Animal Farm by George Orwell

Historical context:
Animal Farm was written by George Orwell and was first published in England on 17th August, 1945. It
was initially rejected by a number of American and British publishers. However, it became a huge
commercial success. Time magazine chose the book as one of the 100 best English-language novels
(1923 to 2005) and is also included in the Great Books of the Western World selection.

Social context:
It reflects the events of the Russian revolution of 1917. It deals with the ideas of freedom, rebellion and
the corruption done in order to gain power. The author used animals as representations of Russian
politicians, voters and workers. George Orwell wrote this novel to make his opinions about the Russian
leaders heard.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Summary:
The spring has started but the animals in the Manor farm are miserable. Mr. John, who owns the Manor
farm is a hard-hearted and drunken man. One evening, all the animals assembled at a secret meeting
called by an old major. He gave a speech and motivated animals of the farm to rebel against the cruel
farmer. He taught all them a song called 'Beasts of England’. He further pointed out that all the animals
will be rich and free if they overthrow the evil farmer. All the animals are determined about the idea.
The old major died soon and the animals managed to defeat farmer. Animals took control of the farm.
The name of Manor farm was changed to “Animal farm”. An idea of animalism is established by making
the teachings of an old major the main principles of this philosophy. The two younger pigs, Snowball and
Napoleon often argued during the meetings. Snowball worked on educating the animals. He reduced the
animalism to one simpler idea ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’. Meanwhile the Napoleon trained the
puppies who grew into violent dogs and served Napoleon. Mr. John attacked the farm to retake the
power back but he was defeated again which came to be known as the ‘Battle of Cowshed’. One day,
the Snowball called a meeting of all animals and introduced an idea of building a windmill where the life
of animals will be luxurious. Napoleon stole the idea of building a windmill and pretended that it was his
idea from the beginning. Napoleon uses the dogs to run the Snowball off the farm. He took all the
control over farm, appointed a young pig Squealer, as his assistant and became a dictator. The pigs
made amendments to the seven commandments. They started doing things that were against the laws
of animal farm. They began to trade with humans again, started sleeping in the beds, woke up later than
the other animals, stole eggs of the hens, started to drink whiskey and killed other animals that spoke
against Napoleon. Boxer, an old, faithful and the most hardworking horse get severely wounded due to
over working in building the windmill. Napoleon sold the horse and get it slaughtered. The pigs bought
whiskey for that money and lied to other animals that the Boxer is sent for the best treatment. As the
time passed by, other animals working under the Napoleon work hard and are given less food. The pigs
ate more and more, became fatter. They dressed up like humans, ate in plates and changed the name of
Animal farm back to Manor farm. The pigs learned to walk on two legs like humans. The sheep were
taught a new chant, “Four legs good, and two legs better”. The commandments are replaced by the
words "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." In the end, other animals
watch the pigs eating with a group of humans and they cannot tell the difference between animals and
humans.
Characters in the book:
The characters in the book are based on people in real life.

1. An old major: This character is inspired by Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin who were the
communist leaders of the Russian revolution.
2. Snowball: The character who takes on leadership after an old major, based on Leon Trotsky.
3. Napoleon: The main villain of the whole story, based on Joseph Stalin.
4. Squealer: The character who justifies everything Napoleon does in front of other animals. This
character represents Propaganda and the role of news and media.
5. Boxer: The character is based on working class of Russian Revolution. The most loyal and hard
working group.
6. Mr. Jones: The original owner of Manor farm. This character is based on Tsar Nicholas.

Seven Commandments:
1. All humans are enemies. Whatever walks on two legs are bad.
2. Whatever that walks on four legs or have feathers are good.
3. No animal shall dress up like humans.
4. No animal shall sleep in bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.