Chapter 1:
The story begins on Manor Farm, where the animals live under the oppressive rule of Mr.
Jones, a drunken and neglectful farmer. One night, a wise and elderly pig named Old Major
gathers the animals in the barn to deliver a speech about a dream he had. He describes a
vision of a farm free of human control, where animals live in equality and prosperity. Old
Major blames humans for all the animals’ suffering and teaches them a revolutionary anthem
called "Beasts of England." The animals are inspired by his vision but unsure of how to act.
Chapter 2:
After Old Major’s death, the pigs take up his cause and begin planning a rebellion. The most
prominent pigs, Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, take charge, crafting a philosophy
called Animalism, based on Old Major’s ideas. The rebellion happens sooner than expected
when Mr. Jones neglects the animals for days. The animals, hungry and angry, drive him
and his men off the farm. They rename it Animal Farm and establish the Seven
Commandments, principles of Animalism that promote equality and forbid imitating
humans.
Chapter 3:
The animals enthusiastically work to run the farm themselves. They harvest the fields
efficiently, and every animal contributes according to their ability. Snowball and Napoleon
educate the animals, though some, like the sheep and Boxer the horse, struggle with
literacy. Snowball simplifies the Seven Commandments into the slogan, "Four legs good,
two legs bad." The pigs take leadership roles, but some animals notice that they are
starting to claim special privileges, such as taking the milk and apples for themselves.
Squealer convinces the animals that this is necessary because pigs need extra nutrition to
lead effectively.
Chapter 4:
The neighboring human farmers, Mr. Pilkington of Foxwood and Mr. Frederick of
Pinchfield, are alarmed by the rebellion and fear it spreading to their farms. They spread
rumors that Animal Farm will fail. Jones attempts to retake the farm with an armed force, but
the animals, led by Snowball, defend it heroically in what becomes known as the Battle of
the Cowshed. Snowball emerges as a war hero, and the animals celebrate their victory.
Chapter 5:
Conflict arises between Napoleon and Snowball over the farm’s future. Snowball proposes
building a windmill to generate electricity and improve the animals’ lives. Napoleon opposes
the idea and instead focuses on strengthening the farm’s defenses. During a critical meeting,
Napoleon uses his loyal pack of dogs, which he secretly trained, to chase Snowball off the
farm. Napoleon declares himself the sole leader and announces that the windmill will be built
after all, claiming it was his idea all along.
Chapter 6:
The animals work tirelessly, especially Boxer, whose motto becomes "I will work harder."
The pigs start trading with humans, which violates one of the original commandments.
Napoleon hires a human solicitor, Mr. Whymper, to conduct business on behalf of the farm.
The animals are uneasy but are reassured by Squealer’s propaganda. When a storm
destroys the half-built windmill, Napoleon blames Snowball, accusing him of sabotage. This
further consolidates Napoleon’s power and justifies purges of dissenters.
Chapter 7:
A harsh winter and food shortages plague the farm. Napoleon uses fear to maintain control,
organizing public executions of animals who are accused of conspiring with Snowball.
These purges terrify the animals into submission. Despite the hardships, Napoleon forces
the animals to continue building the windmill. The animals cling to hope by singing "Beasts
of England," but Napoleon eventually bans the song, replacing it with a new anthem that
glorifies himself.
Chapter 8:
As Napoleon becomes more tyrannical, the pigs grow increasingly corrupt. They amend the
Seven Commandments to suit their actions, such as drinking alcohol and sleeping in beds.
Napoleon negotiates with the neighboring farms, playing Pilkington and Frederick against
each other. Ultimately, he sells a pile of timber to Frederick, only to discover that Frederick
paid with counterfeit money. Frederick’s men then attack and destroy the windmill in a battle
that costs many animal lives. Despite the losses, Napoleon declares the event a victory to
boost morale.
Chapter 9:
The animals continue to work harder than ever, but their living conditions worsen. Boxer,
now old and injured, collapses while working on the windmill. Napoleon promises medical
care but secretly sells Boxer to a glue factory for money. Squealer convinces the animals
that Boxer died peacefully in a hospital, while Napoleon uses Boxer’s sacrifice to further
inspire loyalty and hard work.
Chapter 10:
Years pass, and the farm grows richer, but only the pigs and dogs benefit. The other animals
live in poverty and ignorance. The pigs begin walking on two legs, carrying whips, and
wearing clothes, directly violating the original commandments. When the animals check the
Seven Commandments on the barn wall, they find they have been replaced by a single
phrase: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
In the final scene, the pigs host a banquet with human farmers. The other animals watch
through a window as the pigs and humans play cards and toast to their mutual prosperity.
The animals realize they can no longer distinguish between the pigs and the humans.
Conclusion
The novella concludes with the chilling message that revolutions can lead to the replacement
of one oppressive regime with another if power is left unchecked. Orwell's allegory warns
about the dangers of political corruption and the betrayal of ideals in pursuit of power.
