NOTES BOOK ANALYSIS FORM 5 & 6: Animal Farm by George Orwell

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TITLE: ANIMAL FARM

AUTHOR: GEORGE ORWELL PREPARED BY CHUMA MAJALIWA

GENRE: NOVELLA

SETTING: MANOR FARM AND ANIMAL FARM

BRIEF INTRODUCTION​

Animal Farm is a political allegory that tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer in order to create a society in which the animals can be free and equal. Led by the pigs, particularly Snowball and Napoleon, the animals overthrow Mr. Jones and rename the property Animal Farm. Initially, the farm functions well under the principles of Animalism, which is based on the idea that all animals are equal and should work for the common good of the group. However, as time passes, the pigs begin to consolidate their power and assert their dominance over the other animals.

Snowball and Napoleon have a power struggle and Napoleon emerges as the leader of the farm. He makes a series of changes to the principles of Animalism, including a revision of the Seven Commandments, the governing laws of Animal Farm. The pigs become more and more human-like in their behavior, including drinking alcohol and wearing clothes, and the other animals begin to feel alienated from them.

Before starting the analysis of this novel, there is a critical question, MENTION ANIMALS WHICH ARE KEPT BY HUMAN BEINGS.

An author of Animal Farm chooses to use animal characters to act in a human world.

Animal stands to represent real characters in the Soviet Union .

Farm stands to represent the Soviet Union/or the country of Russia

Animal Farm is a satire, it is a story that makes one laugh but at the same time, it conveys a deep message. We should therefore not imagine that Animal Farm is just an animal fairy-tale it has a deeper meaning to be found in the societies we live in. The happenings in Animal Farm actually reflect what happens in Africa and other parts of the world.

Many times we get African leaders coming up with ideals of bringing equality in the countries they rule. Many times we hear our politicians, especially during the campaign period assuring voters that once they get elected workers and peasants should enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Going back to the novel Napoleon takes puppies and train into secret and repressive police. The pigs use the dogs to intimidate other animals, it is the same way as our leaders use police officers to intimidate common people.

In the novel, you will meet characters like Boxer who is a dedicated, loyal and hardworking horse, he always says “ I will work harder” and he dies working to rebuild the windmill alone. Another interesting character is Mollie after the takeover of the farm, she quickly leaves and join the human farm.

SUMMARIZATION AND CHAPTER ANAYSIS​

Chapter 1​

The dream of Freedom

This chapter begins Mr. Jones is totally drunk, old Major get an opportunity and gathers all animals and explains human exploits them, he tells animals that last night he had the strange dream, he continues to say, “ Now comrades, what is the nature of this life of ours?” he proceeds,” We are

slaughtered, no animal in England knows the meaning of happiness, the life of animal is misery and slavery’

He insists that human consumes without producing, he does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he gives examples by asking cows how many thousands of gallons of milk humans get, and he asks hens how many eggs have they laid from last year up to this year.

He insists unity to cows, pigs, hens, sheep, horses, donkeys and dogs have no better ending, old Major precautions Boxer that he looks stronger with muscles once he will lose power Mr. Jones will sell him to the knackers who will slaughter him into pieces.

Old Major tells animals whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy and whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend, he says they should not resemble humans, no animal must live in a house or sleep in a bed or wear clothes, drink alcohol, smoking, touch money or engage in trade. Old Major teaches animals the song “ Beasts of England”

Themes from this chapter​

Unity

Illusion

Conflict

Drunkard

Awareness

Freedom



Chapter 2​

The Revolution / Rebellion

After old Major’s death, the pigs organize the animals, when Mr. Jones forgets to feed them, the revolution succeeds because the animals are tired of oppression, the pigs quickly take leadership roles which begins to create a power difference this is the results of overthrowing Mr. Jones the animals rebel and drive him away. The pigs teach themselves to read and write from an old spelling book which had belonged to Mr. Jones’s children The farm is renamed Animal Farm and the Seven Commandments are written on the wall:

THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS​

Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend.

No animal shall wear clothes.

No animal shall sleep in a bed.

No animal shall drink alcohol.

No animal shall kill any other animal.

