Animal Farm by George Orwell | Animal Farm

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.

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