resources and spreads false statistics pointing to the farm’s success.
Mr. Jones: Mr. Jones, the original human owner of the farm, represents the ineffective and incompetent Czar Nicholas II. His carelessness and cruelty are the final straw for the animals: they instigate a rebellion when he neglects to feed them and then tries to beat them when they break into the stores of grain.
Boxer: Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, represents the working class, who are often exploited by those in power. Despite his loyalty to the cause, Boxer is eventually betrayed by the pigs and sent to the knacker’s yard to be slaughtered.
Clover: Clover represents the female working class and peasants of the Soviet Union. She supports the revolution, as she naturally takes it upon herself to protect those weaker than she is.
Mollie: Mollie represents the bourgeois middle class during the Russian Revolution. Her reluctance to let go of her privileged lifestyle, detachment from the struggles of the working class, and ultimate departure from Animal Farm all symbolize the middle class’s resistance to change and their preference for the comforts of the old regime.
Benjamin: Benjamin represents the intellectuals who failed to oppose Stalin. More broadly, Benjamin represents all intellectuals who choose to ignore politics.
Old Major: Old Major represents a combination of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. His ideas of animal equality and revolution closely mirror Marx’s and Lenin’s ideologies, which laid the foundation for the Russian Revolution.
Moses: Moses, the raven, represents organized religion and the Church. He is depicted as a crafty and opportunistic bird who preaches about Sugarcandy Mountain, a utopian afterlife for animals.
The Seven Commandants
The Seven Commandments in “Animal Farm” are a set of rules initially created by the animals to govern their new society after the rebellion. They are designed to uphold the principles of Animalism and ensure equality among all animals. Here are the original Seven Commandments:
- Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
- Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
- No animal shall wear clothes.
- No animal shall sleep in a bed.
- No animal shall drink alcohol.
- No animal shall kill any other animal.
- All animals are equal.
As the story progresses, these commandments are subtly altered by the pigs to justify their increasingly authoritarian rule and to maintain their control over the other animals. The changes are made to serve the interests of the pigs and reflect the corruption of the original ideals of the revolution. By the end of the novel, the commandments have been reduced to a single maxim: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” which signifies the complete betrayal of the revolution’s principles.
The Seven Commandants and its relation to Russian Revolution
“Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.”
This commandment reflects the initial revolutionary fervor on the farm, where the animals unite against their human oppressors. In the context of the Russian Revolution, it symbolizes the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the oppressive Tsarist regime.
“Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.”
This commandment represents the solidarity among the animals, emphasizing their shared struggle against human exploitation. In the Russian Revolution, it parallels the unity among various revolutionary groups and the desire for a better society.
“No animal shall wear clothes.”
This rule underscores the simplicity and equality of Animalism. In the Russian Revolution, it symbolizes the rejection of the aristocracy’s privileges and the aspiration for a classless society.
“No animal shall sleep in a bed.”
This commandment reflects the rejection of human luxuries and comforts. In the Russian Revolution, it represents the desire to eliminate the excesses enjoyed by the ruling class.
“No animal shall drink alcohol.”
This rule emphasizes sobriety and discipline. In the Russian Revolution, it aligns with the Bolsheviks’ call for a focused, committed revolutionary movement.
“No animal shall kill any other animal.”
Initially, this commandment represents the hope for a peaceful, egalitarian society. However, it later changes to “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause,” reflecting the corruption of ideals. In the Russian Revolution, it mirrors the violence and purges that followed the overthrow of the Tsar.
“All animals are equal.”
The ultimate commandment encapsulates the revolution’s promise of equality. However, it evolves into “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” symbolizing the betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. In the Russian Revolution, it parallels the rise of a new elite class that exploited the working masses.
Overall, the Seven Commandments serve as a powerful allegory for the Russian Revolution, illustrating how revolutionary ideals can be corrupted and replaced by oppressive regimes, much like the transformation of Manor Farm into Animal Farm and then back into Manor Farm in the novella123.
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of “Animal Farm”?
A: The author of “Animal Farm” is George Orwell.
