Plot Summary & Major Events
The story begins when Old Major inspires the animals to rebel against their drunken owner, Mr Jones. After Major dies, the pigs turn his ideas into Animalism and its seven commandments. The animals successfully drive Jones away and rename their home Animal Farm.
Initially, things look promising - the animals work together and celebrate their freedom. However, Napoleon and Snowball clash over leadership, particularly about building a windmill. Napoleon uses his trained dogs to chase Snowball away, establishing himself as the sole leader through violence and intimidation.
Power corrupts Napoleon completely as the story progresses. He breaks the original commandments, begins trading with humans, and even has animals executed for supposed treason. The faithful horse Boxer works himself to death, only to be sold to a slaughterhouse - though Squealer lies about his fate.
The tragic ending shows how completely the revolution has failed. The pigs walk on two legs, drink alcohol, and make deals with their former human oppressors. The other animals can no longer tell the difference between the pigs and the humans - the very tyranny they fought to escape has returned.
Key Point: The novel shows how revolutionary ideals can be corrupted when leaders prioritise their own power over the people they're supposed to serve.