Orwell, George: 1903-1950

Animal Farm, 1945 - Summary

  • The animals on Manor Farm, led by the pigs Snowball and Napoleon, revolt against the cruel human farmer Mr. Jones and establish their own society based on the principles of "Animalism" and equality for all animals. Initially, the animals work together harmoniously and are able to run the farm successfully. However, a power struggle emerges between the two leaders, Snowball and Napoleon.

    Napoleon eventually outmaneuvers Snowball and seizes control through force and propaganda spread by his mouthpiece Squealer. He establishes a totalitarian dictatorship, betraying the ideals of the revolution. The pigs become the new ruling elite, appropriating privileges and luxuries for themselves while exploiting the other animals through harsh labor and oppression.

    Over time, the Seven Commandments of Animalism are distorted to justify the pigs' actions, exemplified by the final commandment: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." The farm descends into a brutal regime as Napoleon employs fear, propaganda, and violence to maintain power, mirroring the oppressive human society the animals initially rebelled against.

    The novel culminates with the pigs becoming indistinguishable from the former human oppressors, illustrating how the idealistic revolution was ultimately betrayed by the self-serving leaders who replicated the same injustices they had initially overthrown.

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