Notes on "Animal Farm" by George Orwell - Chapter Summary

Chapter 1

• Mr. Jones, owner of Manor Farm, is neglectful due to drinking.
• Old Major, a respected boar, calls a meeting to share his dream and ideas with the other animals.
• Major speaks of the miserable lives animals lead under humans and encourages a rebellion.
• He emphasizes unity among animals and introduces the concept that "all men are enemies, all animals are comrades."
• Major teaches the song "Beasts of England," sparking enthusiasm for change among the animals.

Chapter 2

• Major dies; the pigs, led by Snowball and Napoleon, develop "Animalism."
• Some animals are skeptical, especially Mollie and Moses, who spread different ideas.
• The Rebellion occurs spontaneously when Mr. Jones neglects to feed the animals.
• The farm is taken over by animals; they burn human symbols of oppression.
• "Animal Farm" is established with Seven Commandments to guide animal behavior.

Chapter 3

• Animals work hard but enjoy the fruits of their labor; Boxer is especially dedicated.
• The pigs start leading, as they are more intelligent.
• Committees and educational efforts are introduced, most fail except basic literacy.
• A simplified maxim "Four legs good, two legs bad" becomes popular.
• Pigs keep milk and apples for themselves, claiming they need it for brainwork.

Chapter 4

• News of the Rebellion spreads, worrying neighboring human farms.
• Animals win the Battle of the Cowshed against human intrusion, boosting morale.
• Snowball and Boxer are decorated; the battle is celebrated.

Chapter 5

• Snowball and Napoleon continuously argue; Napoleon's dogs chase Snowball away.
• Sunday Meetings are abolished; farm decisions are now made by pigs.
• Napoleon announces the windmill (Snowball's idea) will be built.
• Squealer propagandizes that Napoleon was always supportive of the windmill.

Chapter 6

• Animals work tirelessly; Napoleon begins trading with humans against previous resolutions.
• Pigs move into the farmhouse; commandments are subtly changed to justify actions.
• Windmill construction is difficult; Boxer's labor is crucial.
• The windmill is destroyed in a storm, blamed on Snowball.

Chapter 7

• Harsh winter and food shortages occur; false rumors spread.
• Pigs maintain control through propaganda and fear of Jones' return.
• Hens rebel over egg sales, but they are starved into submission.
• Fear of Snowball’s presence is used to control animals, leading to purges.

Chapter 8

• Animals rebuild the windmill with thicker walls.
• Napoleon becomes more authoritarian, using executions and propaganda.
• Napoleon sells timber to Frederick, who pays with forged money.
• "Battle of the Windmill" occurs; animals are proud despite loss.
• Pigs indulge in alcohol, breaking another commandment.

Chapter 9

• Boxer is injured, eventually sold to a slaughterhouse, disguised as a veterinary hospital.
• Pigs manipulate the story of Boxer’s death to maintain control.
• Farm's status as a Republic is announced; Napoleon is President.

Chapter 10

• Years pass, many animals forget the rebellion.
• Farm prospers materially but not for all animals; pigs and dogs enjoy privileges.
• Commandments are reduced to one: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
• Pigs walk on two legs; animals struggle to differentiate pigs from humans.
• Name reverts to "Manor Farm," symbolizing complete transformation.

Key Themes

• Corruption of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union.
• The use of propaganda and fear to control the populace.
• The betrayal of the working class by those in power.
• The inevitability of inequality in any society.
• The cyclical nature of history, as the oppressors become indistinguishable from the oppressed.