Animal Farm summary

George Orwell’s Animal Farm was first published in 1945, though at least four publishers had initially refused to take on Orwell’s satirical novella. The main controversy was that the book was a very thinly veiled critique of Stalinist Russia. The animals call themselves “comrades,” after all, and readers didn’t have to squint very hard to see the characters of Napoleon and Snowball as stand-ins for Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. In fact, the animal’s revolt against Farmer Jones is quite clearly a reference to the October Revolution of 1917.

But in 1945, Russia was considered an ally of Britain. The Red Army had just played a major role in defeating the Nazis. So many thought it wasn’t the best time to publish a scathing critique of Stalin.

But eventually Fredric Warburg, of the Secker and Warburg publishing house, stepped up to release the book on August 17, 1954, even though others in the firm, including Warburg’s own wife, were uneasy with the idea. Warburg would go on to publish Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four a few years later, and both books would eventually prove to be among the most celebrated of the twentieth century. 

Old Major passed away three days after the meeting in the big barn. Since his speech, the animals on Manor Farm were abuzz with much discussion and secret activity.

It was generally accepted that the pigs were the cleverest animals on the farm, so many of the responsibilities for preparing for the Rebellion fell to them. Over the next few months the pigs taught themselves to read and write, and two young boars in particular rose to prominence. One was a large menacing Berkshire boar named Napoleon. The other was a much more lively and imaginative pig named Snowball. There was a third pig as well, named Squealer, who was a gifted and persuasive talker. It was said around the farm that Squealer could turn black into white.

These three pigs turned Old Major’s teachings into a fully realized system of thought they called Animalism. They worked hard to elaborate on the principles and values of Animalism and convince everyone the rewards that awaited them.

This went on for some months, until one day in June. At this time, Mr. Jones was drinking more than usual and his workers had become increasingly lazy and dishonest. When another day went by where the animals went unfed, one of the cows kicked in the door to the feed shed and everyone began helping themselves.

Jones was awoken from his drunken slumber and soon he and four of his workhands showed up with whips in hand to try and discipline the hungry animals. But the animals turned on their tormentors. The uprising had begun. Hooves and heads were pounding at Jones and his men, who had no choice but to make a run for it. The animals stayed on their heels until the humans were out in the street and the gate was securely closed behind them.

And that was it. Suddenly, the Rebellion had happened. At first, the animals were stunned. But then, after checking the grounds, they began to celebrate. Harnesses and whips were burned. Knives and chains were thrown down the well.

The next morning, the animals broke into the farmhouse, but decided to leave it mostly untouched. It would serve as a museum and it was agreed that no animal should ever live there. The sign at the gate was then changed from “Manor Farm” to “Animal Farm.” It was at this point that Snowball took a paintbrush and wrote the Seven Commandments upon the wall of the big barn. They were read aloud for those who could not read, and every last animal agreed that these were good and important rules to follow.

Snowball then proclaimed that the harvest should be tended to. They toiled at the hard work, but thanks to the cleverness of the pigs and the muscle of the two fiercely dedicated plow horses, Boxer and Clover, the job was accomplished. Indeed, it was a more bountiful harvest than anyone expected, and done faster than the humans had ever managed.

While the work was incredibly difficult, no one felt burdened. Instead, it was gratifying work and everyone did their part. There was no bickering, which had been a daily part of life under Mr. Jones. The food tasted better than ever before because now it was their own food.

The animals now had Sundays off. On this day, they had a flag raising ceremony and a general meeting where plans for the week ahead would be made and resolutions could be put forth, debated and voted upon. The debates invariably came down to disagreements between Napoleon and Snowball. Still, each meeting ended with a harmonious rendition of Beasts of England.

Time was also spent teaching the other animals to read and write. Snowball was the one who led these educational initiatives and committees. And for those like the sheep and ducks who were unable to learn more than a few letters of the alphabet, he found success in teaching them a simplified version of Animalism, which was: “Four legs good, two legs bad.” The sheep would happily repeat this phrase ad nauseum.

Interestingly enough, while Napoleon wasn’t interested in Snowball’s initiatives, he did take an interest in the nine new puppies that arrived on the farm that summer. After they were weaned, he took them to a loft in the barn where he explained he would be responsible for their education. Soon enough, everyone forgot they existed.  

