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Summary of Chapter 8 in Animal Farm

May 16, 2025

Animal Farm - Chapter 8 Summary

Changes to the Sixth Commandment

  • After the terror of executions, animals recall the Sixth Commandment: "No animal shall kill any other animal."
  • Clover has Muriel read the Commandment, which states "No animal shall kill any other animal without cause."
  • The addition of "without cause" rationalizes the killings as justified.

Life on the Farm

  • Animals work harder than ever to rebuild the windmill with thicker walls.
  • Squealer reads statistics showing increased production but animals feel food is scarce.
  • Napoleon is rarely seen; lives separately in luxury, is attended by dogs, a black cockerel, and uses high-end dinnerware.
  • Napoleon is celebrated with titles like "Father of All Animals," and is credited for farm successes.
  • A poem by Minimus glorifies Napoleon, inscribed on the barn with his portrait.

Political Maneuverings

  • Napoleon negotiates with Frederick and Pilkington over timber sale.
  • Rumors of Frederick plotting attacks and cruelty to his animals.
  • Napoleon secretly arranges timber sale to Frederick, breaking off relations with Pilkington.
  • Banknotes from Frederick turn out to be forgeries; he gets timber for free.
  • Napoleon declares Frederick should be boiled alive and warns of impending attacks.

Battle of the Windmill

  • Frederick and men attack; animals initially driven back.
  • Men use explosives to destroy the windmill.
  • Animals regain courage, launch a counterattack, and drive men off.
  • Despite victory, the windmill is completely destroyed.
  • Battle named "Battle of the Windmill," and animals celebrate victory, forgetting the forgery incident.

Pigs and Alcohol

  • Pigs find whisky; Napoleon seen in Mr. Jones’s bowler hat, singing.
  • Next morning, pigs appear ill; Napoleon supposedly dying.
  • Decree against alcohol passed, but Napoleon recovers.
  • Napoleon plans to plant barley for alcohol production.

Alteration to Commandments

  • Strange incident involving Squealer, ladder, and paintbrush.
  • Muriel discovers Fifth Commandment actually reads "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess."

Key Themes

  • Manipulation of language and rules to maintain power.
  • Glorification and cult of personality around leaders.
  • The struggle and disillusionment of the working class.
  • Betrayal and strategic deception in leadership.
  • Revolution’s betrayal of its original ideals.