The story is an allegorical novella by George Orwell, reflecting events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union.
Key Characters
Mr. Jones: The often drunk farmer who runs the Manor Farm before the animals stage their Rebellion and establish Animal Farm.
Old Major: The prize Middle White boar whose vision and speech inspire the animals to revolt.
Snowball: A young boar who becomes one of the Rebellionâs most valuable leaders and later is chased away by Napoleon.
Napoleon: A large boar who becomes the leader of Animal Farm after the Rebellion.
Squealer: A small fat pig with a shrill voice, who becomes Napoleon's right hand.
Boxer: A loyal, kind, dedicated, and strong horse, but not very smart.
Clover: A motherly mare who always looks out for Boxer.
Benjamin: The cynical donkey who is the oldest animal on the farm.
Mollie: A vain horse who craves human attention and loves being pampered.
Moses: The tame raven who speaks of Sugarcandy Mountain.
Chapter Summaries and Key Events
Chapter 1
Setting: Manor Farm, owned by Mr. Jones.
Old Major's Speech: Old Major reveals a dream where animals live free from human oppression.
Call to Rebellion: Old Major urges the animals to rebel for an equal society.
Chapter 2
Old Major's Death: Major dies, but his dream inspires the Rebellion.
The Rebellion: Animals drive Mr. Jones away and take over the farm.
Establishment of Animalism: The pigs create Animalism, with Seven Commandments.
Chapter 3
Initial Success: The farm experiences initial prosperity and equality.
The Role of the Pigs: They take leadership roles, with Napoleon and Snowball as leaders.
Education: Snowball engages the animals in education and committees.
Chapter 4
Human Response: Local farmers are worried and spread lies about Animal Farm.
Battle of the Cowshed: Humans attempt to retake the farm but are defeated.
Chapter 5
Windmill Debate: Snowball proposes a windmill. Napoleon opposes it, later expels Snowball with trained dogs.
Napoleon's Leadership: Napoleon establishes a dictatorial rule.
Chapter 6
Trade with Humans: Napoleon begins trading with humans, breaking previous resolutions.
Corruption Begins: Pigs begin living in the farmhouse, bending the rules.
Chapter 7
Hardships: Winter brings famine; Napoleon uses propaganda to maintain control.
Purge: A brutal purge occurs where pigs and others are executed after false confessions.
Chapter 8
Corruption Grows: Pigs further alter commandments to justify their actions.
Battle of the Windmill: Frederick attacks the farm, but the animals drive him off.
Pigsâ Deception: They lie about Boxer's fate and continue to manipulate the other animals.
Chapter 9
Boxer's Fate: Boxer is sold to the glue factory after collapsing while working.
Squealerâs Lies: Squealer spins stories to cover the leadership's deceit.
Chapter 10
Final Transformation: Pigs become indistinguishable from humans.
End Statement: The animals realize the pigs have become what they initially rebelled against.
Themes
Corruption of Ideals: The story illustrates how power corrupts and how revolutionary ideals can become distorted.
Naivety and Exploitation: The animalsâ naivety leads to their exploitation by the pigs.
Class Stratification: The farm's changing dynamics reflect class structures and stratification.
Important Symbols
The Farm: Represents a state or society.
The Windmill: Symbolizes the pigsâ manipulation of the other animals.
The Seven Commandments: Initially reflect Animalismâs core values but are altered to justify the pigsâ behavior.