Animal Farm Summary - George Orwell - Schooling Online
Summary
TLDRThe script retells George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' depicting a rebellion by farm animals against their human owner. Led by the visionary Old Major, the animals establish their own society with the pigs, especially Napoleon and Snowball, at the helm. As power corrupts, the pigs become tyrannical, mirroring human behavior. The story critiques the corruption of ideals and the cyclical nature of power, ending with the pigs indistinguishable from the humans they once overthrew.
Takeaways
- 🐷 The story of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is allegorical, depicting a group of animals who rebel against their human owner, Mr. Jones, and establish their own society.
- 📜 Old Major, the prize boar, inspires the animals with a vision of a future free from human oppression, teaching them the anthem 'Beasts of England' and the principles of Animalism.
- 🌾 After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, aiming to create a society where all animals are equal.
- 🐷 The pigs, being the most intelligent, take leadership roles, with Snowball and Napoleon emerging as the dominant figures, but their disagreements lead to a power struggle.
- 🔄 The pigs justify their privileged status by claiming they need special treatment to maintain their health and ensure the farm's success, which contradicts the original principles.
- 🐕 Napoleon consolidates power by expelling Snowball, using violence and manipulation to control the other animals and establish himself as the sole leader.
- 🏰 The pigs move into the farmhouse, a direct violation of the commandments, and begin to adopt human-like behaviors and privileges.
- 🛠 The construction of the windmill symbolizes the animals' hard work and the pigs' ambition, but it also leads to conflict and tragedy.
- 💸 Napoleon engages in trade with humans, betraying the early ideals of the rebellion, and uses a lawyer to circumvent the commandments against dealing with humans.
- 🗽 The windmill is destroyed and rebuilt, reflecting the resilience of the animals and the pigs' determination to maintain control, despite setbacks.
- 🐴 Boxer, the loyal carthorse, represents the spirit of hard work and dedication, but his tragic end when he is sold to a glue factory exposes the corruption and betrayal of the pigs.
- 🔁 The pigs' transformation into humans, both in appearance and behavior, culminates in the renaming of 'Animal Farm' to 'The Manor Farm,' revealing the tragic irony that the revolution has come full circle.
Q & A
What is the significance of Old Major's message to the animals?
-Old Major's message is significant because it lays the foundation for the animal rebellion. He offers the animals a vision of a future without human tyranny and introduces the concept of 'Animalism,' which promotes equality among the animals and the idea of overthrowing the human oppressors.
Why do the pigs take on a leadership role after the rebellion?
-The pigs assume leadership roles because they are considered the most intelligent of the animals, having become literate and developed a system of thought based on Old Major's teachings called 'Animalism.' Their intellectual superiority allows them to organize and manage the farm.
What causes the animals to finally rebel against Mr. Jones?
-The animals rebel against Mr. Jones when he and his men forget to feed them, leaving the animals starving. This neglect is the final straw, leading the animals to break into the storeshed for food and violently drive the humans off the farm.
What role does the anthem 'Beasts of England' play in the animals' rebellion?
-'Beasts of England' serves as a unifying anthem for the animals, symbolizing their shared struggle and aspirations for a better future. It inspires them to work together in their rebellion against human oppression.
How does Napoleon consolidate power after Snowball is expelled?
-Napoleon consolidates power by using force, specifically through the nine dogs he raised in secret, to expel Snowball from the farm. He then abolishes the Sunday meetings where animals could debate and instead takes control of decision-making, presenting himself as the ultimate authority.
What is the significance of the windmill in the story?
-The windmill represents the animals' collective effort and their hopes for a better future. However, it also becomes a tool for Napoleon to manipulate and control the other animals. The repeated destruction and rebuilding of the windmill symbolize the futility of their labor under Napoleon's corrupt leadership.
How do the pigs justify their increasingly human-like behavior?
-The pigs justify their human-like behavior by subtly altering the commandments of Animalism to suit their actions. For example, they modify the rule against drinking alcohol and living in the farmhouse to accommodate their desires. These changes are presented as being in the best interest of the farm.
What happens to Boxer, the loyal carthorse, and what does it signify?
