Animal Farm by George Orwell

Introduction

"Animal Farm" is a critical allegorical novella by George Orwell, examining the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of Stalinism. Through the tale of rebellious farm animals, Orwell delves into themes of power, corruption, and inequality.

The Beginning

• Mr. Jones' Negligence: The story opens with Mr. Jones, the irresponsible owner of Manor Farm, known for his cruelty and negligence​【oaicite:9】​.
• Old Major's Vision: Inspired by Old Major, a respected pig, the animals dream of an egalitarian society, free from human mistreatment​【oaicite:8】​.

The Rise of Leaders

• Post-Old Major: After Old Major's death, Snowball and Napoleon, two pigs, take the leadership mantle, inspiring a rebellion​【oaicite:7】​.
• Formation of Animalism: They create 'Animalism', a philosophy based on Old Major's ideals, promoting equality among all animals​【oaicite:6】​.

The Rebellion

• The Overthrow: Due to worsening conditions, the animals, driven by desperation, successfully revolt against Mr. Jones, establishing "Animal Farm"​【oaicite:5】​.
• New Rules: The animals adopt the Seven Commandments, foundational principles for their new society​【oaicite:4】​.

The Initial Success

• Early Prosperity: Initially, the farm flourishes with collective effort and increased productivity, under the animals' self-management​【oaicite:3】​.

The Descent into Tyranny

• Leadership Conflict: Snowball and Napoleon's differing ideals create a rift, leading to Snowball's exile and Napoleon's rise to power​【oaicite:2】​.
• Corruption of Power: The pigs start emulating human behaviors, betraying the core values of Animalism​【oaicite:1】​.

External Threats and Internal Decay

• Defending the Farm: The animals fend off attacks from humans, notably in the Battle of the Cowshed, solidifying their unity​【oaicite:0】​.
• Betrayal of Ideals: Over time, the pigs increasingly resemble the humans, with the farm's original principles eroded away.

Conclusion

• Indistinguishable from Humans: The final scene, showing pigs fraternizing with humans, symbolizes the complete corruption of the Animal Farm's ideals. This stark ending highlights the cyclical nature of power and the ease with which the oppressed can become oppressors.

This summary of "Animal Farm" was crafted to provide a detailed overview of the novel's main events and themes.