Animal Farm

Animal Farm is a satirical allegorical novella by George Orwell, first published on 17 August 1945. Presented as a beast fable, it depicts a farm whose animals overthrow their human owner in the hope of establishing a society founded on equality, freedom and shared prosperity. As the narrative unfolds, this vision is steadily corrupted, culminating in a regime more oppressive than the one it replaced. The work is widely recognised as a critique of the rise of totalitarianism in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin and remains one of the most influential political allegories of the twentieth century.

Background and Context

Orwell wrote Animal Farm between November 1943 and February 1944 during the later stages of the Second World War, a time when Britain and the Soviet Union were wartime allies. Public opinion in Britain tended to view Stalin favourably, a sentiment Orwell found deeply troubling. His experiences in the Spanish Civil War, particularly during the May Days in Barcelona, had already shaped his hostility towards Stalinist repression. These events provided the intellectual and personal foundation for the novella’s political message.
The original subtitle, A Fairy Story, was dropped by American publishers in 1946, though it survived in some translations. Orwell also proposed titles for foreign editions that alluded to the symbolism of Soviet power. The manuscript was initially rejected by several publishers, including one of Orwell’s own, before appearing in print to significant commercial success. Its publication coincided with shifting international relations as post-war alliances gave way to early Cold War tensions.
The novella has since received numerous accolades, including placement on Time magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005, high rankings in modern literary polls, and a Retro Hugo Award.

Plot Overview

The story begins on Manor Farm, owned by the negligent and drunken Mr Jones. Inspired by the visionary speech of Old Major, an elderly boar, the animals rise in revolt, expel Jones and seize control. Under the leadership of the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, they rename the property Animal Farm and adopt the principles of Animalism, summarised in Seven Commandments painted on the barn wall.
Early progress seems promising: food is abundant, and work appears meaningful. Snowball promotes education and ambitious projects, including a windmill to improve living conditions. Napoleon, however, opposes these plans and eventually drives Snowball from the farm with the help of specially trained dogs. Claiming to safeguard the revolution, he abolishes public meetings and installs a committee of pigs to govern.
As construction of the windmill begins, the animals labour under increasingly harsh conditions. When the structure is destroyed in a storm, Napoleon blames Snowball and uses this accusation to justify purges of animals suspected of treachery. The once-rallying anthem “Beasts of England” is replaced by songs glorifying Napoleon, signalling the end of revolutionary ideals.
The neighbouring farmer Frederick later attacks the farm and destroys the rebuilt windmill. Although the animals repel the assault, their victory comes at great cost. Boxer, the loyal cart-horse, is severely injured. Despite his devotion, he is secretly sold to a knacker when he becomes unfit for work, enabling the pigs to acquire whisky with the proceeds.
Over time the pigs grow indistinguishable from the humans they replaced. They walk on two legs, carry whips, drink alcohol and adopt human dress. The Seven Commandments are eventually reduced to a single maxim: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” At a dinner with neighbouring farmers, Napoleon announces the restoration of the farm’s original name, Manor Farm. Observing the revelry through a window, the other animals can no longer tell pigs from men.

Main Characters and Allegorical Roles

Old MajorAn elderly prize boar whose vision of animal rebellion forms the ideological basis of Animalism. He combines characteristics of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, providing the theoretical foundation for the uprising.
NapoleonA fierce-looking Berkshire boar who becomes the autocratic leader of the farm. He represents Joseph Stalin, ruling through fear, propaganda and coercion.
SnowballAn intelligent and enthusiastic pig who initially shares leadership with Napoleon. Modelled on Leon Trotsky, he is eventually exiled and later demonised as the source of all misfortune.
SquealerA persuasive young pig who serves as Napoleon’s chief propagandist. He manipulates language and distorts history to maintain the regime’s control.
BoxerA hardworking and loyal cart-horse whose mottos “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right” illustrate the exploited working class. His fate exemplifies the regime’s betrayal of its most faithful supporters.
BenjaminA cynical donkey who recognises the corruption of the pigs but feels powerless to stop it. He symbolises those who observe political injustice yet remain passive.
Mr JonesThe negligent human farmer whose mismanagement sparks the rebellion. He represents the pre-revolutionary ruling class.
Other animals—such as the sheep, who mindlessly repeat slogans, and the dogs, who enforce obedience—contribute to the wider allegory of social classes, political institutions and mechanisms of control.

Themes and Significance

Animal Farm explores themes of power, corruption, propaganda and the fragility of revolutionary ideals. The novella demonstrates how those who seize authority can distort principles for self-interest, how language can be manipulated to reshape reality, and how societies may slide into tyranny even under the guise of equality.
Its portrayal of the gradual erosion of ideals and the rise of authoritarian governance remains relevant to discussions of political power and collective memory. The clarity of Orwell’s prose and the compelling simplicity of the fable format have ensured the novella’s enduring place in literature and political commentary.