Animal Farm - Chapter -summary,Themes

 Short Biography of George Orwell

Eric Arthur Blair was born in India and grew up there. He attended Eton College in England. Between 1922 and 1927, he worked for the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. In his semi-autobiographical writings on poverty in London (Down and Out in Paris and London, 1933), his time in colonial Burma (Burmese Days, 1934), the Spanish Civil War (Homage to Catalonia, 1938), and the struggles of jobless coal miners in England (The Road to Wigan Pier, 1937), Blair (who used the pseudonym George Orwell) highlighted and challenged the human inclination to dominate others in political, economic, and physical ways. Orwell strongly opposed totalitarianism, and his best-known books, Animal Farm (1945) and 1984 (1949), serve as strong critiques of authoritarian governments. Orwell passed away at 47 due to an untreated respiratory condition.

Background History

In 1917, Russia and the global community were shaken by two back-to-back revolutions. The initial one toppled the Russian monarchy (the Tsar), while the second created the USSR, the planet's first communist nation. In the following three decades, the Soviet regime evolved into an authoritarian system that twisted socialist principles of worker equality to suppress its citizens and retain control. Animal Farm serves as a symbolic representation of the Russian Revolution and the communist-era Soviet Union. Numerous animal figures in the story directly correspond to people or organizations from the Soviet era.

Essential Details

• Complete Title: Animal Farm - A Fairy Story
• Composition Period: 1944-45
• Location Written: England
• Release Date: 1945
• Literary Era: Modernism

Story Overview

Manor Farm, a modest English property, is managed by the severe and frequently intoxicated Mr. Jones. One evening, a pig called Old Major assembles all the farm's creatures. Aware of his impending death, Old Major delivers an address revealing that humans are responsible for all animal suffering. He declares all animals equal and calls for a united rebellion. He imparts a rebellious tune named "Beasts of England." Shortly after, Old Major dies, but pigs Snowball and Napoleon refine his concepts into Animalism. Three months on, the animals overthrow Jones in a spontaneous revolt. The property becomes "Animal Farm."

The pigs' cleverness, Boxer's massive power, and the lack of exploitative humans lead to Animal Farm's success. The creatures display Animalism's Seven Commandments on the barn wall. These rules affirm animal equality and prohibit human-like behaviors such as bedding down, bipedal walking, killing fellow animals, consuming alcohol, etc.

A power struggle soon arises between pigs Snowball and Napoleon. It peaks over Snowball's windmill proposal. During the decisive windmill discussion, Napoleon calls in secretly trained vicious dogs to expel Snowball from Animal Farm. Napoleon labels Snowball a "negative influence," abolishes voting rights, and assumes full leadership. He dispatches Squealer, a persuasive pig, to assure the animals of Napoleon's good intentions.

Three weeks later, Napoleon approves the windmill. The animals labor under Boxer's guidance. Windmill focus lowers farm output, leaving non-pigs with less food. Pigs trade with neighboring farms, occupy Jones's house, and use beds. Confused animals check the bed rule, finding it altered to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets."

Over subsequent years, Animal Farm clashes with human neighbors. The windmill falls first to weather, then human assault. Napoleon attributes disasters to "betrayer" Snowball, employing intimidation, data manipulation, and lethal eliminations of perceived foes to solidify control. Pigs covertly revise Commandments and farm history to back their deceptions. They allocate less food and more work to animals while indulging themselves. Misled by pig falsehoods, other animals view themselves as revolutionary participants. When dedicated worker Boxer can no longer labor, pigs sell him for glue production and spend the money on liquor.

Time passes. Few remaining animals recall the revolt; even fewer its aims. Pigs learn bipedal walking and wield whips. Animals see Commandments replaced by: "All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others." Pigs ally with human neighbors for a banquet. Animals, stunned, cannot distinguish pigs from humans.

Characters

Old Major – A pig who develops Animalism's principles and motivates the rebellion. As a champion boar, Old Major enjoyed relative privilege. This allowed him insight into human exploitation of animals. His ideas spark the uprising, though he dies beforehand. Old Major represents Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, communism's founders.