-Boxer, the loyal and hardworking carthorse, is sold to the knacker when he becomes too weak to work. This betrayal signifies the complete corruption of the pigs' leadership, as they prioritize their gain over the well-being of the animals who contributed the most to the farm's success.
How do the final changes to the Seven Commandments reflect the overall theme of the story?
-The final change to the Seven Commandments, reducing them to 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,' reflects the story's theme of the corrupting influence of power. It highlights the pigs' complete abandonment of the original principles of Animalism and their transformation into the very tyrants they once overthrew.
What is the significance of the ending where the pigs and humans are indistinguishable?
-The ending, where the pigs and humans become indistinguishable, signifies the complete loss of the animals' original revolutionary ideals. It illustrates how the pigs have become just as oppressive and corrupt as the humans they replaced, blurring the line between the oppressors and the oppressed.
Outlines
🌾 'Rise of Animalism'
The first paragraph sets the stage for the rebellion at Manor Farm, driven by the animals' dissatisfaction with their human owner, Mr. Jones. Old Major, a boar, inspires the animals with a vision of a future without human oppression, teaching them the anthem 'Beasts of England' and the principles of Animalism. After Old Major's death, the pigs, now literate, turn his teachings into a political ideology and begin to educate the other animals. Despite some resistance, particularly from Moses and his tales of Sugar Candy Mountain, the animals eventually rise up, driving out the humans and renaming the farm 'Animal Farm.' The pigs establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, and the farm begins its new life under the leadership of the pigs, with Snowball and Napoleon emerging as key figures.
🏰 'Power Struggle and Betrayal'
The second paragraph delves into the internal politics and power struggles within Animal Farm. Napoleon, one of the pigs, consolidates power by expelling Snowball, who is accused of various treachery and is never seen again. Napoleon then takes over the windmill project, originally Snowball's idea, and uses it to further his authority. The pigs move into the farmhouse, adjusting the commandments to suit their new lifestyle. They begin to trade with humans, despite previous prohibitions, and even employ a lawyer as a go-between. The windmill is destroyed in a storm, but Napoleon blames Snowball for sabotage, further cementing his control. Food shortages lead to increased production quotas, and dissent is met with harsh punishment. The pigs' lifestyle becomes increasingly luxurious, and they begin to resemble their former human oppressors.
🏹 'Collapse of Ideals and Transformation'
The final paragraph describes the tragic end of the animals' utopian dream. Boxer, the hardworking carthorse, collapses and is secretly sold to a slaughterhouse, despite the pigs' claims that he was taken to a veterinarian. The farm continues to expand, but for the benefit of the pigs rather than the collective good. The windmill operates for profit rather than to improve the animals' lives. The pigs walk on two legs, carry whips, and even wear human clothing, a stark contrast to the early days of the rebellion. The Seven Commandments are reduced to one, reflecting the pigs' complete domination. The pigs and neighboring farmers celebrate their new alliance, and the animals realize that the pigs have become indistinguishable from the humans they once overthrew. The farm is renamed 'The Manor Farm,' and the animals are left to ponder the cyclical nature of power and corruption.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Animalism
💡Rebellion
💡Seven Commandments
💡Napoleon
💡Snowball
💡Boxer
💡Windmill
💡Squealer
💡Beasts of England
💡Battle of the Cowshed
Highlights
Old Major, the prize boar, inspires the animals with a vision of a future without human tyranny.
The animals are taught the anthem 'Beasts of England' and the principles of Animalism.
The pigs, being literate, turn Old Major's teachings into a system of thought called Animalism.
The animals rebel against Mr. Jones, taking control of the farm and renaming it Animal Farm.
Snowball and Napoleon emerge as the leading pigs, with differing views on the future of the farm.
Napoleon seizes power by expelling Snowball and using dogs as his personal guard.
The pigs justify their actions by rewriting the Seven Commandments to suit their needs.
Animal Farm's rebellion inspires other animals across the countryside.
Napoleon trades with humans, contradicting Old Major's teachings, to fund the windmill project.
The windmill, initially opposed by Napoleon, becomes a symbol of his leadership.
Boxer, the carthorse, exemplifies dedication and hard work for the farm's prosperity.
