Animal Farm Summary - George Orwell - Schooling Online

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive summary of George Orwell's "Animal Farm," detailing the key events and characters in the story. Understanding this novel is crucial for students and literature enthusiasts, as it explores themes of power, corruption, and societal change.

Step 1: Introduction to the Characters and Setting

• Old Major: The wise old boar who inspires the animals with his vision of a farm free from human oppression.
• Manor Farm: The initial setting where the animals live under the harsh rule of Mr. Jones.
• The Rebellion: Motivated by Old Major’s ideas, the animals decide to revolt against their human owner.

Step 2: The Rebellion and Establishment of Animal Farm

• The Plan: Animals unite and successfully overthrow Mr. Jones, leading to the establishment of "Animal Farm."
• Seven Commandments: The animals create a set of rules to govern themselves, emphasizing equality and freedom.

Step 3: Early Success and the Rise of Leadership

• Leadership Roles: The pigs, particularly Snowball and Napoleon, emerge as leaders.
• Education and Organization: The pigs take charge of teaching the other animals and organizing farm activities.

Step 4: The Conflict Between Snowball and Napoleon

• Power Struggle: Snowball advocates for progressive ideas, like building a windmill, while Napoleon seeks control.
• Expulsion of Snowball: Napoleon uses his attack dogs to chase Snowball away, consolidating his power.

Step 5: The Shift in Commandments and Ideals

• Alteration of the Commandments: As Napoleon becomes tyrannical, the original commandments are changed to justify the pigs' actions.
• Exploitation of Other Animals: The other animals begin to suffer under the new regime, mirroring the previous oppression by humans.

Step 6: The Deterioration of Animal Farm

• Increased Corruption: The pigs indulge in the same behaviors as humans, enjoying privileges and luxuries.
• Manipulation of Information: Squealer, the pig spokesman, distorts facts to maintain control over the other animals.

Step 7: The Final Transformation

• Final Betrayal: The pigs start walking on two legs, symbolizing their complete transformation into oppressors.
• The Last Commandment: The final commandment becomes indistinguishable from the human maxim: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

Conclusion

"Animal Farm" serves as a powerful allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism and the cyclical nature of oppression. Understanding these key events helps readers grasp the novel's critique of political power and corruption. For further study, consider exploring the historical context of the Russian Revolution, which heavily influenced Orwell's writing. Engage with the text by analyzing character motivations and the implications of the changes in the commandments.