Snowball – A pig, one of Old Major's key followers. Snowball is more vibrant, creative, and smart than Napoleon but less cunning in power dynamics. He prioritizes revolutionary ideals, though sometimes sacrifices equality for comfort. Despite his courageous support, his political innocence loses to Napoleon's scheming. Snowball symbolizes Trotsky, 

Squealer – A pig, plump and eloquent, who values personal ease above all. Squealer convinces others that pig violations of Animalism benefit everyone. Squealer embodies the Soviet media, controlled by Stalin.

Minimus – A pig composing promotional verses lauding Napoleon and Animal Farm. Minimus depicts art's transformation into propaganda in authoritarian regimes controlling thought.

Boxer – A horse, robust and diligent, highly principled but not very bright. Boxer deeply trusts the revolution, assuming its leader is wise and good. His motto: "Napoleon is always right." Boxer could topple Napoleon's rule with his power but lacks awareness it's a dictatorship. He dedicates all energy to Napoleon, who betrays him when weakened. Boxer represents Soviet male workers and peasants.

Clover – A horse, kind, nurturing, and strong mare supporting the revolution but distressed by its path under Napoleon. Lacking will or charisma to oppose pigs, she witnesses the shift to totalitarianism with vague understanding. Clover symbolizes Soviet female workers and peasants.

Mollie – A conceited horse fond of sweets and mane ribbons, uninterested in the revolution. She deserts Animal Farm for human service before totalitarianism solidifies. Mollie embodies the self-centered, materialistic bourgeoisie.

Benjamin – A donkey guided by cynicism that life remains hard and painful. Unsurprised by pigs corrupting the revolution into totalitarianism, his correct skepticism renders him ineffective. He comprehends events but does nothing. His inaction haunts him when Boxer is betrayed. Benjamin represents those aware of injustices but inactive.

The Dogs – Jessie, Bluebell, Pincher, and nine attack dogs supply pigs brute force to intimidate others. They gain privileges in return, living comfortably without ruling. The dogs symbolize Soviet secret police.

Moses – A domesticated raven promoting Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise for deceased animals. Moses signifies organized faith.

The Sheep – Simple animals accepting propaganda and following directives. The sheep depict deceived totalitarian citizens.

Muriel – A goat, among few beyond pigs and dogs achieving full literacy.

Mr. Jones – Manor Farm's owner, once strict but lately drunken, negligent, and ineffective yet casually harsh and haughty. Mr. Jones symbolizes early 20th-century Russian Tsar.

Mr. Frederick – Pinchfield's proprietor, vicious, cruel, scheming man symbolizing fascist Germany.

Mr. Pilkington – Foxwood's genteel owner preferring leisure to farming. Pilkington represents pre-WWII Allies, especially Britain.

Mr. Whymper – Human linking pigs to external world. Whymper symbolizes capitalists profiting from USSR trade.

Napoleon – A pig, Old Major's primary follower. A fierce Berkshire boar, Napoleon values power over ideals unlike Snowball. Cowardly, crafty, calculating, self-serving. Supporting Jones's ouster, he prioritizes personal authority over revolutionary principles. His ego builds a fear- and lie-based totalitarian regime granting him greater control than Jones. Napoleon represents Stalin, Soviet leader from 1930 to 1953 death.

Themes

1 Totalitarianism

George Orwell stated: "Every serious line I've written since 1936 opposes totalitarianism." Animal Farm follows suit. Totalitarianism involves state control over all life aspects, from economy and politics to personal thoughts and beliefs. Various totalitarian systems justify rule differently. For example, Mr. Jones bases Manor Farm on human-animal dominance as natural, while Napoleon and pigs claim fighting human evil for animals.

Orwell's core message: totalitarian goals matter little as all such regimes are essentially identical. Whether communist, fascist, or capitalist, they rest on oppressing individuals and lower classes. Totalitarian leaders focus solely on retaining power via any means. While Napoleon's ascent mainly condemns Soviet totalitarianism, Orwell critiques all such systems in Animal Farm.

2 Revolution and Corruption

Animal Farm portrays an evolving revolution. Old Major offers animals fresh view of Jones's exploitation, inspiring exploitation-free future. Like popular uprisings, Animal Farm's revolution stems from better-future hope. Initially, even pigs embrace universal equality.

What corrupts the animals' revolution into totalitarian horror? Animal Farm shows revolutionary ideals yielding to personal and class interests. Napoleon didn't plan dictatorship pre-revolution, but growing power led to absolute control. Revolutions corrupt gradually; Animal Farm depicts this.