The pigs move into the farmhouse, a clear violation of the original principles of Animalism.
Napoleon's corruption is exposed as he sells Boxer to a slaughterhouse for profit.
The pigs and humans become indistinguishable, symbolizing the betrayal of Animal Farm's ideals.
The final transformation of the pigs into humans reflects the story's critique of power and corruption.
The renaming of Animal Farm to Manor Farm signifies the end of the rebellion's ideals.
The story concludes with a chilling reminder of the cyclical nature of power and corruption.
Transcripts
welcome to mana farm but perhaps you
might not be so welcome the animals are
fed up with humans especially the lazy
alcoholic owner of the farm mr jones
one night mr jones's prize boar old
major summons the animals together to
share an important message
they have all suffered for too long he
offers the animals a vision of the
future without the tyranny of man no
more whips exhaustion or starvation
to achieve this they must work together
as comrades to overthrow the human race
he teaches the animals the anthem beasts
of england and commands them to shun
man's evil ways
a few days later
old major passes away peacefully
in the months that follow the animals
prepare for rebellion the pigs who are
now literate have turned old mages
teachings into a new system of thought
called animalism
they work hard to teach animalism to the
other animals
most get it but some struggle
moses and his stories about the
afterlife on sugar candy mountain don't
help at all
the day of the rebellion comes sooner
than expected
one day mr jones and his men forget to
feed the animals by nightfall the
animals are starving and furious so they
break into the storeshed and help
themselves to the grain
that's fair don't you think
but mr jones and his men bear down on
the animals with whips
this is the last straw
the animals respond violently causing
every human on mana farm to flee for
their lives
even moses flaps off
hooray
the animals take control of the farm
turn the farmhouse into a museum and
rename the farm animal farm
snowball one of the two cleverest pigs
inscribes the seven commandments of
animalism on the barn not that many
animals can read it though except old
benjamin the cynical donkey
then it's time to get to work there's a
farm to run but before the harvest gets
underway the pigs milk the cows
unfortunately all the creamy frothy milk
disappears before the other animals can
get a taste
what's that all about
since they're the smart ones the pigs
supervise the harvest
but the real champion of the farm is
boxer the carthorse who lives by his
motto i will work harder
sunday meetings are held to discuss
plans for the farm
the two alpha pigs napoleon and snowball
lead the debates although they often
disagree
trouble in paradise already boys
soon the pigs set up their headquarters
in the harness room
they also write a basic version of the
seven commandments for the simpler souls
the sheep appreciate this immensely
when nine puppies are born napoleon
takes on the role of their sole guardian
how selfless of him
meanwhile the mystery of the missing
milk is solved according to scientific
proof the pigs need all the milk and
apples to maintain their health the
future of animal farm depends on it you
don't want mr jones to come back do you
news of the rebellion spreads across the
countryside soon animals everywhere are
singing beasts of england and it's
driving the humans nuts
when mr jones storms the farm and tries
to take back control the animals are
ready for him
snowball leads a coordinated attack and
the men are defeated
victory
this glorious day will forever be known
as the battle of the cowshed
the following winter snowball proposes
that they build a windmill napoleon is
against it and piddles all over
snowball's detailed plans
gross
when it comes time for the animals to
vote on it napoleon has the last word he
summons nine ferocious dogs to attack
snowball who barely escapes the farm
with his life
hey
are those jessie and bluebell's puppies
yep
they're napoleons in forces now
well played napoleon
snowball is never seen again and the
sunday meetings are abolished from now
on there will be no more debates
the pigs will decide what's best for the
farm and give orders to the animals
during sunday assemblies
welcome to the new normal comrades
three weeks later napoleon announces
that the windmill will go ahead
apparently it was his idea all along but
snowball had tried to take the credit
that villain
gosh that windmill is hard work
it's a good thing they have boxer
bless him he's like three horses in one
he'd better not overdo it
when the farm runs short on supplies
napoleon starts to trade with the humans
to raise money
hey
didn't old major forbid dealings with
humans
napoleon gets around this by employing a
lawyer mr whimper to act as the
go-between
seems legit
by now the humans have started to
