Chapter Summaries of George Orwell's Animal Farm

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Chapter Summaries of George Orwell's Animal Farm

In the opening chapter of the book, Mr. Jones of Manor Farm is shown as a

careless, irresponsible farm owner who cares more for a glass of beer than for

his animals and the farm. He is often drunk, and his ensuing negligence causes

the farm animals to protest and rebel against him.

One night, Old Major, the prize Middle White Boar, wishes to share a strange

dream with all the animals. Since the two-year old boar is greatly respected by

all, the animals are willing to forego an hour's sleep to listen to Old Major's

tale. Before the animals assemble, the stout, majestic Old Major makes

himself comfortable on his bed of straw. As the animals enter the barn, each is

described. First to come are the three dogs, Bluebell, Jessie, and Picher. Then

the pigs arrive and settle down in front of the platform. Clover, the stout,

motherly mare, who is nearing middle age, finds her place. Benjamin, the

cynical donkey, who is the oldest animal and the worst tempered, grumps as

he settles down. Boxer, who is an enormous and optimistic horse, Mollie, who

is the foolish, pretty white mare, Moses, who is the tame raven, and the cat are

all present. The hens perch on the windowsills, and the pigeons flutter up to

the rafters.

Major's intentions are noble. He shows concern for the welfare and destiny of

the animals and inspires them to rebel against the human beings for their own

good. Without ever telling his dream, he diverts the animals' attention to his

song, 'Beasts of England'. He encourages them to gather in perfect unity and

warns them to avoid the habits of men.

CHAPTER 2

The second chapter commences with the peaceful death of Old Major.

Although he is no longer physically present, Major's inspiring speech has

brought about a changed outlook on life among the animals. They are

convinced that an animal rebellion will take place in the unknown future and

prepare for it psychologically. The work of organizing and teaching naturally

falls upon the most intelligent of the animals, the Pigs. Pre-eminent among

them are two young boars called Snowball and Napoleon. Napoleon, a fierce

looking Berkshire, is not much of a talker but has a reputation for getting his

own way. Snowball, a young boar, is high-spirited, quick in speech, very

intelligent, and invent...

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nothing; they have given up the habit of criticizing, complaining, or protesting

long ago.

The farm is now better organized, more prosperous, and enlarged. The

windmill, though not used for electricity, has brought in a profit. The common

animals, however, do not share in the prosperity. They live a life of difficulty

and deprivation. They are hungry, sleep on straw, labor long hours, and are

troubled by cold in winter and flies in summer. But they are still convinced

that they are "free" since animals rather than humans run the farm. Because of

the constant propaganda, they do not realize that their plight is the same under

Napoleon that it was under Farmer Jones. Only Benjamin realizes that

"nothing has changed for better or worse."

One day, while weeding turnips, the animals hear singing. Napoleon is in the

farmhouse celebrating with human beings. He then announces that he has

made peace with his human neighbors. Although still called Animal Farm, it

is really Manor Farm all over again. The animal dictatorship has degenerated

into human corruption, and at the end of the novel, pig and man are

indistinguishable. The circle is complete.

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