3 Class Warfare

Animalism's key principle: all animals equal. But pigs soon call themselves "brainworkers" versus physical laborers. This separation grows: pigs discourage offspring mingling with others', becoming absolute rulers over "inferior" workers. Animal Farm shows education and role differences fostering classes, leading to class conflict where one dominates another. It suggests "brainworkers" nearly always win.

Animal Farm emphasizes oppressed workers more. Farm animals labor so intensely they lack time for education or reflection. Taught work contributes to society and freedom, Boxer thinks "I will work harder" solves everything, unaware of pig exploitation. Benjamin recognizes events but cynicism prevents action. Ultimately, Animal Farm suggests working class permits "brainworker" dominance via ignorance, passivity, or fear.

4 Language as Power

Animal Farm demonstrates power minority using ambiguous language, propaganda, misinformation to control lower-class majority's thoughts. Pigs, particularly Squealer, master rewriting Animal Farm and Animalism rules. They revise farm history to deceive others into accepting their words. By end, animals believe Snowball opposed them at Cowshed despite witnessing opposite. They think farm life improved despite less food, Napoleon cares despite killing dissenters. As sole literates, pigs monopolize information to gain and hold power.

5 The Soviet Union

While condemning all totalitarianism, Animal Farm sharply attacks the Soviet Union. Though favoring socialism, Orwell opposed Soviet totalitarian descent under Stalin. Animal Farm mocks the USSR by paralleling Soviet events. Revolutionary and ideal-corruption mirroring will be noted in Summary and Analysis.

Symbols

Character Names

Orwell crafted Animal Farm as allegory symbolizing real occurrences. Many characters/events represent Russian Revolution/Soviet Union figures: Mr. Jones (Tsar/aristocracy); Old Major (Marx/Lenin); Napoleon (Stalin); Snowball (Trotsky); Squealer (media); pigs (bureaucrats); Moses (religion). Most others represent working class/Soviet peasants. See "Characters" for full list.

The Windmill

The windmill symbolizes vast Soviet post-Revolution infrastructure/modernization projects. In Animal Farm, it also represents pigs' totalitarian success: others build it believing universal benefit, continuing belief even when only pigs gain.

Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1

At England's Manor Farm, drunken Mr. Jones sleeps without securing animals.

Mr. Jones's inebriation symbolizes Russian Tsar's decadence.

Word spread Old Major, respected prize boar, had strange dream, wishes to address animals.

As leader weakens, privileged see revolutionary opportunity.

Animals assemble in barn: dogs first; pigs front Old Major's platform. Then hens, pigeons, sheep, cows; horses Boxer (huge) and Clover (maternal, shelters ducklings); Muriel goat, Benjamin donkey; Mollie (vain white horse with ribbons); finally cat. Moses raven absent.

Notice animal solidarity/mutual care. Yet pigs/dogs positioning hints class divisions despite unity against Jones.

Old Major calls animals "comrades." Nearing end, describes farm hardships—long hours, scant food, slaughter post-usefulness. Asks cause? Answers: Producing-nothing humans taking all.

Old Major's views echo socialism: equality, no exploitation. Words revolutionary: first animals grasp human enslavement, needn't be.

All animals comrades, Old Major concludes. Dogs spot rats listening, attack. Rats escape barely. Old Major votes: wild creatures friends or foes? Unanimous: friends.

Ironic dogs attack as Old Major declares comradeship. He resolves now, but won't always be.

Old Major states four-legged/winged friends, no animal kills another, no animal mimics man, ultimate goal: human overthrow. Describes man-free dream from "Beasts of England." Animals learn, sing.

Not all grasp ideas. Song unites emotionally, even non-understanders.

Noise wakes Jones, shoots barn wall. Animals scatter to beds.

Jones asserts power, unaware brewing revolt.

Chapter 1 Quotes

Remember, comrades, your determination must never waver. No reasoning should mislead you. Ignore claims that humans and animals share interests, one prospering benefits the other. It's falsehoods. Humans serve only themselves. Among animals, let perfect solidarity and fellowship exist in the fight. All humans are foes. All animals are allies.

• Speaker: Old Major
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Why persist in this wretched state? Because humans steal nearly all our labor's output.