Q: What type of work is “Animal Farm”?
A: “Animal Farm” is an allegorical novella.
Q: Who does Old Major represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Old Major represents Karl Marx in “Animal Farm”.
Q: Who does Napoleon represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin in “Animal Farm”.
Q: Who does Snowball represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Snowball represents Leon Trotsky in “Animal Farm”.
Q: What does the windmill symbolize in “Animal Farm”?
A: The windmill symbolizes the pigs’ manipulation of the other animals for their own gain.
Q: What does Animal Farm represent?
A: Animal Farm represents any human society, be it capitalist, socialist, fascist, or communist.
Q: What is the original name of Animal Farm?
A: The original name of Animal Farm is Manor Farm.
Q: What is Boxer’s motto in “Animal Farm”?
A: Boxer’s motto is “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.”
Q: What is the final commandment in “Animal Farm”?
A: The final commandment is “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Q: Who are the dogs in “Animal Farm”?
A: The dogs are Napoleon’s private army in “Animal Farm”.
Q: Who does Mr. Jones represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Mr. Jones represents the old government, or the last Tsar of Russia.
Q: What does Sugarcandy Mountain represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Sugarcandy Mountain represents the concept of heaven or an afterlife.
Q: Who is Squealer in “Animal Farm”?
A: Squealer is a pig who spreads Napoleon’s propaganda among the other animals.
Q: What is the Battle of the Cowshed in “Animal Farm”?
A: The Battle of the Cowshed represents the Civil War that occurred after the 1917 Revolution.
Q: Who is Mollie in “Animal Farm”?
A: Mollie is a horse who likes being pampered and represents the vain and selfish people in society.
Q: What does the song “Beasts of England” represent in “Animal Farm”? A: “Beasts of England” represents the hope for a better future.
Q: What does the farmhouse represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: The farmhouse represents the place of power.
Q: Who does Benjamin represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: Benjamin, the donkey, represents the older generation, the critics of any new rebellion.
Q: What is the main theme of “Animal Farm”?
A: The main theme of “Animal Farm” is the corruption of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union.
Short Answer Questions
Q: How does Napoleon maintain control over the other animals in “Animal Farm”?
A: Napoleon maintains control over the other animals through a combination of propaganda, fear, and manipulation. He uses Squealer, a persuasive and articulate pig, to spread propaganda and justify his actions. He also uses fear as a tool, employing his loyal dogs to intimidate and punish those who oppose him. Additionally, he manipulates the animals’ memories and perceptions of events to suit his narrative.
Q: What is the significance of the windmill in “Animal Farm”?
A: The windmill in “Animal Farm” symbolizes the pigs’ manipulation of the other animals for their own gain. Despite the immediate need for food and warmth, the pigs exploit the other animals by making them undertake backbreaking labor to build the windmill, which will ultimately earn the pigs more money and thus increase their power.
Q: How does Orwell use the character of Boxer to critique the Soviet Union in “Animal Farm”?
A: Boxer represents the working class that is exploited in a totalitarian society. His personal maxims, “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right,” show his complete loyalty and blind obedience to the leadership. Despite his hard work and loyalty, he is sent to the knacker when he is no longer useful, symbolizing the betrayal of the working class by the ruling elite.
Q: What role does Squealer play in “Animal Farm”?
A: Squealer plays the role of a propagandist in “Animal Farm”. He is responsible for justifying Napoleon’s actions and policies to the other animals. He manipulates language and facts to convince the animals that the pigs’ decisions are in their best interest.
Q: How does Orwell use the Seven Commandments to illustrate the corruption of power in “Animal Farm”?
A: The Seven Commandments in “Animal Farm” initially represent the ideals of Animalism, a system meant to ensure equality among the animals. However, as the pigs consolidate power, they manipulate and alter these commandments to justify their actions and maintain their authority, illustrating the corruption of power.
Q: What is the role of the dogs in “Animal Farm”?
