Animal Farm George Orwell | Cliff Note Books
“Animal Farm” is a classic allegorical novel by George Orwell that tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, Mr. Jones, and establish a society based on the principles of equality, democracy, and cooperation. However, their idealistic vision of a utopian society is gradually corrupted by the pigs, who take on leadership roles and become increasingly authoritarian, culminating in a brutal dictatorship.
The story begins on Manor Farm, where the animals are mistreated and overworked by Mr. Jones. The pigs, led by the intellectual and persuasive Old Major, lead a rebellion against Jones, and the animals drive him off the farm. The pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, become the de facto leaders of the animal community and establish a system of government based on the principles of Animalism, which they declare in the form of the Seven Commandments.
At first, the animal community thrives under their new system, with everyone working together for the common good. However, as time goes by, the pigs begin to consolidate their power and take on more privileges and luxuries. They also begin to manipulate and distort the original principles of Animalism, using propaganda and violence to maintain their control over the other animals.
The novel climaxes with a violent purge of animals who are perceived as disloyal to Napoleon’s regime, and the pigs openly declare their complete authority over the other animals. In the final scene, the animals look through the farmhouse window and see the pigs drinking and playing cards with the humans, symbolizing the complete betrayal of their original ideals and the triumph of totalitarianism.
“Animal Farm” is a powerful allegory that reflects on the dangers of political corruption and the abuse of power. It is a timeless story that resonates with readers of all ages and continues to be a classic of modern literature.
By choosing the pigs as the animals who become more human-like, George Orwell is making a commentary on the nature of power and corruption. The pigs, who initially fought for the rights and freedoms of all animals, eventually become more interested in their own power and privilege than in the welfare of the animal community as a whole.
The choice of the pigs also highlights the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of maintaining a system of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power. The pigs become more dictatorial and oppressive as they consolidate their power, leading to the downfall of the animal rebellion and the ultimate takeover of the farm by the pigs.
THEMES
- Corruption of power: One of the central themes of “Animal Farm” is the idea that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The novel shows how the pigs, who initially sought to overthrow the human oppressors and establish a society based on equality and cooperation, gradually become more tyrannical and oppressive as they consolidate their power.
- Propaganda and manipulation: Another key theme of the novel is the power of propaganda and manipulation to control the masses. The pigs use propaganda and rhetoric to convince the other animals that their actions are in their best interest, even as they betray the principles of Animalism and become more oppressive.
- The dangers of ignorance: “Animal Farm” also highlights the dangers of ignorance and lack of education. The animals’ naivete and lack of understanding of political systems and ideology allow the pigs to manipulate them easily.
- The struggle for freedom and equality: The novel also explores the struggle for freedom and equality, and the challenges of maintaining a just and equitable society. The animals initially seek to establish a society based on democratic ideals, but their lack of understanding and the corruption of their leaders lead to the erosion of their freedoms and rights.
- The impact of history and tradition: “Animal Farm” also examines the impact of history and tradition on society. The novel shows how the animals’ memories of their past oppression under the humans shape their attitudes and motivations, and how their inability to break free from these memories ultimately leads to their downfall.
Overall, “Animal Farm” is a powerful critique of political corruption and totalitarianism, and a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant against the abuse of power.
“Animal Farm” is an important work of literature for several reasons. First, it is a powerful allegory of the Soviet Union and the dangers of totalitarianism, showing how a revolution intended to create a utopian society can ultimately result in tyranny and oppression.
Second, it highlights the importance of critical thinking and education in maintaining a free and just society. The animals who are able to read and think for themselves are the ones who are able to resist the propaganda and corruption of the pigs and maintain their principles of Animalism.
Third, “Animal Farm” is an important work of political satire, using humor and irony to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of those in power. It serves as a warning against blind loyalty to leaders and the dangers of authoritarianism.
“Animal Farm” is a powerful and timeless work of literature that continues to be relevant today. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of education and critical thinking in maintaining a free and just society.
SYMBOLLISM
“Animal Farm” is rich with symbolism that helps to illustrate the themes and ideas of the novel. Here are some examples:
- Animalism: Animalism represents the socialist ideals of equality, communal living, and cooperation. It is symbolized by the Seven Commandments that the animals initially establish to govern their society.
- The barn: The barn represents the collective memory of the animals, and their struggle for freedom and equality. It is where Old Major delivers his inspiring speech, and where the animals gather to discuss their plans for revolution.