• Speaker: Old Major
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Humans are our sole true enemy. Eliminate humans, and hunger/overwork's root vanishes forever. Humans uniquely consume without producing. They give no milk, lay no eggs, too frail for plowing, too slow for rabbits. Yet they rule animals. They assign work, return bare minimum against starvation, keep rest.

• Speaker: Old Major
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Chapter 2

Old Major dies three nights later, message endures. Pigs, smartest, emerge leaders: lively Snowball, powerful Napoleon. Third pig Squealer eloquently convinces. Pigs form Old Major's ideas into Animalism.

Like Marx, Old Major dies pre-revolution. Like Lenin, leadership to two successors. Pigs fully believe ideas now.

Pigs teach Animalism, overcoming others' concerns, apathy, selfishness. Mollie worries post-revolt no sugar/ribbons. Snowball says shouldn't want, slavery signs.

Differences divide: pigs grasp Animalism, less smart don't. Mollie's silly worries reflect middle-class selfishness/materialism.

Pigs contend Moses raven's Sugarcandy Mountain tales, afterlife paradise. Pigs dislike Moses's non-work, many believe Sugarcandy.

Pigs fear afterlife belief lessens revolutionary zeal. Moses symbolizes Russian Orthodox Church, Tsars' lower-class control.

Boxer/Clover most devoted Animalism. Neither smart, equality belief unwavering, never miss meetings.

Though simple, Boxer/Clover value Animalism's core: equality.

Revolt earlier/easier than expected. June Midsummer's Eve, Jones town-drunk forgets feed, lazy men hunt. Hungry animals break feed shed, wake Jones. He/men whip, animals rage, attack, drive men/Jones out. Moses follows.

Like Russian Revolution, revolt from perceived mistreatment rage. Later, pigs ensure no mistreatment perception.

Joyful animals destroy whips/reins/halter. Sing "Beasts of England," double rations, sleep content. Next day tour farm. Break farmhouse door, tour, preserve as museum. Pigs, self-taught read/write past months, repaint gate: Animal Farm.

Old Major's utopia seems realized. Orwell describes animals united, showing equality. Enslavement tools destroyed. Renaming symbolizes self-rule, like Russia to USSR.

Barn, pigs paint Animalism's Seven Commandments:

1. Two legs enemy.
2. Four legs/wings friend.
3. No clothes.
4. No bed.
5. No alcohol.
6. No kill other animal.
7. All equal.

Commandments animal constitution. Public posting seems ensures rights unviolated, corrupt human acts banned forever.

Snowball cries hayfield time, aim quicker harvest than Jones. Cows moo, unmilked day. Pigs milk, five pails. Napoleon shouts harvest, Comrade Snowball lead, he'll follow. Animals return, milk gone.

Trust animals' revolutionary spirit, Napoleon manipulates.

Chapter 3

Animals harvest hard but happy. Pigs' smarts, Boxer's strength/work ethic solve issues. Boxer adopts "I will work harder" motto every problem. Harvest biggest ever.

Early days idyllic. Animalism yields success/happiness. Yet class difference signs: intellect-based between pigs/others.

All contribute by ability. More food/leisure, enjoy self-mastery. Most, though Mollie shirks work, Benjamin cynical, no revolution opinion.

Most happy, Mollie (middle-class symbol) unthrilled. Benjamin skeptical, doubts good lasts.

Sundays no work. Hoist flag (hoof/horn green field), meet plan week. All propose resolutions/vote, but only pigs do. Snowball/Napoleon debate most, rarely agree.

Meetings show equality, but non-pigs unused rights let pigs dominate. Not just pigs seize, animals allow.

Snowball forms committees improve life. Only reading/writing classes interest. Soon Muriel/Benjamin read like pigs/dogs.

Snowball's committees show Animalism commitment, political innocence. Trotsky similar Soviet committees.

Sheep can't read/memorize Commandments. Snowball summarizes: "Four legs good, two legs bad." Sheep bleat anytime.

Slogan language breakdown—four good/two bad only if four follow Animalism, two don't.

Napoleon sees little committee value, stresses youth education. Takes nine puppies secret training when dogs birth.

Followers trust Napoleon 

Missing milk mystery: pigs declare apples/milk theirs only. Animals grumble, Squealer explains pigs vital farm run, need milk/apples health. Pigs fail, Jones returns. Animals agree.