All animals are equal.
 

Themes from this chapter.​

Revolution

Leadership

Equality

Conflict

Education

Chapter 3​

Building the New Society

The animals work together to harvest crops successfully, Snowball organizes committees and education programs, the pigs begin to gain special privileges Boxer becomes known for his motto, “ I will work harder’. Even the ducks and hens toiled to work on the farm, during the working hours the cat escapes and return at meal times or in the evening after work was over.

Snowball teaches animals reading and writing, Napoleon is against with Snowball’s committees, also he disagrees with Snowball teachings of animals how to read and write.

Themes from this chapter​

Hardworking

Laziness

Conflict

Education

Jealous

Chapter 4​

Battle of the Cowshed / Humans want to take back their farm

Mr. jones blames to his friends that animals have taken his farm, The other farmers feel sympathy and they promise to help and fight back to return his farm, the fighting starts the animals defend the farm and win the battle, the animals show courage and unity when defending their independence. Snowball proves to be a brave leader.

Themes from this chapter.​

Courage

Unity

Defending freedom

Conflicts Chapter 5 Power struggle

Snowball and Napoleon argue about building a windmill, now we come to realize Napoleon does not produce any scheme or project compared to Snowball. After few weeks Snowball plans to

build windmill he leaners from the books of Mr. Jones. One day Napoleon goes secretly to see the plans which has written by Snowball, Napoleon urinates over the plans of building windmill. Napoleon tells other animals that the windmill was nonsense and he advises other animals not to think about it. Snowball tells animals the windmill will produce electricity which could operate machines, ploughs, electricity light, hot and cold water and an electric heater.

After snowball finishes to talk Napoleon stands up and orders dogs to catch Snowball runs away, it should be remembered that Napoleon takes puppies from their mother and gives milk with other food, he keeps the dog secretly without other animals know. Back to the story Napoleon with dogs continue to chase Snowball away and Napoleon takes full control of the farm, this chapter marks the beginning of dictatorship.
 

Themes from this chapter​

Conflict

Corruption

Betrayal

Chapter 6​

Hard Work and Broken Promises

This chapter begins animals work like slave to build the windmill, Napoleon gives announcement to animals that any animal who is absent from the work his rations of meal will be reduced half. Napoleon assembles animals and announces that he has a new policy of trading with humans what they need is more money by selling eggs of hens.

In the meeting four pigs protest against Napoleon that there would be no need for any animals to trade with human beings, Napoleon threatens to release dogs to catch them. Napoleon appoints Squealer to be his spokesman.

Pigs start to move and live in the house, Clover remembers that it is prohibited for animals to sleep in bed but Squealer soften their minds that pigs use most of their times to think about their good life.

Themes from this chapter.​

Exploitation

Betrayal

Awareness

Chapter 7​

Fear and control

Food becomes scarce and Napoleon blames Snowball for problems, Napoleon uses fear and violence to maintain control, the farm becomes a place of terror rather than equality.

Napoleon has the new contract with Mr. Whymper a contract for four hundred eggs a week, agreement is exchanging with grain and meal, after hens hear this agreement they do passive

resistance by flying up to the roof of the house and tree they lay eggs which smashed into pieces on the floor, Napoleon orders hen’s ratio of meal to be stopped and he punishes hens to death, Squealer announces that from now onwards the song of Beast of England had been abolished because their leader Napoleon has ordered.

Themes from this chapter​

Dictatorship

Fear

Loss of freedom

Chapter 8​

Corruption of the commandments

Napoleon becomes more powerful and the pigs begin living like humans. The seven Commandments are secretly changed example NO ANIMAL SHALL KILL ANY OTHER ANIMAL WITHOUT CAUSE, Squealer says there was good reason for killing the traitor like Snowball according to our leader comrade Napoleon.

Napoleon strengthen his security four dogs guard his bed at night one at each corner and one pig is given the task of tasting his food if it is poisoned before he eats.

Napoleon arranges to sell timber to Mr. Pilkington and make some agreement with him for exchanging some products, the animals distrusted Pilkington as a human being but Squealer tells animals to trust comrade Napoleon’s strategy.

