Animal Farm Story – Summary and Explanation

Animal Farm by George Orwell

“Animal Farm” is a classic novella written by George Orwell, first published in 1945. The story is a political allegory that uses a group of farm animals to satirize the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent early years of the Soviet Union. Here is a summary of the main events in “Animal Farm”:

1. Old Major’s Speech:
   The story begins on Mr. Jones’s farm, where the old boar, Old Major, delivers a speech to the animals about the need for rebellion against human oppression. He introduces the idea of Animalism, a philosophy that advocates animal solidarity and the overthrow of humans.
2. The Rebellion:
   Inspired by Old Major’s vision, the animals stage a rebellion against Mr. Jones, the oppressive farmer. They successfully drive him off the farm, and the animals, led by pigs Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, establish their own government based on the principles of Animalism.
3. Animal Farm Established:
   The farm is renamed Animal Farm, and the pigs assume leadership roles. The pigs also create a set of commandments, encapsulating the principles of Animalism. The most important commandment is “All animals are equal.”
4. Snowball vs. Napoleon:
   Snowball and Napoleon, two prominent pigs, have different ideas about how to lead Animal Farm. Snowball is passionate about building windmills to generate power, while Napoleon is more focused on training a private army of dogs for protection. A power struggle ensues, and Napoleon eventually ousts Snowball from the farm.
5. Corruption and Betrayal:
   Over time, the pigs, particularly Napoleon, become increasingly corrupt and adopt human-like behaviors. They change the commandments to suit their own needs and form alliances with humans, betraying the principles of Animalism.
6. The Betrayal of Boxer:
   Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, is betrayed by the pigs. Despite his dedication, Boxer is sold to a glue factory for profit. The pigs use the money for their own luxuries.
7. Return of Humans:
   As the pigs become indistinguishable from humans in their behavior, the original human owner, Mr. Jones, returns with other farmers to reclaim Animal Farm. The pigs, however, have become so much like humans that the animals can no longer tell the difference.

The novella serves as a powerful allegory, critiquing the betrayal of revolutionary ideals, the abuse of power, and the dangers of unchecked authority. “Animal Farm” highlights how even a rebellion for freedom can devolve into tyranny if not carefully guarded.

Comprehensive Overview of the Story

Title: Animal Farm

Author: George Orwell

Background:

• Author:
• George Orwell (pseudonym for Eric Arthur Blair).
• Orwell was a British writer and journalist known for his works on social and political themes, including “1984” and “Animal Farm.”
• “Animal Farm” was published in 1945.
• Context:
• Written during a time of political upheaval and after the events of World War II.
• Orwell’s experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War and his disillusionment with Soviet communism influenced the novella.

Plot Summary:

1. Introduction and Old Major’s Speech:

• Manor Farm is ruled by Mr. Jones, a negligent and abusive farmer.
• Old Major, an old boar, delivers a speech to the animals, urging them to rebel against human oppression.
• He introduces the concept of Animalism, advocating for animal equality and a society free from human control.

2. The Rebellion:

• Inspired by Old Major’s vision, the animals revolt against Mr. Jones, driving him off the farm.
• They establish Animal Farm and adopt the Seven Commandments, outlining the principles of Animalism.

3. Establishment of Animal Farm:

• The pigs, Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, take on leadership roles.
• Initial efforts focus on improving the farm, with debates over the windmill project and other developments.

4. Power Struggle and Betrayal:

• A power struggle emerges between Snowball and Napoleon, with Snowball eventually expelled.
• Napoleon consolidates power, forms alliances with humans, and betrays the principles of Animalism.

5. Corruption and Betrayal Continues:

• The pigs become indistinguishable from humans, engaging in trade, living in the farmhouse, and adopting human vices.
• The original commandments are altered to justify the pigs’ actions.

6. Boxer’s Betrayal:

• Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, is sold to a glue factory when he is no longer useful.
• The pigs profit from his sale, symbolizing the betrayal of the working class.

7. Return of Humans:

• Mr. Jones and other humans attempt to reclaim Animal Farm, but the pigs have become tyrants similar to humans.

8. The Final Scene:

• The story ends with the animals unable to distinguish between the pigs and the humans, highlighting the cyclical nature of oppression.

Themes:

1. Totalitarianism and Corruption:

• Illustrates the dangers of concentrated power and the potential for leaders to become corrupt and tyrannical.

2. Class Struggle and Betrayal:

• Examines the exploitation and betrayal of the working class by those in power.

3. Language and Propaganda:

• Demonstrates the manipulation of language and propaganda as tools for controlling perception and maintaining power.

4. Revolutionary Ideals:

• Explores the transformation and betrayal of revolutionary ideals, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in protecting such ideals.

Literary Techniques:

1. Allegory:

• “Animal Farm” serves as a political allegory, with characters and events representing real-world counterparts from the Russian Revolution and early Soviet history.

2. Satire:

• Orwell uses satire to critique political systems, exposing the flaws and hypocrisy of both capitalism and communism.

3. Symbolism:

• Animals and their actions symbolize various political figures, classes, and historical events, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

4. Irony:

• The novella is rich in irony, especially in the pigs’ adoption of human behaviors despite their initial rebellion against humans.

Educational Significance:

• Political Allegory:
• “Animal Farm” provides a simplified but powerful allegorical representation of the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet Union.
• It introduces students to key historical events and figures in a digestible form.
• Exploration of Totalitarianism:
• The novella serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedoms.
• Students can analyze parallels between the story and real-world instances of authoritarian rule.
• Social Commentary:
• Orwell’s critique of political systems, propaganda, and the abuse of language encourages critical thinking about contemporary issues.
• Students can discuss the relevance of the novella’s themes to modern societies.
• Literary Analysis:
• “Animal Farm” offers opportunities for literary analysis, including the examination of symbolism, irony, and the use of satire.
• Students can explore how these literary techniques contribute to the novella’s overall impact.

Conclusion:

“Animal Farm” is a powerful and timeless work that engages students with its thought-provoking themes, allegorical elements, and literary techniques. It encourages critical thinking about political systems, power dynamics, and the consequences of betraying revolutionary ideals. The novella’s educational significance extends beyond its historical context, making it a valuable resource for exploring complex social and political issues.