Pigs define separate class deserving privileges, use fear/confusing language convince privileges common good. Even Snowball sacrifices Animalism self-interest.

Chapter 3 Quotes

I will work harder!

• Speaker: Boxer
• Related Themes: Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare

"Comrades!" he exclaimed. "You don't think we pigs act selfishly or privileged? Many dislike milk and apples. Milk and apples (science proves, comrades) hold essentials for pig health. We pigs are thinkers. Farm management relies on us. We watch your welfare constantly. For you we consume that milk and apples."

• Speaker: Squealer
• Related Themes: Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

No theft, no ration complaints, quarreling, biting, jealousy—old life's normal traits—nearly vanished.

• Related Themes: Revolution and Corruption

Chapter 4

Late summer, revolution news spreads. Snowball/Napoleon send pigeons teach "Beasts of England" nearby farms.

Soviet Communists spread propaganda, hoping global communism.

Jones tavern-complains fate. Neighbor owners Pilkington (gentleman, Foxwood), Frederick (shrewd, Pinchfield) fear revolt spread. Hate each other, can't agree defense. Spread Animal Farm misery rumors. No animals believe. "Beasts of England" spreads England fast.

Pilkington/Frederick symbolize Allies/fascist Germany. Nations feared communism threatening countries: workers revolt? Hated/feared each other too much unite against USSR.

October, pigeons warn Jones plus Pilkington/Frederick men approach attack.

1918, anti-Communists (Jones) aided Western (Frederick/Pilkington) attacked Russian Communists (animals). After two-year Civil War, Communists defeated, Trotsky (Snowball) brave.

Snowball planned defense: ambush men, charge. Jones shotgun scars Snowball, who knocks Jones. Boxer's strength terrifies men. Animals rout with one casualty: Jones-shot sheep.

Boxer upset kick seemingly killed stable boy. Snowball: only good human dead. Animals notice Mollie hid stable. Return, boy stunned, fled.

Unlike Boxer, Snowball thinks Animalism enemies deserve death. Napoleon later kills "opposing" animals. Small step Snowball to Napoleon.

Burying sheep, Snowball stresses die defending Animal Farm. Snowball/Boxer awarded Animal Hero, First Class. Battle "Battle of the Cowshed," agree twice yearly fire Jones's gun (mud-found) celebrate battle/revolution anniversary.

Snowball position noble? Animals should die for Animal Farm, right? Implication: Animal Farm always right, even if kills animals.

Chapter 4 Quote

I wish not to take life, even human," Boxer repeated, eyes teary.

• Speaker: Boxer
• Related Themes: Revolution and Corruption

Chapter 5

Clover spots Mollie Foxwood boundary letting Pilkington man stroke nose. Clover finds stall sugar. Mollie denies, disappears three days. Pigeon spots Mollie pulling man cart, ribbons. Animal Farm never mentions Mollie.

Mollie (Russian middle-class) chooses comfortable slavery over uncomfortable freedom, making animals hate her. But chapter later, others choose similar.

Pigs decide almost all policy, subject farm-wide majority vote only.

Class differences hold. Animals let pigs near-absolute power.

Sunday meetings, Snowball/Napoleon argue everything. Intense disagreement: Snowball's windmill. Says windmill electric power warms stalls, runs tools easing life. Napoleon: focus pressing like food.

Animals side: some windmill, others food. Benjamin refuses, observing life same—bad—either wins.

Benjamin believes individual-state, individual always oppressed.

Snowball finishes windmill plans. Next Sunday vote. Snowball passionate paradise speech, Napoleon nonsense. Snowball eloquence wins.

Animal Farm/Animalism rules: majority convinced, wins.

Snowball finishes, Napoleon odd whimper. Nine vicious dogs (Napoleon reared pups) bound barn. Dogs lunge Snowball, runs. Dogs chase Snowball hedge hole out Animal Farm. Dogs surround Napoleon guard-like. Napoleon announces Sunday meetings end. Special pig committee decides policy, gives weekly orders Sunday when animals salute flag, sing "Beasts of England."

Animals trust Napoleon, counters Animalism core: equality. If animals let, Animal Farm no longer Animalist, freedom vanishes. .