Then, in October, after the corn had been cut and stacked, Mr. Jones returned. The animals knew this day would likely come, so they were prepared. Not only that, they’d been warned by the pigeons that Jones and six other men from the neighboring Foxwood and Pinchfield farms were approaching. Jones was carrying a gun, the other men carried sticks.

Snowball, who’d been reading about Julius Caesar, orchestrated the first attacks. After the men breached the gate, he sent in the pigeons who swooped down upon their heads, and the ducks and geese who swarmed and pecked upon their legs. It was a diversionary tactic. For once the birds were repelled, Snowball led a second charge of sheep who attacked the men from all sides.

The boots and sticks of the men pushed back the sheep and a squeal of retreat was ordered by Snowball. But this was another tactic. For as the humans cheered and ran after the sheep, they were running right into Snowball’s trap. The horses, cows and pigs were waiting in ambush by the cowshed. Snowball gave the signal and another charge was upon the humans. Snowball ran straight for Jones, who fired a shot from his gun that wounded Snowball’s back and killed one of the sheep. Bloodied but undeterred, Snowball threw himself into Jones’s legs, causing him to fall and drop his gun. Then, Boxer rose up onto his hindlegs and struck one of the Foxwood farmers, knocking him unconscious. This immediately sent a wave of panic into the other men. They skittered around aimlessly while being butted, gored, kicked and bitten until finally they ran for the gate.

Not long afterward, the Foxwood farmhand woke up and quickly followed the others out the gate and down the road. The wildest victory celebrations could now commence. The flag was hoisted, Beasts of England was sung repeatedly, and a funeral was held for the fallen sheep. New honors were also handed out. Snowball and Boxer were given the title of “Animal Hero, First Class.” It was also decided that from now on the twelfth of October would be known as the anniversary of the Battle of the Cowshed.

The months following the Battle of the Cowshed were not easy on the animals of Animal Farm. That winter proved to be a cold and harsh one, and already some curious developments had been underway.

Apples and milk were being prioritized by the pigs for their food. As Squealer explained to the other animals, apples and milk are scientifically necessary for the wellbeing of pigs. They’re brainworkers. Since the responsibility of the management and organization of the farm has fallen upon the pigs, they must get the nutrients they require. Squealer would often tell the other animals that if the pigs didn’t get what they needed, the farm might fail and Jones might come back. And no one wants Jones to come back, right? This was always an effective line of reasoning that put a stop to any questions.

It was also established that, given their cleverness, the pigs should be responsible for making decisions on farm policy – though all matters would still require a majority vote before being put into action. Given the fact that Napoleon and Snowball were still on opposite sides of every issue, this was never straightforward.

The biggest issue was the windmill. Snowball had been reading books he’d found in the farmhouse and became intensely focused on building a windmill. This would not only help with the farm work, it could also be a source of electricity that could provide light and heat the barn in the winter. As Snowball explained, it would take a year of hard work, but once in operation, everyone could enjoy three-day workweeks. Snowball had even begun sketching plans for the windmill’s construction.

Most were fascinated by the idea, except Napoleon, who campaigned against it. He told everyone that what they needed to focus on was food production. If they made the windmill their priority, they’d all starve.

But then, when it came time to bring the matter to a vote, the most unusual thing happened. Snowball gave a lengthy and detailed speech, explaining every aspect of his project. Napoleon however, spoke only a few words, saying he was against it, and that was all. But just before the vote was to be taken, Napoleon let out a terrifying high pitched squeal. At that moment, the nine dogs Napoleon had taken into his care, now a year old, suddenly appeared in the barn. They all headed straight for Snowball, who quickly ran for his life and just barely managed to escape by scurrying through a hole in a hedge.

Napoleon, accompanied by the dogs, now took the stage and explained that all farm policy matters would now be decided by a special committee overseen by Napoleon himself. There would be no more Sunday meetings. There would be no more debates.

Many animals were confused by this sudden turn of events. But once again, Squealer had answers. Napoleon was taking on the burden of further responsibilities. And it was for their own protection of course. Who knows what calamity would have befallen the farm if they chose to build the windmill? Jones and the other enemies of the farm are simply waiting for them to make a misstep like that. You don’t want Jones to return, do you?

