Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Chapter 1

The novel opens on Manor Farm, where the neglected animals gather in the barn to hear an

important speech from Old Major, a highly respected prize boar. Old Major speaks passionately

about the suffering of animals under human rule, declaring that man is the root cause of their

misery. He envisions a society where animals govern themselves and enjoy the fruits of their own

labor. He teaches them the song "Beasts of England," a revolutionary anthem that inspires the

animals with hope and unity. The meeting is suddenly interrupted when Mr. Jones fires his gun in

the night, dispersing the animals. This chapter sets the ideological foundation for the revolution,

introducing themes of oppression, unity, and rebellion.

Chapter 2

Old Major dies shortly after his speech, but his message continues to influence the pigs, who are

considered the most intelligent animals. Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer take the lead in

organizing the animals and formalizing Old Major's ideas into a system called Animalism. Despite

resistance and confusion among some animals, the pigs successfully spread the ideology. When

Mr. Jones neglects to feed them, the animals rebel and drive him off the farm. With the humans

gone, they rename the property "Animal Farm" and write the Seven Commandments of Animalism

on the barn wall as a guiding doctrine. The pigs begin to emerge as the new leaders, and subtle

distinctions in privilege already start to appear, such as when the pigs secretly take the milk for

themselves.

Chapter 3
 Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Now in control, the animals set to work harvesting the crops. Despite lacking experience, they

succeed due to their collective effort, though the pigs do not work physically and instead direct

operations. Snowball takes charge of educating the animals, though only the pigs and a few others

learn to read and write well. The pigs take it upon themselves to simplify the commandments into

the phrase: "Four legs good, two legs bad." Over time, the pigs begin to distinguish themselves

further, taking special privileges such as consuming all the milk and apples. When the animals

question this, Squealer uses persuasive rhetoric to justify the inequality, claiming it is for the pigs'

health and thus the survival of the farm. This chapter reveals the beginnings of corruption and the

manipulation of truth for power.

Chapter 4

News of the rebellion spreads to other farms, alarming neighboring farmers who fear similar

uprisings. Meanwhile, Snowball and Napoleon work to secure the revolution by sending pigeons to

spread Animalism. Mr. Jones attempts to retake the farm with other men in what becomes the Battle

of the Cowshed. Snowball proves to be a courageous leader, leading a strategic defense that

results in the humans being driven off again. A sheep and Snowball himself are wounded, but the

animals celebrate a great victory. Medals are awarded, and the animals feel proud of their

accomplishment. Despite this, hints of rivalry between Napoleon and Snowball become more

evident, foreshadowing future conflict.

Chapter 5

Tensions rise as the power struggle between Snowball and Napoleon intensifies. Snowball proposes

ambitious plans, including the construction of a windmill to generate electricity and reduce labor.

Napoleon opposes the idea without explanation. At a critical meeting, Snowball delivers a

persuasive speech, but Napoleon calls in nine fierce dogs he had secretly raised, who chase
 Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Snowball off the farm. Napoleon declares himself the unchallenged leader and ends the tradition of

democratic meetings. Squealer later justifies Snowball's expulsion and convinces the animals that

Napoleon was always right. Ironically, Napoleon soon announces that the windmill project will

proceed after all. The animals are confused, but their doubts are suppressed. The chapter marks

the complete shift from collective leadership to dictatorship.

Chapter 6

Life becomes harder on Animal Farm as the animals are required to work longer hours, especially

on the construction of the windmill. Despite their increasing hardships, they believe they are building

a better future. To obtain necessary materials, Napoleon begins trading with neighboring human

farms through Mr. Whymper, a solicitor. This contradicts the original commandments, but the pigs

manipulate the animals into accepting it. One night, the windmill is destroyed, and Napoleon blames

Snowball, labeling him a traitor and saboteur. This accusation fuels fear and helps Napoleon

consolidate more power. The pigs continue to live comfortably while the rest of the animals face

more severe conditions.

Chapter 7

Winter brings starvation and despair. The hens rebel against Napoleon's order to sell their eggs, and

he responds by cutting off their food, resulting in the deaths of several hens. Meanwhile, more

animals confess to being traitors and are executed in a mass purge orchestrated by Napoleon.

These violent purges shock the animals, especially since they contradict the founding principles of

Animalism. The song "Beasts of England" is banned and replaced with a dull, state-approved

anthem. The animals are disillusioned but too fearful and exhausted to protest. This chapter

illustrates the descent into totalitarian rule and the brutal suppression of dissent.
 Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Chapter 8

The animals work harder than ever but are told that things are better. The commandments continue

to be subtly altered to suit the pigs' actions. Napoleon begins to act more like a human, adopting

titles, living in luxury, and being rarely seen in public. He is deceived by Frederick, a neighboring

farmer, who pays for timber with fake money. Frederick later attacks the farm and blows up the

windmill, but the animals repel the humans in a costly battle. Despite the devastation, Squealer

declares it a great victory. The animals are weary and demoralized, but Napoleon's control over the

truth keeps them in check.

Chapter 9

Boxer, the hardworking cart-horse, suffers from exhaustion but continues working, driven by his

personal motto: "I will work harder." The animals face severe food shortages, and rations are cut

again. A school is built for young pigs, showing the growing class division. When Boxer collapses,

Napoleon sends him to the slaughterhouse, though he claims Boxer was taken to a hospital.

Squealer lies to the animals, telling them Boxer received the best medical care. The animals mourn

Boxer deeply, and his death marks the loss of hope and the betrayal of the revolution's most loyal

supporter.

Chapter 10

Years pass, and many of the original animals die. The pigs grow fatter and more human-like,

walking on two legs and interacting freely with humans. The farm's name is changed back to "Manor

Farm," and the Seven Commandments are reduced to one chilling statement: "All animals are

equal, but some animals are more equal than others." The animals observe a meeting between the

pigs and human farmers and realize they can no longer tell them apart. The story ends with the

complete betrayal of the revolution's ideals, showing how power corrupts and how revolutions can
 Animal Farm: Detailed Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
mirror the very systems they sought to overthrow.