Announcement disturbs, few counter. Four young pigs protest, dogs growl silence. Sheep bleat "Four legs good, two legs bad" extended.

Fear stops opposing Napoleon. Like Mollie, choose comfort over freedom.

Later, Squealer explains Napoleon "burden" leadership, eliminated voting fearing wrong decisions. Says recently discovered Snowball criminal. Animals say Snowball brave Cowshed, Squealer thinks exaggerated. Adds bravery less important than discipline/obedience. Without, Jones returns.

Squealer manipulates language citing secret docs, fear makes seem Napoleon defends freedom when undermines. Tricky language misleads uneducated, scared, idealistic.

None wants Jones, Boxer heavy thinking says "If Comrade Napoleon says, right."

Boxer thinks Animalism good so Napoleon good.

Three weeks later, Napoleon announces build windmill. Squealer: Napoleon opposed rid Snowball bad influence. Animals accept, Squealer dogs.

Making Napoleon consistent, Squealer makes all-powerful. Lies force-backed hard resist.

Chapter 5 Quotes

Napoleon is always right.

• Speaker: Boxer
• Mentioned: Napoleon
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare

No one trusts more than Comrade Napoleon that animals equal. He'd gladly let you decide independently. But wrong choices might occur, comrades, then what?

• Speaker: Squealer
• Mentioned: Napoleon
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Then a dreadful baying sounded outside, nine huge brass-collared dogs bounding in. They lunged at Snowball, who barely escaped their jaws.

• Mentioned: Snowball, The Dogs
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption

Chapter 6

Build windmill/run farm, animals work slaves, long hours. Sacrifice happily, own benefit not human.

Pigs' deception worked. Animals believe free despite none.

Farm shortages can't produce: nails/iron. Napoleon announces trade hay/wheat/eggs neighbors, not commercial, windmill benefit. Animals uneasy, agreed no money. Napoleon hires Whymper represent, Squealer convinces no ban.

Unclear Animal Farm get supplies without trade. Pigs explain not, modify Animalism. Lie, use force threat accept.

Humans outside hate/fear Animal Farm, develop grudging efficiency respect.

Humans accept as pigs act human-like.

Squealer calls Napoleon "Leader," pigs move farmhouse, sleep beds. Boxer dismisses "Napoleon always right," Clover certain Commandments ban beds. Muriel reads Fourth: "No animal sleep bed with sheets."

Pigs manipulate language increase power/luxury. Take privileges, justify secretly rewriting Commandments.

Animals tire October. Sold food money, winter bad. Windmill half-finished, pleases (except Benjamin).

Manipulating Animalism not overthrowing, pigs exploit without angering.

November night storm knocks windmill. Animals horrified. Napoleon sniffs rubble. Worried, tail wiggles thinking. Suddenly shouts "SNOWBALL!" Announces Snowball destroyed. Animals shocked/furious. Napoleon vows rebuild today.

Windmill destruction shocks Napoleon: fears animals question authority. Save, shifts blame Snowball. 

Chapter 6 Quotes

Comrades, know the culprit? The foe who nighttime toppled our windmill? SNOWBALL!

• Speaker: Napoleon
• Mentioned: Snowball
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Language as Power

Chapter 7

Hard bitter winter, animals work rebuild windmill humans claim fell thin walls. Pigs say lie, make new walls three feet thick.

Animals trust pigs' lies over obvious truth "Four legs good, two legs bad!"

January food runs out. Though starvation possible, pigs hide from humans, escort Whymper storehouse appear full.

Napoleon issues orders through Squealer, one day announces hens surrender 400 eggs weekly pay grain/feed. Hens refuse angrily. Napoleon cuts rations. Declares feeding hens killed. Five days, nine hens starve, hens surrender.

Tricking animals think Animalism/Animal Farm same, pigs kill/punish disagreeing, claim defending Animalism. Slavery disguised freedom.

Napoleon negotiates sell wood Pilkington/Frederick. Close deal one, rumors Snowball hiding other's farm, vice versa.

Pre-WWII, USSR negotiated Allies/Fascists, playing sides.

Squealer announces Snowball sneaking Animal Farm night: Napoleon smells. Says Snowball Jones "secret agent" beginning. Reminds Snowball tried betray Cowshed, Napoleon saved.

Pigs aim rewrite Animalism/all history. Make fear Snowball, use justify rule, once Jones.