No animal worked harder, was more devoted to the cause, and was more admired by others than Boxer, the plow horse. He thought it over and came to the conclusion that, “If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right.” Boxer wasn’t alone, for this was the general response that came over the farm.

Three weeks later, however, there was another surprise as Napoleon announced that the plans for the windmill were back on. Confusion ensued, but Squealer of course had an explanation. The plans were in fact Napoleon’s all along, and Snowball had stolen them. Napoleon was using clever tactics in arguing against the windmill. Snowball was a dangerous character and had to be gotten rid of, and so Napoleon did what he had to do to protect the farm.

More allegations of Snowball were forthcoming. Eventually, he was not just a thieving, conniving pig, Squealer explained that he was a traitor who was now conspiring with the neighboring farms. And yet, there were concerns about some of Napoleon’s decisions involving humans as well.

Apparently, arrangements were being made to trade with the neighboring farms of Foxwood and Pinchfield. They would sell some hay, wheat, and eggs, in order to procure some much needed materials for the windmill.

Some animals had a recollection, that during the very first Sunday meeting, resolutions were passed to never trade with humans and never use their money. But Napoleon assured the animals it was for the greater good. To further ease their minds, Squealer also assured everyone that no such resolution against trade with humans was ever passed or even suggested. And if it had been mentioned at all, it was likely due to that duplicitous pig Snowball.

Perhaps more disturbing was the news that the pigs were now living in the farmhouse, eating their dinners in the kitchen and sleeping in beds. This was certainly against one or two of the Commandments, was it not? But when the animals checked the wall where the Commandments were written, the Fourth Commandment was not “No animal shall sleep in a bed,” as they’d remembered it, but rather, “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.”

All the while, the animals were feeling good about the progress they were making on the windmill. With their tireless efforts over the past year, the construction was nearly halfway complete. Everyone took great pride in their accomplishments, and no one worked harder than the plow horse Boxer, who got up earlier than everyone else and hauled more stones. Even still, he was often heard telling himself, “I will work harder. I will work harder…”

So imagine the horror, when a violent storm broke out that November. It ripped trees from the ground and tore tiles from the roof of the barn. The next morning, the animals awoke to find the windmill in shambles. The stones they struggled with so mightily were scattered across the ground. All that remained was the foundation.

Napoleon paced to and fro. This was indeed a calamitous setback. But then, he turned to the distraught animals and declared, “Comrades. Do you know who is responsible for this? Snowball! Snowball has done this thing!” Tracks leading to and from the windmill were immediately identified as being those of Snowball, and a death sentence was issued, along with a reward for anyone who captured him alive. With that, Napoleon began rallying the spirits of the animals to rebuild and not let the enemy win. “Forward, comrades! Long live the windmill! Long live Animal Farm!”

In the months that followed, however, things got more dire. First it was explained that Snowball’s honor of “Animal Hero, First Class” was being revoked. In fact, Snowball had been acting in league with the humans during the Battle of the Cowshed. It was Napoleon who had thrown himself at Mr. Jones that day. Indeed, Napoleon had awarded himself both the “Animal Hero, First Class” and “Animal Hero, Second Class” honors and was seen wearing the medals wherever he went.

When some animals questioned this recounting of the battle, Napoleon wasted no time demonstrating the consequences of such disobedient acts. With his high pitched squeal, his dogs attacked four pigs who were forced to admit their allegiance to Snowball and then had their throats ripped out by the dogs. More confessions and executions followed until the smell of blood filled the air.

For those who wondered about the Sixth Commandment, “No animal shall kill any other animal,” they found it on the wall, as they were told it had always been written: “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.”

Not long after that horrible day. It was forbidden for animals to sing Beasts of England. As Squealer explained: That is the song of the Rebellion, and the longing for a better society. The Rebellion is over, and that better society is here. 

Following the executions, Napoleon was no longer just Napoleon. He was now referred to as “our Leader, Comrade Napoleon.” A rapturous poem entitled, of course, Comrade Napoleon, was written in his honor, and a large portrait was painted of him on the barn wall opposite the Seven Commandments.

