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.