vaguely respect animal farm and
withdrawn their support of mr jones
who's moved away
napoleon is also in trade talks with one
of the neighbors it's just never clear
which one
one day the pigs move into the farmhouse
a minor adjustment to the fourth
commandment gets them around the rules
against this or maybe that commandment
always read that way
it's hard to remember
a few months later a violent storm
pulverizes the windmill
all their hard work gone with the wind
but napoleon sniffs out sabotage this is
all snowballs doing
death to snowball
napoleon puts a bounty on snowball's
head and orders the animals to rebuild
the windmill
forward comrades
when a food shortage threatens the
entire farm napoleon orders increased
food production for trade
when the hens rebel against the
punishing new egg quota
nine of them lose their lives
back to your boxes ladies
in other news it turns out that snowball
has sold himself to mr frederick of
pinchfield farm
what's worse he was in league with mr
jones from the beginning even during the
battle of the cow shed
wait wasn't snowball injured in that
battle
didn't he receive a medal
when boxer raises these questions
squealer assures him that napoleon is
always right
watch out big guy
a few days later napoleon starts
publicly executing snowball's alleged
conspirators it's execution by dog
attack and the only animal to survive is
boxer thanks to his giant iron hooves
boxer an agent of snowball
surely not
surely old major forbid this didn't he
maybe we misread the sixth commandment
no animal shall kill another animal
without cause
it's a good thing the pigs wrote out the
commandments for us
what a capable leader comrade napoleon
is it's time he got the recognition he
deserves
minimus writes a poem in his honor his
portrait is painted his security detail
is beefed up and the windmill when it's
finally completed is named napoleon mill
what a triumph
when napoleon strikes a surprise deal
with mr frederick
it's revealed that snowball has been
hiding out on mr pilkington's farm for
years
that pilkington is a scoundrel
except mr frederick then cheats napoleon
with forged banknotes and invades animal
farm
a deadly battle is fought in which
animals die and the windmill is blown to
smithereens
dear dog not again
the animals narrowly defeat the humans
in what becomes known as the battle of
the windmill
napoleon is awarded another medal and
the pigs enjoy a whiskey bender in the
farmhouse
after he recovers from a filthy hangover
napoleon orders manuals on how to brew
alcohol and that's all fine because the
fifth commandment actually reads no
animal shall drink alcohol to excess
gosh
aren't we forgetful
the following winter is a bitter one and
the animals suffer the cold with empty
bellies
but squealer reminds them that their
quality of life is better than ever
phew
except their rations need to be
readjusted so the pigs can afford
supplies including luxury items and beer
cheers
then
wonderful news
napoleon is unanimously elected
president of animal farm
congrats napoleon
but real heartbreak lurks around the
corner
one evening boxer the farm's most
dedicated comrade collapses in the field
when the pigs organize a van to pick him
up
it's not from the vets
boxer is sold to slaughter
that is unless you believe squealer
according to him the vets recently
bought that van and hadn't repainted it
yet
whatever you say squealer
years pass
animal farm expands and becomes better
organized
the windmill is functioning well but
it's used to mill corn for profit not
make electricity for the animals ease
and comfort
few animals now remember the rebellion
snowball or boxer
but they all retain pride in the farm
and faith in old mages vision all
except benjamin
he's seen too much in his time
one day clover raises the alarm
the pigs are walking on their hind legs
napoleon is carrying a whip
the sheep have a new song and the seven
commandments have now become one
all animals are equal but some animals
are more equal than others
from then on all the pigs carry whips
dress in human clothing and use human
gadgets
when the pigs invite the neighboring
farmers to tour animal farm their dinner
is a raucous affair when the animals
peep through the farmhouse window they
witness the pigs and men raising a toast
to their new friendship
in a brief speech napoleon announces
some changes including the renaming of
the farm to the manor farm
hang on
isn't that similar to its original name
can anyone remember
as the animals look on they witness a
chilling transformation the faces morph
until it's impossible to tell who's a
pig and who's a man
oh the horror
we wish we could say that all the
animals lived happily ever after just as
old major imagined
but this isn't that kind of story
in fact
we suggest you check your modern history
books because animal farm isn't really a
fairy story at all
sweet dreams everyone
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