Meanwhile, rumors were persisting that Mr. Frederick of Pinchfield Farm was planning an attack. But nevertheless, spirits were high. That autumn, at long last, the windmill was finished. It stood tall and sturdy, as this time they’d made the walls twice as thick as before. It was quickly given the name of Napoleon Mill.

However, the worst rumors were proven true. Frederick and his men did attack the farm. Armed with a dozen guns, the animals dared not attack as the humans packed blasting powder into the base of the windmill and destroyed the entire structure – foundation and all. But at the sight of the smoldering ruins, courage returned. The furious animals charged and engaged in a savage, bloody fight. Three men had their heads broken by Boxer’s kicks. Another was gored by a cow. And when Napoleon’s dogs entered the fray, the remaining men took flight and escaped.

Three sheep, a cow, and two geese were killed that day. Every animal had one wound or another. Even Napoleon’s tail was grazed by a gun shot. Boxer had split a hoof and twelve pellets of gun shot in his hind leg. While many were heartbroken, Squealer called the terrible event a victory. Indeed, the animals had driven back the humans once again at the Battle of the Windmill. Funerals were had, followed by two days of celebrations in which it was rumored that Napoleon got frighteningly drunk on whiskey.

Not long afterward, Napoleon began a beer production on Animal Farm. For those who thought the Fifth Commandment stated, “No animal shall drink alcohol,” they now found it to read, “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”   

The winter that followed was hard. Food and rations were in short supply. Though it was noted that barley was now being redirected for brewing and the pigs were given a pint of beer each day. Nevertheless, the spirits of the animals were bolstered by many speeches, processions, songs, recitations of poems, all of which helped take their minds off their empty bellies. Once they made it through the winter, in April, Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic. With only one candidate, Napoleon was unanimously elected president. 

Work continued on the windmill and Boxer was more inspiring than ever in his ceaseless efforts. But then, in the summer, the old plow horse had reached his limit. He’d fallen, and said that his lungs had given out. But he wasn’t sad. He was looking forward to his retirement. The animals believed that Napoleon had arranged for Boxer to be taken to a veterinarian, but when the cart arrived, one of the animals noticed what was written on its side, “Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler.” But by the time this was spotted, it was too late. Boxer was never seen again.

Squealer calmed the troubled animals, telling them it was a hospital cart, they just didn’t have time to repaint the side. When the animals were told that Boxer died in the hospital, they held a memorial, where Napoleon ended his speech by repeating Boxer's two favorite maxims: "I will work harder" and "Comrade Napoleon is always right." Soon after, it was noted that the pigs had somehow acquired enough money for another case of whiskey.

In the years that followed, the farm became prosperous. The windmill was completed and extra land had been purchased from Mr. Pilkington. The windmill didn’t provide heat and electricity for the barn, but it did mill corn and generate a healthy profit. Plans for building a second windmill were in the works. 

Each year that went by it became less clear what life was like before the Rebellion. Were conditions better or worse back then? They couldn’t remember, but Squealer’s frequent reports always suggested that things were always improving. At least they were working for themselves, not for some tyrannical human.

But then, one summer, the most amazing thing happened. The animals all heard Clover’s startled voice, and turned to see what the fuss was about. It was a sight never before seen: A pig, standing on two legs. First it was Squealer, walking awkwardly but steadily on his hind legs. Then came Napoleon, who was introduced by much commotion from his dogs and a loud crowing cockerel. As he walked along, he cast haughty glances in all directions. The stunning display was capped by the sheep, who suddenly repeated a new phrase, over and over again: “Four legs good, two legs better! Four legs good, two legs better”

It did not go without notice that the Commandments received another update. There was only one now, and it read, “All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.”

From this day forward, the whips were back, this time carried in the trotters of the upright pigs. They often stepped out of the farmhouse wearing old clothes from Mr. Jones’s wardrobe, as well. Then, one day, the neighboring farmers came to visit and sat at the dining room table with Napoleon, where they drank and laughed. Napoleon made a toast, saying pigs and humans need not have opposing interests. To which Mr. Pilkington raised his glass and said, “To the prosperity of Animal Farm!”

Napoleon had one last surprise. While he enjoyed Mr. Pilkington’s toast, he was changing the name of the farm. From now on, it would go by its original and proper name: Manor Farm.