Animal Farm

by George Orwell

Plot Summary

Old Major's Vision

Old Major inspires rebellion

On Manor Farm, Old Major, a wise boar, shares his dream of a farm free from human oppression. He urges the animals to rebel against Mr. Jones, the negligent farmer, and introduces the song "Beasts of England," which envisions a utopian future. The animals are inspired, setting the stage for a revolution.

Rebellion's Dawn

Animals overthrow Mr. Jones

Fueled by Old Major's vision, the animals revolt against Mr. Jones, driving him away. They rename the farm "Animal Farm" and establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, promising equality and freedom. The pigs, led by Snowball and Napoleon, assume leadership roles, guiding the farm's new direction.

Power Struggles Emerge

Napoleon and Snowball clash

As the farm thrives, tensions rise between Snowball and Napoleon. Snowball's plans for a windmill to improve the farm are met with opposition from Napoleon, who seeks power. The animals are divided, and Napoleon's secretive actions foreshadow a looming conflict.

Windmill Dreams

Snowball's expulsion and windmill plans

During a heated debate, Napoleon unleashes trained dogs to chase Snowball away, seizing control. He claims the windmill idea as his own, manipulating the animals into believing it was always his plan. The farm's focus shifts to building the windmill, symbolizing progress and manipulation.

Corruption Unveiled

Pigs exploit power

As the pigs consolidate power, they begin to resemble the humans they overthrew. They alter the commandments to justify their actions, indulging in luxuries and trading with humans. The animals, led by Boxer, work tirelessly, unaware of the growing corruption among their leaders.

Betrayal and Battle

Frederick's betrayal and windmill destruction

Napoleon's dealings with humans lead to betrayal by Frederick, who pays with counterfeit money and destroys the windmill. The animals fight bravely to reclaim their farm, but the victory is hollow. The pigs' deceit becomes more apparent, and the animals' sacrifices seem in vain.

The Fall of Ideals

Boxer's tragic fate

Boxer, the loyal workhorse, collapses from exhaustion. Instead of receiving care, he is sold to a glue factory by the pigs, who use the money for whiskey. The animals are heartbroken, realizing the betrayal of their leaders, yet they remain powerless to change their fate.

Pigs Become Men

Pigs indistinguishable from humans

Over time, the pigs become indistinguishable from humans, walking on two legs and engaging in trade. The farm's name reverts to "The Manor Farm," symbolizing the complete betrayal of the revolution's ideals. The animals, once hopeful for change, are left disillusioned and oppressed.

Characters

Old Major

Visionary and catalyst

Old Major is the wise boar whose dream of a rebellion against human oppressors inspires the animals. His ideals of equality and freedom set the foundation for the revolution, but his vision is ultimately corrupted by those who follow.

Napoleon

Tyrannical leader

Napoleon, a cunning and manipulative pig, seizes control of Animal Farm. He uses fear and propaganda to maintain power, betraying the revolution's ideals. His transformation into a human-like figure symbolizes the corruption of power.

Snowball

Idealistic and innovative

Snowball is an intelligent and passionate pig who believes in the revolution's ideals. He envisions a better future for the animals, but his rivalry with Napoleon leads to his expulsion. His ideas are later twisted by Napoleon to serve his own agenda.

Boxer

Loyal and hardworking

Boxer, the strong and dedicated workhorse, embodies the spirit of the working class. His unwavering belief in the revolution and his personal motto, "I will work harder," make him a tragic figure when he is betrayed by the pigs he trusted.

Squealer

Propagandist and manipulator

Squealer, a persuasive pig, serves as Napoleon's mouthpiece. He manipulates language and facts to control the animals' perceptions, ensuring their compliance with the pigs' corrupt rule.

Clover

Caring and maternal

Clover, a gentle mare, is a nurturing presence on the farm. She questions the pigs' actions but lacks the power to challenge them. Her loyalty to the revolution's ideals remains, despite the betrayal she witnesses.

Benjamin

Cynical and wise

Benjamin, the old donkey, is skeptical of the revolution from the start. His cynicism and intelligence allow him to see through the pigs' deceit, but his inaction contributes to the farm's downfall.

Mr. Jones

Negligent oppressor

Mr. Jones, the original owner of Manor Farm, represents the oppressive human regime. His neglect and cruelty spark the animals' rebellion, but his absence does not prevent the rise of a new tyranny.

Moses

Religious distraction

Moses, the tame raven, tells tales of Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise for animals after death. His stories serve as a distraction from the harsh realities of life on the farm, offering false hope to the animals.

Mollie

Vain and self-serving

Mollie, a frivolous mare, is more concerned with her own comfort than the revolution. Her eventual departure from the farm symbolizes the failure of some to embrace the ideals of Animalism.

Plot Devices

Allegory of Revolution

Critique of totalitarianism

"Animal Farm" serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. The story critiques the corruption of revolutionary ideals and the dangers of totalitarian regimes, using animals to represent historical figures and events.

Propaganda and Manipulation

Control through language

The pigs use propaganda to manipulate the other animals, altering the Seven Commandments and spreading lies to maintain power. This device highlights the role of language in controlling perceptions and suppressing dissent.

Symbolism of the Windmill

False promises of progress

The windmill symbolizes the animals' hopes for a better future and the manipulation of those dreams by the pigs. Its repeated destruction and rebuilding reflect the futility of their efforts under corrupt leadership.

Analysis

Timeless warning against tyranny

"Animal Farm" remains a powerful critique of the corruption of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. Orwell's allegory serves as a warning against totalitarianism, illustrating how those in power can manipulate language and ideals to maintain control. The story's themes of inequality, propaganda, and the cyclical nature of oppression resonate with modern audiences, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and critical thinking in the face of authority. The novel's enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the nature of power and the responsibility of individuals to challenge injustice.

Review Summary

3.99 out of 5

Average of 4M+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Animal Farm is widely praised as a masterful allegory of Soviet communism and totalitarianism. Reviewers appreciate Orwell's simple yet powerful writing style, which makes complex political themes accessible. Many find the book's messages still relevant today, applying to various forms of oppression and manipulation. Readers are moved by the story's portrayal of power corruption and the manipulation of language for political gain. While some find it heavy-handed, most consider it a timeless classic that offers important lessons about society and human nature.

About the Author

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair, was an English author and journalist known for his keen intelligence, social awareness, and opposition to totalitarianism. He served in the Indian Imperial Police and fought in the Spanish Civil War, experiences that shaped his political views. Orwell worked in propaganda and journalism before achieving literary fame with Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. These novels, along with his essays and non-fiction works, established him as a preeminent chronicler of English culture and a significant political writer. Orwell's influence persists long after his death, with his ideas and terminology becoming part of common discourse.