Animal Farm Summary - Chapters 7-8 - Schooling Online

Summary

In a tense and tumultuous period, Animal Farm faces food shortages, rebellion, and betrayals as Napoleon's reign grows more oppressive. The animals struggle to rebuild the windmill and deal with harsh conditions, while Napoleon enforces severe punishments for any sign of dissent. The windmill, once completed, faces destruction in battle, and the farm's future becomes uncertain. Amidst these trials, Napoleon's increasing paranoia and manipulation deepen the divide. The animals work harder but find themselves under stricter control, as they slowly realize the promises of equality and freedom have been betrayed. Meanwhile, Napoleon's control tightens as he distorts laws and fosters corruption.

Takeaways

• 😀 The animals are facing a harsh winter and a food shortage, but rebuilding the windmill is seen as a matter of honor.
• 😀 Napoleon manipulates the humans by having Mr. Whimper falsely report that Animal Farm's food bins are full.
• 😀 Napoleon forces the hens to produce 400 eggs per week to sell to humans, leading to a rebellion where the hens smash their own eggs.
• 😀 After the hens' rebellion, Napoleon punishes them by cutting their rations and threatening death to anyone who aids them.
• 😀 Squealer spreads lies about Snowball’s supposed betrayal, accusing him of working with Mr. Jones and Mr. Frederick to undermine Animal Farm.
• 😀 Napoleon orchestrates a series of executions of animals deemed traitors, including pigs, hens, and other farm animals.
• 😀 The animals' hopes are crushed when they realize that their labor and sacrifices have not led to the utopia they envisioned.
• 😀 Napoleon increasingly takes on a king-like role, enjoying privileges while the animals work harder for less.
• 😀 Napoleon abolishes the song 'Beasts of England' and changes the commandments to justify his actions, including allowing alcohol consumption.
• 😀 Despite Napoleon’s cruelty, the animals rebuild the windmill, which is later destroyed by Mr. Frederick and his men, leading to casualties.
• 😀 Napoleon strikes a trade deal with Mr. Frederick, only for him to betray Napoleon by paying with counterfeit money, resulting in the windmill’s destruction.

Q & A

What is the primary conflict the animals face at the start of the transcript?

The primary conflict is the food shortage in January, which threatens the animals' survival. Despite this, rebuilding the windmill remains a matter of honor for them, as they cannot give the humans the satisfaction of seeing them fail.

How does Napoleon manipulate the humans regarding the state of the food supply?

Napoleon uses Mr. Whimper, Animal Farm's lawyer, to falsely report to the humans that the food bins are full, though in reality, they are filled with sand.

What is Napoleon's plan to address the food shortage?

Napoleon plans to raise money by selling eggs from the hens. Squealer announces that the hens must produce 400 eggs a week, but this leads to a rebellion among the hens.

What happens during the hens' rebellion?

The hens rebel by flying to the rafters and smashing their eggs. Napoleon responds by cutting off their rations and threatening death to anyone who feeds them, eventually forcing the hens to return to their boxes after five days.

How does Napoleon manipulate the truth about Snowball's actions?

Napoleon spreads the false narrative that Snowball has been conspiring against Animal Farm all along, even during the Battle of the Cowshed, and is working with Mr. Jones. This is a tactic to further discredit Snowball and maintain control.

What is Boxer’s reaction to Snowball's alleged treachery?

Boxer is initially confused and questions the accusation, as he fought alongside Snowball during the Battle of the Cowshed. However, he is reassured by Squealer and backs down, demonstrating his trust in Napoleon.

What happens during the purge led by Napoleon?

Napoleon orders the execution of several animals, including four pigs, three hens, three sheep, and a goose, for allegedly conspiring with Snowball. This leaves the animals shaken and filled with fear.

What does the change in the sixth commandment reveal about Napoleon's rule?

The amendment of the sixth commandment to allow the killing of animals 'without cause' shows how Napoleon has manipulated the commandments to justify his actions and further consolidate his power.

What does Napoleon's behavior reveal about his leadership?

Napoleon's actions reflect his growing authoritarianism. He acts more like a king than a comrade, living in separate quarters and having a formal title, while the pigs become more indulgent, enjoying luxuries like whiskey.

What is the significance of the windmill’s destruction and the aftermath?

The destruction of the windmill by Mr. Frederick’s men is a major blow to the animals, but Napoleon spins it as a victory. The battle is framed as a 'Triumph,' although it results in the loss of life and significant hardship for the animals.