Boxer disagrees. Thinks Snowball loyal beginning, later traitor. Squealer: Napoleon stated traitor beginning, Boxer changes mind. Squealer gives Boxer dark look, warns Snowball secret agents.

Trust Animalism good, Napoleon's statement over memories. Voicing memories makes Squealer threat.

Four days, Napoleon calls yard assembly. Animals gather, Napoleon whimpers, dogs attack Boxer/four pigs questioned Snowball removal. Pigs bloodied, Boxer repels, pins dog. Glances stunned Napoleon ask. Napoleon orders release, commands pigs confess. Confess, dogs kill traitors. Other animals confess: killed.

Napoleon considers Boxer enemy remembers past correctly. Boxer can't comprehend Napoleon attacked.

After assembly, animals miserable, witnessed first killings since Jones defeated. Boxer thinks work harder better. Clover leads sad "Beasts of England." Squealer announces forbidden: revolution song, revolution ended. Minimus composed new: "Animal Farm, Animal Farm, Never through me shalt thou come to harm."

Post-purge, Napoleon/pigs officially kill revolution banning "Beasts of England."

Chapter 7 Quotes

If envisioning the future, it was hunger-free, whip-free society, all equal, working by ability, strong guarding weak... Instead—unsure why—none dared speak, fierce dogs roamed, comrades torn post-confessing crimes.

• Mentioned: Clover, The Dogs
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare

If window broke or drain clogged, someone claimed Snowball nighttime did it; lost store-shed key, all believed Snowball well-tossed it. Oddly, belief persisted post-mislaid key found under meal sack.

• Mentioned: Snowball
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Language as Power

Animal Farm, Animal Farm, Never through me shalt thou come to harm!

• Speaker: Minimus
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Language as Power

Chapter 8

Clover/others remember Sixth Commandment forbade killing. Muriel reads: "No animal kill any other animal without cause."

Pigs continue rewrite/corrupt Animalism tenets own benefit.

Animals work harder ever rebuild windmill twice thick walls.

Animals trust pig propaganda over own experiences.

Napoleon rarely appears public, great ceremony. Minimus poems honor Napoleon, birthday holiday, encouraged praise every good.

Napoleon inflates image propaganda, bigger than life/all-powerful. 

Negotiations Frederick/Pilkington wood intensify. Napoleon wavers selling one/other. Farm out favor negotiations nasty/temporary rumors. Napoleon seems deal Pilkington, "Death to Humans" "Death to Frederick!"

Animals joyfully finish windmill autumn. Still lacks machinery produce electricity, two days Napoleon announces sell wood Frederick ("Death to Pilkington!"). Sudden reversal shocks. Pigs explain Napoleon planned play Pilkington/Frederick raise price.

Three days, Whymper rushes farmhouse. Animals hear Napoleon roar anger. Frederick paid fake bills! Napoleon promises Frederick killed, warns brace worst.

Next morning, Frederick/men attack. All men guns, push animals barn. Animals watch men blow windmill. Sight rages animals, attack. Many die, most including Boxer injured. Manage drive Frederick/men.

Animals tired/bloody, pigs lead two days patriotic celebrations victory.

Pigs honor citizens' sacrifices increase state power—state forced sacrifice first.

Few days, pigs discover farmhouse cellar whiskey. Shouts/revelry night farmhouse. Next morning silent. Squealer appears awful news: Comrade Napoleon dying! Evening Napoleon recovers, pigs purchase still machinery produce alcohol.

Pigs mock animals' sacrifice indulging alcohol. Reveal inexperience (vs capitalist humans) failing distinguish Napoleon's hangover imminent death.

Soon after, night crash wakes. See Squealer unconscious ground next fallen ladder, white paint bucket beneath barn commandments. Benjamin understands, refuses say. Muriel later discovers misremembered Fifth: "No animal drink alcohol to excess."

Pigs immediately resume rewriting Animalism own benefit. Animals too beaten/uneducated realize deception even obvious evidence. Pigs take power, animals let.

Chapter 8 Quotes

At big barn's end wall, where Commandments written, lay broken ladder. Stunned Squealer sprawled beside, lantern, paint-brush, overturned white paint nearby. Animals couldn't grasp meaning, except Benjamin, who nodded knowingly but said nothing.