Two days later, the animals were called for a special meeting, Napoleon announces that he has sold timber to Frederick and tomorrow Frederick will come to take timber.

Again some commandments are changed example NO ANIMAL SHALL DRINK ALCOHOL TO THE EXCESS, through this pigs have allowed themselves to drink alcohol.

Themes from this chapter​

Betrayal

Corruption

Exploitation

Mistrust
 
Chapter 9 Boxer is sold

In this chapter we see Boxer refuses to take even a day off work, Benjamin advises Boxer to work less Boxer refuses to listen

Animal farm is proclaimed a Republic and it becomes necessary to elect a president, there is only one candidate for contesting presidential position so, Napoleon wins without any objection from voters who are animals.

Once again clover and Benjamin warn Boxer to take care of his health but Boxer says, “ I will work harder” in the evening Boxer falls down, he is lying on his side and can’t get up!, Clover drops to her knees she cried, “Boexer!” she cries, “ How are you?” Boxer replies in a weak voice, “ It is my lung”

All animals except Clover and Benjamin run to give news Squealer about the situation of Boxer, he says Boxer will be taken to the hospital to be treated but, animals doubted on this answer. Now Boxer is taken to the van, animals tell Boxer good-bye! Suddenly Benjamin shouts fools! Fools! And precautions animals that the side of van is written Horse Slaughterer, Benjamin continue to insist they are taking Boxer to the knacker.

After three days Squealer announces that Boxer had died in the hospital at Willingdon, Napoleon appears at the meeting and pronounce they should mourn Boxer, animals want the dead body of Boxer but Napoleon replies by saying a large wreath to be made so as to put on the grave of Boxer.

Themes from this chapter​

Betrayal

Hardworking

Selfishness

Conflict

Chapter 10​

Return to oppression

Years passed there is no one who remembers the old days except Clover and Benjamin. Mr. Jones died, Snowball is forgotten, Boxer is forgotten except by few who know them.

Napoleon is now old and Squealer is so fat that he is difficult to see out of his eyes. Years later, the pigs walk on two legs and behave like humans. The animals can not tell the difference between pigs and humans, animals want to make revolution against pigs, the pigs become oppressive as the humans they replaced in the beginning.

Themes from this chapter​

Failing of revolution

Social inequality

Awareness



Characters and Characterization​

Napoleon

A pig who becomes the leader of Animal Farm

He represents a dictator who gains power through force and manipulation.

He uses fear and propaganda to control the animals.

He is a corrupt leader that is to say he benefits himself from humans

He betrays other animals to bend the seven commandments of animals, also he sells boxer.

He is an exploiter in the book he orders animals to be given small share of meal while himself with other pigs are given the excess meal to eat.

He is a killer, in the novel he kills hens publicly because hens protest to lay eggs.

He is a pompous leader, he boosts himself that is a good planner and always is right.

Snowball​

He is an intelligent and creative pig who helps to lead the revolution against Mr. Jones

He is a visionary leader who wants to improve the farm through the ideas such as the windmill to generate electricity and reduce work.

He organizes committees and educational programs.

He is a natural leader and speaker example he wins debates with strong arguments something which created fear to Napoleon.

He is a brave and courageous a good example he leads the animals into battle against humans, he is injured while fighting.

He is later betrayed and chased away by Napoleon.

He is blamed after escaping, Napoleon blames Snowball for everything that goes wrong, Napoleon uses him as an enemy to control the animals.

Boxer​

He is hardworking horse known for his strength and loyalty.

He is exploited by Napoleon, he represents workers who are exploited by leaders.

He is ignorant, in the book Benjamin and Clover advise him to stop working because now his health is worse, he says “ I will work harder and Napoleon is always right”

He is betrayed by Napoleon and sold to humans at the end he is killed..

Squealer​

He is a pig who acts as Napoleon’s spokesman, he represents the spokesman of different countries .

He uses persuasive language and propaganda to convince the animals that comrade Napoleon is correct for anything he does.

