Plot Summary
The story begins on manor farm with old Major. He was an old boar who called all of the farm animals together to tell them about a dream he had. He talks of an animal revolution and taught the animals a song called Beasts of England. He then lays the fundamentals of Animalism. When Major dies three days later, two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, assume command. They create Animalism. The animals revolt and drive farmer Jones out, renaming the farm “Animal Farm.” The pigs decide on compacting the philosophy down to The Seven Commandments. These commandments are written on the wall of a barn. Snowball attempts to teach the animals reading and writing. Meanwhile the farm is running smoothly and food is plentiful. The pigs take over as leaders and set aside special food items for themselves. Napoleon takes the pups from the farm dogs and trains them privately. Then there is a clash of humans and animals when Mr. Jones tries to take back the farm. The animals call this the Battle of Cowshed. Napoleon and Snowball struggle for leadership. When Snowball announces his idea for a windmill, Napoleon opposes it. Napoleon has his dogs chase Snowball away. Now that Snowball is gone, Napoleon declares himself the leader and makes changes. Meetings will no longer be held and instead a committee of pigs will run the farm. Napoleon spreads his ideas through a young pig named Squealer. The animals work harder with the promise of easier lives with the windmill. After a violent storm, the animals find the windmill broken down. Napoleon and Squealer convince the animals that Snowball destroyed the windmill. Once Snowball becomes a scapegoat, Napoleon begins purging the farm, killing animals he accuses of consorting with Snowball. Napoleon abuses his powers, making life harder for the animals. Squealer justifies every statement Napoleon makes. The pigs even alter the Seven Commandments of Animalism. "No animal shall sleep in beds" is changed to "No animal shall sleep in beds with sheets" when the pigs are discovered to have been sleeping in the old farmhouse. "No animal shall drink alcohol" is changed to "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess" when the pigs discover the farmer's whisky. Lastly the song, "Beasts of England" is banned. It is replaced by an anthem glorifying Napoleon, who appears to be adopting the lifestyle of a man. The animals, though cold, starving, and overworked, remain convinced that they are better off than they were when ruled by Jones. Then Frederick tricks Napoleon and buys wood using forged bank notes. Next Frederick attacked the farm and blew up the windmill. The animals win the battle but it’s at a great cost. Boxer continues working harder and harder, until he collapses while working on the windmill. Napoleon then plans to have boxer taken to be slaughtered. Squealer tells the animals that Boxer was in fact taken to a veterinarian, although the reader knows this is false. Years pass, and the pigs learn to walk upright, carry whips, and wear clothes. The Seven Commandments are reduced to a single phrase: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Napoleon holds a dinner party for the pigs and the humans of the area, who congratulate Napoleon on having the hardest-working animals in the country on the least feed. Napoleon announces an alliance with the humans. Then Napoleon announces that the name of the farm would be returned to Manor Farm. The animals, overhearing the conversation, notice that the faces of the pigs have begun changing. They can no longer tell the difference between the pigs and the humans.
Character List
Mr. Jones
The farmer and owner of Manor Farm. He was irresponsible and a drunk. He mistreated his animals.
Napoleon
He was a large Berkshire boar. He was known for getting his way. He became a tyrant leader and very manipulative. Napoleon changed the seven commandments and became very human like.
Snowball
He became a leader of Animal Farm. When he was chased off of the farm he became a scapegoat.
Squealer
He was a brilliant talker and manipulated the animals on the farm. He spread Napoleon's thoughts.
Boxer
Hardworking horse. Had two maxims of, "Napoleon is always right" and "I will work harder." At the end of his life he was sold to a slaughter house by Napoleon. He represents the dedicated but tricked communist followers.
Clover
Clover was a motherly mare. She knew that there were things wrong with Napoleon's changing of the commandments.
Benjamin
He was the oldest animal on the farm. He was a pessemist. Although never acknowledged outloud, he was Boxer's companion. He represented all skeptical people in Russia who were unsure of the revolution.
Muriel
She believed in the revolution, but she watched as Animal Farm sliped away from its principles.
The Sheep
The sheep were blind followers. They silenced animals protests with their bleating.
The Hens
The hens revolted briefly in the story. They were unhappy with Napoleon for contracting their eggs.
Moses
Moses dosen't work. He tells the animals stories of Sugarcandy Mountain. He represents religion. Stalin used religion to influence people.
