Animal Farm by George Orwell

Introduction

• "Animal Farm" is a novel by George Orwell.
• The story begins with Mr. Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, who is negligent and drunk.
• The animals gather to hear a speech by Old Major, a prized boar who has had a dream.

Old Major's Speech

• Old Major speaks about the miserable lives of the animals under human tyranny.
• He blames humans for the animals' suffering, urging them to rebel.
• Introduces the concept of Animalism, advocating for a world without humans.
• Animals unite in singing "Beasts of England," a song about freedom and rebellion.

The Rebellion

• After Old Major's death, the animals, led by pigs Snowball and Napoleon, prepare for the rebellion.
• The rebellion happens sooner than expected as Mr. Jones neglects the farm.
• The animals overthrow Mr. Jones, renaming the farm "Animal Farm."
• The Seven Commandments of Animalism are established.

The Early Days of Animal Farm

• Initially, the animals experience prosperity; manage the farm themselves.
• Committees are formed, and literacy is encouraged.
• Pigs take leadership roles, with Snowball and Napoleon often at odds.
• Napoleon raises puppies in secret, suggesting future power moves.

Windmill Controversy

• Snowball proposes building a windmill to ease labor; Napoleon opposes it.
• The animals are divided, but Snowball gains support.
• Napoleon uses the dogs to chase Snowball away, solidifying his control.

Consolidation of Power

• Napoleon abolishes meetings, establishing a pig committee to make decisions.
• Squealer, a pig, becomes the mouthpiece to manipulate animal perspectives.
• Pigs begin to enjoy special privileges, contradicting the original ideals.

Human Relations and Trade

• Napoleon begins trading with humans, contradicting original resolutions.
• The pigs move into the farmhouse, assuming more human-like behaviors.
• The animals are manipulated into believing amendments to the Commandments.

Construction and Betrayal

• The windmill is eventually built but destroyed in an attack led by humans.
• Napoleon blames Snowball, further demonizing him.
• Despite setbacks, the animals continue to believe in the cause.

Boxer’s Fate

• Boxer, the hardworking horse, becomes injured and is sent away.
• Animals are led to believe he is being treated, but he is sent to the knacker.
• His dedication is used posthumously to manipulate other animals.

The Decline of Animal Farm

• The pigs continue to adopt human habits.
• Commandments are further altered to justify the pigs’ actions.
• Eventually, pigs and humans become indistinguishable, echoing Orwell’s critique of power and corruption.

Conclusion

• The farm is renamed "The Manor Farm," returning to its original name.
• The story ends with pigs and humans indistinguishable, showcasing the cycle of tyranny.

Themes

• Power corrupts: The story illustrates how power can lead to corruption.
• Class struggle: Highlights issues of inequality and exploitation.
• The betrayal of ideals: The pigs betray the revolutionary ideals they once stood for.

Key Characters

• Old Major: The visionary who inspires the rebellion.
• Napoleon: The tyrant who rises to power.
• Snowball: The idealist ousted by Napoleon.
• Boxer: The hardworking horse whose dedication is exploited.
• Squealer: The propagandist who manipulates truth.

Important Symbols

• The Windmill: Represents industrial progress and manipulation.
• The Seven Commandments: Initially embody Animalism, later symbolizing the betrayal of the revolution.

This novel serves as a powerful allegory on the corruptive nature of power and a critique of revolutionary movements that betray their fundamental principles.