• Mentioned: Squealer, Benjamin
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Language as Power

Chapter 9

Boxer works harder everyone, strength wanes. Comforts retirement thoughts. Early Animal Farm, horse retire age twelve, pension.

Steadfast idealist, Boxer believes Animalism though most rules broken/rewritten pigs.

Winter food scarcer previous year, animals' rations reduced. Pigs/dogs normal. Squealer claims all better ever, explains rigid ration equality against Animalism.

Pigs' information control ensures animals can't properly evaluate situations. Must trust pigs, even obvious lying.

Soon, four sows birth over thirty piglets. Markings clear Napoleon's. Discourages piglets playing other young, teaches himself until schoolhouse built.

Napoleon official class distinctions: pigs special privileges, no interact others.

Festive processions/weekly Spontaneous Demonstrations celebrating Animal Farm triumphs dominate life. Celebrations remind working own masters, alleviates hunger somewhat.

Ceremonies obviously not spontaneous: pigs designed manipulate feelings.

April, farm declared Republic, election. Napoleon only candidate, unanimous win. Same day, announced Snowball openly fought against animals Cowshed.

Crucial misinformation Snowball, pigs completely rewritten history.

Moses raven reappears, talks Sugarcandy Mountain. Pigs say nonsense, give beer allowance.

Pigs use religion like Jones: make animals forget misery.

Few days, pigs cellar discover whiskey. Shouts/revelry night. Next morning silent. Squealer awful: Comrade Napoleon dying! Evening recovers, pigs buy still machinery produce alcohol.

Pigs mock sacrifice indulging alcohol. Reveal inexperience vs capitalist humans failing distinguish hangover death.

Chapter 9 Quotes

"Moreover, then slaves, now free, that's key difference," Squealer emphasized.

• Mentioned: Squealer
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Chapter 10

Years pass. Only Clover, Benjamin, Moses, some pigs remember revolution. Animal Farm more prosperous. Windmill finished, used mill flour not electricity, hefty profit. Though richer, only pigs/dogs better off. Animals can't remember other life, non-rememberers proud free.

Pigs rule as masters, language/thought control so complete animals consider free.

One day Squealer takes sheep distant field, keeps week. Sheep return, Clover terrified neigh: Squealer two legs! All pigs walk farmhouse two legs. Napoleon last, whip.

Pigs' power complete, free act exactly humans. Napoleon's whip oppression symbol.

Animals silent, seem protest poised. Sheep bleat "Four legs good, two legs better!" over, protest prospect passes.

Again animals don't rebel. Pig propaganda overpowers.

Clover asks Benjamin read Seven Commandments. Wall now: "All Animals Equal. But Some More Equal Than Others."

Animalism entirely rewritten benefit pigs. Reads nonsense.

Next day, pigs carry whips, wear clothes. Week later, invite nearby humans tour/stay dinner. Night, animals led Clover sneak watch pigs/humans window. Pilkington/Napoleon toast. Pilkington pleased mistrust history behind. Admires pigs feed little yet much work. Adds pigs/men similar problems: pigs lower animals, men lower classes.

Pigs, once kill all humans, seek friendly nearby farmers. Suggests all totalitarian governments fundamentally same: leaders maintain power oppressing/exploiting individuals/lower classes.

Napoleon agrees, announces eliminate revolutionary past signs, including name. Henceforth original proper: Manor Farm.

All totalitarian governments similarity represented farm name change back original.

Men/pigs resume poker, animals leave, shout within stops. Napoleon/Pilkington discovered cheating. Fight breaks. Chaos, animals can't tell pigs from humans.

Petty greed, Animalist/Capitalist leaders indistinguishable. Animals back start: enslaved oppressive leaders.

 Chapter 10 Quotes

Four legs good, two legs better!

• Speaker: The Sheep
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power

Somehow farm grew richer without enriching animals—except pigs and dogs.

• Mentioned: Napoleon, Squealer, Minimus, The Dogs
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare

Outside creatures looked pig to man, man to pig, pig to man; impossible to distinguish.

• Mentioned: Napoleon, Squealer, Minimus, Mr. Pilkington
• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption

All animals equal, but some more equal than others.

• Related Themes: Totalitarianism, Revolution and Corruption, Class Warfare, Language as Power