- The windmill: The windmill symbolizes progress and industry, and the animals’ desire to improve their lives through hard work and cooperation. However, it also represents the pigs’ manipulation and deceit, as they use the promise of the windmill to consolidate their power and oppress the other animals.
- The flag: The flag of Animal Farm features a hoof and a horn, symbolizing the unity of the animals and their collective power. However, the flag also becomes a tool of propaganda, used by the pigs to reinforce their own authority and to manipulate the other animals.
- The animal characters: Each animal character in the novel represents a specific group or personality type in society. For example, Napoleon represents the corrupt and oppressive leader, while Snowball represents the idealistic and visionary leader. Boxer symbolizes the working class, who are exploited and mistreated, while Benjamin symbolizes the cynical and disenchanted intellectual.
Overall, the use of symbolism in “Animal Farm” helps to deepen the novel’s themes and messages, and adds layers of meaning that resonate with readers on multiple levels.
QUOTES
- “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
- “Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished forever.”
- “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
- “The only good human being is a dead one.”
- “Several of them would have protested if they could have found the right arguments.”
- “Four legs good, two legs bad.”
- “I will work harder.”
- “The whole management and organization of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples.”
- “Squealer, temporarily stunned, was sprawling beside them, and near at hand there lay a lantern, a paint-brush, and an overturned pot of white paint.”
- “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
George Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, was an English writer and journalist known for his political and social commentary. He was born on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, India, and spent his early years there before moving to England with his family at the age of eight.
Orwell attended Eton College on a scholarship, but did not graduate due to financial difficulties. He then joined the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, where he served for five years before resigning due to his opposition to British imperialism.
After returning to England, Orwell worked as a teacher, bookshop assistant, and freelance journalist. He also began writing novels and essays, many of which reflected his experiences in Burma and his political and social beliefs. Some of his most famous works include “Animal Farm,” “1984,” “Homage to Catalonia,” and “Shooting an Elephant.”
Throughout his life, Orwell was a passionate advocate for democratic socialism and an outspoken critic of totalitarianism and imperialism. He fought in the Spanish Civil War with a socialist militia, and later worked for the BBC during World War II, producing propaganda broadcasts for the Indian subcontinent.
Orwell’s work has had a profound impact on literature and political thought, and his ideas continue to be influential today. He died on January 21, 1950, at the age of 46, from complications of tuberculosis.
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Chapter One
Chapter One of “Animal Farm” sets the stage for the novel by introducing the reader to the main characters and the setting. The chapter opens with Old Major, a prize-winning boar, addressing the other animals on Manor Farm in a meeting he called at night. He tells them about a dream he had in which animals live without the oppression of humans, and encourages them to rebel against their human owner, Mr. Jones.
Old Major sings a song, “Beasts of England,” which becomes the anthem of the animal rebellion. He explains that man is the enemy of animals and that they must unite against him. He tells them that they are not free and that they must fight for their freedom.
After the meeting ends, the animals begin to discuss the ideas presented by Old Major, and they start to feel hopeful for a better future. However, the pigs, who are the most intelligent animals on the farm, start to take a more active role in planning the rebellion, and they begin to see themselves as the leaders of the animal community.
Chapter One sets the stage for the rest of the novel by introducing the idea of rebellion and the hope for a better future, as well as the idea that the pigs will play a key role in leading the animals towards that future. The chapter also establishes the theme of inequality and the idea that animals are not free under human rule.
Chapter Two
In Chapter 2 of “Animal Farm,” the animals on Manor Farm continue to discuss and plan for their rebellion against Mr. Jones. The pigs, led by Snowball and Napoleon, take a more active role in organizing the animals and teaching them to read and write.
One night, Mr. Jones and his men get drunk and neglect to feed the animals, prompting them to break into the storehouse and help themselves to the food. When Jones and his men try to stop the animals, a fight breaks out, and the animals successfully chase them off the farm.
After the victory, the animals begin to take over the farm and establish their own rules and system of government. The pigs take on the role of leaders and establish the principles of Animalism, which emphasize equality and cooperation among all animals.
The chapter also introduces the character of Squealer, a pig who becomes the primary propagandist for the animal rebellion. He explains the principles of Animalism to the other animals and convinces them that the pigs are the most intelligent and capable leaders.
