Animal Farm: A Summary

George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is a profound allegory that encapsulates the complexities of revolution, power, and corruption. This summary delves into the key elements of the novel.

Introduction

• Title: Animal Farm
• Author: George Orwell
• Publication Year: 1945

Plot Overview

In "Animal Farm", Orwell portrays a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, aspiring to create a society where animals can be equal, free, and happy. However, the rebellion's ideals are quickly corrupted as power concentrates in the hands of the pigs.

Key Characters

• Napoleon: A large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar, the only Berkshire on the farm. He emerges as the leader of the farm after the Rebellion.
• Snowball: A more vivacious pig than Napoleon, quicker in speech and more inventive, but not considered to have the same depth of character.
• Boxer: A loyal, kind, dedicated, extremely strong, hard working, but naive and gullible horse.

Major Themes

1. Power and Corruption: The novel explores how power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
2. The Betrayal of the Revolutionary Ideals: It shows how the initial ideals of the rebellion are distorted and betrayed.
3. The Abuse of Language as Instrumental to the Abuse of Power: Orwell demonstrates how language can be manipulated as an instrument of control.

Significant Events

• The Rebellion: Inspired by Old Major's dream, the animals drive Mr. Jones off the farm, declaring their independence.
• The Battle of the Cowshed: The first major act of defense of the animals' new freedom.
• The Rise of Napoleon: Napoleon gradually consolidates power, culminating in the exile of Snowball.
• The Transformation of the Commandments: The pigs alter the Seven Commandments of Animalism to justify their behaviors.
• The Betrayal of Boxer: Boxer's tragic end symbolizes the betrayal of the working class.

Conclusion

"Animal Farm" ends with the pigs mirroring the humans they once overthrew, illustrating Orwell's message about the cyclical nature of tyranny and the corruptibility of power.