Animal Farm Summary - Chapters 3-4 -Schooling Online

Summary

In this excerpt from Animal Farm, the animals experience a highly successful harvest and work together harmoniously, with Boxer the horse leading the charge. While the pigs supervise and guide, Snowball and Napoleon have their own leadership roles, often clashing in their differing ideas. As tensions rise, the animals face human opposition in the form of Mr. Jones and his men, resulting in the Battle of the Cowshed, a significant victory for the animals. Amidst celebrations, Boxer shows deep remorse for causing harm, and the farm's future seems uncertain as signs of trouble loom, especially with Molly's strange behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 The harvest on Animal Farm is a huge success, with all animals working hard, except the pigs who supervise and guide the other animals.
• 😀 Boxer, the strongest and most hardworking animal, adopts the motto 'I will work harder' and becomes the farm's true hero.
• 😀 Sundays are dedicated to a weekly ceremony, where the animals sing 'Beasts of England' and hold meetings to plan future work.
• 😀 Napoleon and Snowball often disagree during the meetings, suggesting brewing tension between the two pigs.
• 😀 The pigs set up their own headquarters and organize literacy classes for the animals, though most learn only the basic commandment: 'Four legs good, two legs bad.'
• 😀 Napoleon takes special care of Jessie and Bluebell's puppies, educating them and ensuring their well-being.
• 😀 The pigs secretly take all the milk and apples, justifying it as necessary for their health due to their intellectual role on the farm.
• 😀 News of the rebellion on Animal Farm spreads, with rumors of cruelty and cannibalism being spread by neighboring humans to discredit the farm.
• 😀 Jones returns with a vengeance, leading to the Battle of the Cowshed where Snowball and Boxer lead a victorious charge against the humans.
• 😀 Boxer, despite his victory, feels sorrowful over injuring the stable boy, but later learns that the boy survived and escaped.
• 😀 The animals celebrate their victory by awarding military honors, including 'Animal Hero First Class' to Snowball and Boxer, while the sheep receives 'Animal Hero Second Class.'

Q & A

What role do the pigs play in Animal Farm after the rebellion?

The pigs, being the smartest animals, take on the role of guiding and supervising the other animals, helping organize the farm's activities and ensuring the work is done efficiently.

What is Boxer's personal motto, and how does it reflect his character?

Boxer's motto is 'I will work harder.' It reflects his dedication, hard work, and strong sense of duty, as he consistently strives to do more for the farm and its success.

How is the weekly ceremony on Sundays structured?

Every Sunday, a weekly ceremony is held where the animals proudly hoist their flag, hold a meeting to plan future work, and debate ideas. The meeting ends with the singing of 'Beasts of England' and an afternoon off.

What is Snowball's role in educating the animals?

Snowball takes the initiative to form committees and organize literacy classes for the animals. While most animals learn the basic version of the Seven Commandments, some simpler animals only learn the phrase 'Four legs good, two legs bad.'

What happens to the milk and apples on Animal Farm, and why?

The milk and apples are given to the pigs, who argue that they need these resources for their health because they are the brainworkers of the farm. The pigs justify this decision by claiming it's for the overall benefit of the farm.

How do neighboring farmers react to the success of Animal Farm?

The neighboring farmers, Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick, spread rumors about Animal Farm, claiming that the animals are engaged in cannibalism and cruelty. However, these rumors do not succeed in tarnishing Animal Farm's reputation.

What is the significance of the Battle of the Cowshed?

The Battle of the Cowshed is a pivotal moment in the story, where the animals successfully defend their farm against an attack by Mr. Jones and his men. It showcases the animals' courage and strategic planning, particularly Snowball's leadership.

How does Boxer react after the battle?

Boxer is deeply distressed after the battle, particularly because he unintentionally kills a stable boy. Although Snowball reassures him that war is brutal and accidents happen, Boxer remains sorrowful, reflecting his compassionate nature.

What is Molly's attitude toward the battle and the rebellion?

Molly is not fond of war and prefers to stay away from the conflict. She is found hiding in her stall during the battle, suggesting her lack of interest in the ideals of the rebellion.

How is the victory in the battle commemorated on Animal Farm?

After the victory in the Battle of the Cowshed, the animals hoist the flag, sing 'Beasts of England,' and give a solemn funeral to the dead sheep. Snowball and Boxer are awarded military honors, and the battle is commemorated each year with ceremonies on October 12 and Midsummer's Day.