Overall, Chapter 2 shows the continued development of the animal rebellion and the establishment of the principles and leadership structure that will guide the animal community. The chapter also highlights the importance of propaganda and communication in promoting the ideals of the rebellion and consolidating power in the hands of the pigs.
Chapter Three
In Chapter 3 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community continues to work together to establish a new society based on the principles of Animalism. The pigs take on more leadership roles and become the driving force behind the animal rebellion, while the other animals work hard to make the farm prosperous and self-sufficient.
The animals face several challenges as they work towards their goals, including the need for more food and materials to build their windmill. They begin to trade with neighboring farms for resources, but the pigs maintain a strict policy of isolationism and discourage any interaction with humans.
As the months pass, the animals begin to see the benefits of their hard work and the new social order. However, tensions also start to emerge, particularly between Snowball and Napoleon, who have different ideas about how to run the farm.
The chapter also introduces the character of Moses, a tame raven who tells the animals about a magical place called Sugarcandy Mountain, where animals go after they die. Moses serves as a reminder of the power of religion and the desire for a higher power among the animal community.
Overall, Chapter 3 shows the continued efforts of the animal community to build a new society based on the principles of Animalism. The chapter also highlights the challenges and tensions that arise as the animals work towards their goals, and the role of religion and spirituality in shaping their worldview.
Chapter Four
In Chapter 4 of “Animal Farm,” the animals continue to work hard to build the windmill that will help them become self-sufficient. However, their progress is slow and difficult, and they face many setbacks.
Napoleon, who has become more powerful and dictatorial, decides to take control of the building of the windmill and orders the animals to work harder and longer hours. He also starts to eliminate any opposition to his rule, including Snowball, whom he accuses of collaborating with humans and banishes from the farm.
With Snowball gone, Napoleon consolidates his power and begins to take on more human-like behaviors. The pigs also start to live in the farmhouse and wear human clothing, further distancing themselves from the other animals.
Meanwhile, the animal community faces a new challenge in the form of a human attack. Mr. Jones and his men attempt to retake the farm, but the animals successfully defend themselves and drive off the attackers.
The chapter also introduces the idea of “Animal Farm” as a historical event, with the animals reflecting on the events that have taken place since the rebellion and the changes in their lives.
Overall, Chapter 4 highlights the growing tyranny and dictatorship of Napoleon and the pigs, as well as the continued struggles and setbacks faced by the animal community. The chapter also shows the threat of external forces and the importance of unity and defense against outside attacks.
Chapter Five
In Chapter 5 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community continues to work hard to build the windmill and improve their lives. However, their efforts are met with resistance from neighboring farms, who fear the spread of animal rebellion.
Napoleon and the pigs begin to engage in secret negotiations with other farmers, despite their previous policies of isolationism. They also start to take on more human-like behaviors, such as walking on two legs and carrying whips.
Meanwhile, the work on the windmill is slow and difficult, and the animals face many setbacks and challenges. They also begin to suffer from hunger and exhaustion, and some start to question the leadership of the pigs.
Despite these challenges, the animals remain committed to the ideals of Animalism and continue to work towards their goals. They also start to take on more responsibility and leadership roles, such as organizing their own committees and making decisions about their own welfare.
Overall, Chapter 5 highlights the growing corruption and betrayal of the pigs, as well as the challenges and setbacks faced by the animal community. The chapter also shows the importance of perseverance and commitment to the ideals of Animalism, even in the face of adversity.
Chapter Six
In Chapter 6 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community faces a new challenge in the form of a storm that destroys the windmill they have been working on for so long. Despite their disappointment and exhaustion, the animals begin to rebuild the windmill, determined to see their project through to the end.
However, their efforts are once again met with resistance from neighboring farms, who start to launch a series of attacks on Animal Farm. The animal community successfully defends themselves and pushes back against the attacks, but the toll on their physical and emotional well-being is significant.
Meanwhile, the pigs continue to consolidate their power and take on more human-like behaviors, such as walking on two legs and wearing clothes. They also start to live in the farmhouse and hold banquets with human guests, further distancing themselves from the other animals.
As the chapter progresses, the differences between the pigs and the other animals become more pronounced, with the pigs exploiting the other animals for their own gain and becoming increasingly corrupt and power-hungry.
Overall, Chapter 6 highlights the continued struggles and setbacks faced by the animal community, as well as the growing divide between the pigs and the other animals. The chapter also shows the danger of corruption and the temptation of power, as the pigs become more and more like the human oppressors they overthrew.
