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mel
06/12/2025
English Literature
Animal Farm Chapter One Notes
289
•
6 Dec 2025
•
Animal Farm Chapter 1 Summary and Themes
mel
@mel.jane84
1 / 3
The Secret Meeting
Ever wondered what your pets get up to when you're not looking? Well, on Manor Farm, they're plotting revolution! When Mr Jones stumbles drunkenly to bed, all the farm animals sneak into the big barn to hear Old Major, an elderly boar, give what might be his final speech.
The way the animals arrange themselves tells us loads about farm life already. The pigs and dogs automatically head to the front seats, whilst the horses, sheep, and cows settle further back. This seating arrangement isn't random - it shows that even before any revolution, some animals already have more status than others.
Mollie the mare shows up with ribbons in her mane, munching on sugar cubes, whilst the cat finds the cosiest spot and doesn't pay attention. These animals represent those who are already pretty comfortable with their current situation and aren't bothered about change.
Key Point: The animals' seating arrangement reveals the class system that already exists on the farm - foreshadowing the power struggles to come.
Old Major's Revolutionary Speech
Old Major's speech is basically the animal version of communist ideas that were spreading in the early 20th century. He paints a grim picture of farm life: animals work their entire lives only to be slaughtered when they're no longer useful, whilst humans take all the profits without doing any of the actual work.
His argument is simple but powerful - humans are parasites who "consume without producing." They don't give milk, lay eggs, or pull ploughs, yet they control everything and take most of the food. According to Old Major, removing humans would solve all their problems instantly.
The most important part of his message uses absolute language: "All men are enemies. All animals are comrades." There's no middle ground here - you're either completely with the animals or completely against them. This black-and-white thinking will become crucial later in the story.
Remember: Old Major's speech mirrors real communist revolutionary ideas - the workers (animals) are being exploited by the ruling class (humans) who profit from their labour.
The Rules and the Song
Old Major doesn't just want to overthrow humans - he wants to make sure the animals don't become like their former oppressors. He sets down clear rules: no alcohol, beds, or trading, and most importantly, animals must never terrorise each other because they're all equal.
This is actually brilliant foreshadowing - he's warning them about the exact things that will go wrong later. It's like he knows that power corrupts and that revolutionaries often become just as bad as those they overthrew.
The meeting ends with "Beasts of England," a revolutionary song that every animal can learn regardless of intelligence. This song becomes their anthem, painting a picture of a perfect future where animals are free. However, it's so idealised that it ignores the messy realities of what actually happens when power changes hands.
Think About This: Old Major's warnings about not becoming like humans are prophetic - watch for these exact behaviours appearing later in the novel.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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Animal Farm Chapter 1 Summary and Themes
mel
@mel.jane84
Chapter One of Animal Farm introduces us to the moment when revolution begins brewing on Manor Farm. When the drunken farmer Mr Jones falls asleep, the animals gather secretly to hear Old Major, a wise old boar, share his revolutionary... Show more
The Secret Meeting
Ever wondered what your pets get up to when you're not looking? Well, on Manor Farm, they're plotting revolution! When Mr Jones stumbles drunkenly to bed, all the farm animals sneak into the big barn to hear Old Major, an elderly boar, give what might be his final speech.
The way the animals arrange themselves tells us loads about farm life already. The pigs and dogs automatically head to the front seats, whilst the horses, sheep, and cows settle further back. This seating arrangement isn't random - it shows that even before any revolution, some animals already have more status than others.
Mollie the mare shows up with ribbons in her mane, munching on sugar cubes, whilst the cat finds the cosiest spot and doesn't pay attention. These animals represent those who are already pretty comfortable with their current situation and aren't bothered about change.
Key Point: The animals' seating arrangement reveals the class system that already exists on the farm - foreshadowing the power struggles to come.
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Old Major's Revolutionary Speech
Old Major's speech is basically the animal version of communist ideas that were spreading in the early 20th century. He paints a grim picture of farm life: animals work their entire lives only to be slaughtered when they're no longer useful, whilst humans take all the profits without doing any of the actual work.
His argument is simple but powerful - humans are parasites who "consume without producing." They don't give milk, lay eggs, or pull ploughs, yet they control everything and take most of the food. According to Old Major, removing humans would solve all their problems instantly.
The most important part of his message uses absolute language: "All men are enemies. All animals are comrades." There's no middle ground here - you're either completely with the animals or completely against them. This black-and-white thinking will become crucial later in the story.
Remember: Old Major's speech mirrors real communist revolutionary ideas - the workers (animals) are being exploited by the ruling class (humans) who profit from their labour.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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The Rules and the Song
Old Major doesn't just want to overthrow humans - he wants to make sure the animals don't become like their former oppressors. He sets down clear rules: no alcohol, beds, or trading, and most importantly, animals must never terrorise each other because they're all equal.
This is actually brilliant foreshadowing - he's warning them about the exact things that will go wrong later. It's like he knows that power corrupts and that revolutionaries often become just as bad as those they overthrew.
The meeting ends with "Beasts of England," a revolutionary song that every animal can learn regardless of intelligence. This song becomes their anthem, painting a picture of a perfect future where animals are free. However, it's so idealised that it ignores the messy realities of what actually happens when power changes hands.
Think About This: Old Major's warnings about not becoming like humans are prophetic - watch for these exact behaviours appearing later in the novel.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Most popular content: George Orwell
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user