He is hypocrite because he closes eyes for bad things which are done by Napoleon example the issue of selling timber which benefits Napoleon also he sees Napoleon kills hens in the seven commandments no animal shall kill another animal, all animals are equal,

He is a betrayal in the novel he decides to be the side of Napoleon instead of other animals example when Boxer is sold and he knows that he is going to be slaughtered.

Old Major​

An old pig who inspires the animals to fight against humans.

He is a visionary leader, he has a clear dream of a better future where animals are free from human oppression.

He is wise and respected, he is old and experienced so other animals respect him and listen carefully to his ideas.

He is a patriotic, he teaches animal the song of patriotism THE BEASTS OF ENGLAND

Symbolic character, old Major represents historical figures like Karl Marx and Lenin.

He is hopeful and optimistic despite the harsh condition on the farm, old Major believes that change is possible and he encourages other animals.

Mr. Jones​

 
The original owner of the farm..

Alcoholic, his addiction to alcohol contributes to his downfall, it leads to poor management of the farm and loss of control.

Lazy , instead of working hard he depends on the animals to do everything.

Oppressor, animals suffer under his control because he undermines them for his own benefit without caring about their welfare.

Irresponsible, when he drinks alcohol he does not fulfil his duties example forgetting to shut the pop holes.

Benjamin​

A donkey is wise example advises Boxer to rest.

He becomes aware that Boxer is taken to be slaughtered and not to the hospital.

He is a coward because he knows the evils of Napoleon but he does not open his mouth

Clover​

She is a kind and caring horse who worries about other animals.

She notices that commandments are changing but can not understand why.

Dogs​

They protect Napoleon.

They are corrupt because they are given good things like meat and milk so as to protect him and to follow orders.

Sheep​

Blind followers who repeat slogans

They are ignorant in the novel they follow and taken wherever without asking any question.

GENERAL THEMES​

ABUSE OF POWER

Napoleon as a leader misuses authority for his gaining also he uses dogs (his private army) to threat other animals.

Corruption.​

He sells piles of timber to Mr. Pilkington and other agreements, the aim is to benefit himself.

Page 69​

Selfishness

Napoleon orders rations of animals to be reduced except the rations of pigs and dogs. Page 82,

another pigs want to eat special food because they are brainworkers. Page 25

Hardworking​

Boxer works hard so as to build animal farm, in the book he refuses to take day off work. Page 81, another animals transports the stones to build the windmill page 45, ducks and hens toil to work harvesting in the farm Page 19

Protest​


The hens go against to surrender four hundred eggs a week to Napoleon. Page 56 , another is four young pigs protests by raising voices when Napoleon abolishes the Sunday meeting. Page 47 also Snowball protests against Napoleon that animals should work three days a week to build windmill. Page 37

Jealous​

In the novel Napoleon feels jealous of Snowball, he reaches to the point he urinates over the plans of building the windmill which is written by Snowball. Page 36

Sacrifice​

Animals fight to protect their farm from humans, Snowball insists that all animals to be ready to die for Animal Farm they should not give up. Page 32. Another sacrifice animals work like slaves to work in the farm the aim is to bring changes. Page 44

Conflict​

There is misunderstanding between animals and Mr. Jones the reason is Animal Farm. Page 29 Mr. Jones carries his gun other people they carry sticks. Another conflict Napoleon against Snowball the reason Napoleon is not interested in the committees of Snowball to provide education to them. Page 24

Education​

Snowball educates animals how to read and write the aim is to remove illiterate at the Animal Farm. Page 23, this helps Benjamin in the future days to read the van which takes Boxer to be slaughtered it is written DEALER IN HIDES AND BONE MEAL KENNELS SUPPLIED page 89

Laziness​

In the book the cat is lazy during working hours disappears and it reappears during the meal times or in the evening after the work was over. Page 21, also some pigs do not work but direct and supervise other animals to work. Page 19, another animal who is lazy is Moses, other animals hate him because he talks too much and he does not participate with others. Page 12

Ignorance and lack of education​

Lack of knowledge makes to be controlled easy, in the book animals have no knowledge that is why are controlled easier by Napoleon, also it is seen animals do not know the van which comes to take Boxer, Benjamin calls animals fools, fools, Page 12