A: The dogs in “Animal Farm” serve as Napoleon’s private army. They are used to instill fear and maintain order among the other animals, symbolizing the use of force and terror to suppress dissent in a totalitarian regime.
Q: How does the Battle of the Cowshed represent historical events in “Animal Farm”?
A: The Battle of the Cowshed represents the Russian Civil War that occurred after the 1917 Revolution. It symbolizes the resistance of the old regime and the struggle for power following a revolution.
Q: What does the song “Beasts of England” represent in “Animal Farm”?
A: The song “Beasts of England” in “Animal Farm” represents the hope and unity of the animals in their struggle against oppression. It embodies the ideals of Animalism and serves as a rallying cry for the animals during the Rebellion.
Q: How does Orwell use food to symbolize inequality in “Animal Farm”?
A: In “Animal Farm”, food is used to symbolize luxury and inequality. The distribution of food reflects the status and power of the animals. The pigs, who hold the highest status, are often seen indulging in apples and milk, while the other animals are given minimal rations.
Q: What is the significance of the name change from Manor Farm to Animal Farm and back to Manor Farm?
A: The name change from Manor Farm to Animal Farm represents the animals’ overthrow of human rule and the establishment of their own society. The change back to Manor Farm at the end of the novel symbolizes the complete transformation of the pigs into the humans they once opposed, indicating that the ideals of the Rebellion have been completely abandoned.
Essay Type Question
Write the critical analysis of the play.
Introduction “Animal Farm” is an allegorical novella by George Orwell, first published in England on 17 August 1945. The book is a critique of the Russian Revolution and a satire on the corruption of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union.
Themes The central themes of “Animal Farm” include the corruption of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union, the societal tendency toward class stratification, and the dangers of a naïve working class. The novella illustrates how classes that are initially unified in the face of a common enemy may become internally divided when that enemy is eliminated.
Symbolism The farm itself represents any human society, be it capitalist, socialist, fascist, or communist. The windmill symbolizes the pigs’ manipulation of the other animals for their own gain. Food is used to symbolize luxury and inequality.
Characterisation The characters in “Animal Farm” are a reflection of the major figures and political groups that played a part in the Russian Revolution. Characters like Napoleon, Snowball, and Boxer symbolize Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, and the working class respectively.
Title The title “Animal Farm” is significant as it represents the setting of the novella and symbolizes any human society. The change in the name of the farm from Manor Farm to Animal Farm and back to Manor Farm again signifies the cyclical nature of societal oppression.
Structure The structure of “Animal Farm” follows a linear narrative, charting the rise and fall of Animalism on Manor Farm. The story is told from the perspective of the common animals, and it unfolds in a clear, chronological order.
Critical Comments
Allegorical Complexity: While “Animal Farm” is celebrated for its allegorical depiction of totalitarianism and the corruption of power, some critics argue that its simplicity as an allegory may limit its depth. They suggest that the characters and events are too closely tied to their real-life counterparts, leaving little room for nuanced interpretation.
Character Development: Some readers find fault with the lack of character development in “Animal Farm.” They argue that the characters, particularly the animals, are often one-dimensional and serve primarily as allegorical representations rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. This can make it difficult for readers to emotionally invest in their struggles and experiences.
Didactic Tone: Critics have noted the didactic nature of “Animal Farm,” with its overt political messaging and moral lessons. While some readers appreciate its clarity and directness, others find it heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety. They argue that Orwell’s explicit condemnation of totalitarianism may overshadow the novel’s literary merits.
Sociopolitical Context: Some critics have suggested that “Animal Farm” is too closely tied to its specific historical and sociopolitical context, namely the events of the Russian Revolution and Stalinist era. They argue that its relevance may diminish outside of this context, limiting its ability to resonate with readers who are less familiar with the historical background.
Ambiguity of Resolution: The ending of “Animal Farm” has been a subject of debate among critics. While some appreciate its open-ended nature, which allows for multiple interpretations, others find it unsatisfying and inconclusive. They argue that the fate of the animals and the ultimate outcome of the revolution are left ambiguous, leaving readers with unanswered questions.