Chapter Seven
In Chapter 7 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community faces a new challenge in the form of food shortages and a lack of resources. The pigs, who have become more corrupt and power-hungry, begin to take more than their fair share of food and resources, leading to resentment and division among the animals.
Meanwhile, Napoleon, who has become the sole leader of Animal Farm, launches a campaign of terror and intimidation against anyone who opposes him. He uses his secret police force of dogs to eliminate any perceived threats to his power and to maintain control over the animal community.
The chapter also introduces a new character, a donkey named Benjamin, who is skeptical of the ideals of Animalism and remains detached from the struggles of the other animals.
As the chapter progresses, the animal community faces new challenges and setbacks, including the destruction of the windmill once again and the continued attacks from neighboring farms. The pigs also start to engage in more secret negotiations with humans, further betraying the principles of Animalism.
Overall, Chapter 7 highlights the growing corruption and tyranny of Napoleon and the pigs, as well as the division and mistrust among the animal community. The chapter also shows the danger of apathy and skepticism, as Benjamin remains detached from the struggles of the other animals and does not actively oppose the corruption of the pigs.
Chapter Eight
In Chapter 8 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community faces a new challenge as the pigs begin to engage in trade with humans, despite their previous policies of isolationism. The pigs also start to take on more human-like behaviors, such as wearing clothes and carrying whips.
Meanwhile, the animal community continues to suffer from food shortages and overwork, and many animals start to become disillusioned with the ideals of Animalism. The pigs use propaganda and violence to maintain control over the animal community, and anyone who opposes them is eliminated.
The chapter also introduces a new character, a sheep named Muriel, who is one of the few animals who can read and who tries to keep the ideals of Animalism alive.
As the chapter progresses, the animal community faces new challenges and setbacks, including a new attack from neighboring farms and the death of Boxer, a loyal and hardworking horse who is sold to a glue factory by the pigs.
Overall, Chapter 8 highlights the continued corruption and betrayal of the pigs, as well as the challenges and hardships faced by the animal community. The chapter also shows the importance of literacy and education in preserving the ideals of Animalism, as well as the dangers of propaganda and violence in maintaining a corrupt regime.
Chapter Nine
In Chapter 9 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community continues to suffer under the corrupt and oppressive regime of the pigs. Squealer, the primary propagandist for the pigs, uses his skills to justify their actions and maintain their power over the other animals.
The chapter also introduces a new character, a pig named Whymper, who becomes the intermediary between Animal Farm and the outside world. The pigs use Whymper to engage in more trade and negotiations with humans, further betraying the principles of Animalism.
As the chapter progresses, the animal community faces new challenges and setbacks, including a new attack from neighboring farms and the continued exploitation and mistreatment of the other animals by the pigs.
The chapter also shows the continued importance of literacy and education, as Muriel and Benjamin are some of the only animals who can read and understand the changes taking place on the farm. The chapter ends with the animals reflecting on their situation and realizing that they are worse off under the rule of the pigs than they were under Mr. Jones.
Overall, Chapter 9 highlights the continued corruption and oppression of the pigs, as well as the growing disillusionment and frustration of the other animals. The chapter also shows the importance of education and critical thinking in resisting propaganda and maintaining a free and just society.
Chapter Ten
In Chapter 10 of “Animal Farm,” the animal community faces the final downfall of their rebellion and the complete takeover of the farm by the pigs. The chapter begins with a banquet held by the pigs and humans, where the pigs show off their human-like behaviors and betray the principles of Animalism.
Meanwhile, the other animals suffer under the corrupt and oppressive regime of the pigs, with many of them starving and overworked. The pigs also use propaganda and violence to maintain their power and silence any opposition.
As the chapter progresses, the animal community faces new challenges and setbacks, including the death of many animals, the sale of more animals to the glue factory, and the final destruction of the windmill.
The chapter also shows the continued importance of education and critical thinking, as the few animals who can read and understand the changes taking place on the farm are the only ones who can see the truth of what is happening.
Overall, Chapter 10 highlights the complete betrayal of the principles of Animalism by the pigs, as well as the ultimate failure of the animal rebellion. The chapter also shows the importance of education and critical thinking in maintaining a free and just society, and the dangers of propaganda and corruption in leading to tyranny and oppression.