Chapter Plot Summary of Animal Farm - Study Guide by George Orwell

their own farm, every inch of it their own property- appeared to the animals so desirable a place. As Clover looked down the hillside her eyes filled with tears". The animals realise that the pigs have been rewriting the Seven Commandments, and that they are truly living under the pigs’ tyranny.

The Battle of the Windmill is the second great battle in the farm’s history. Again, the tone Orwell uses is rather comic, although he does not ignore the tragedy of the events. The animals secure a Pyhrric victory, driving the humans away at great loss to themselves. Napoleon creates the Order of the Green Banner which he then awards to himself (despite having made little contribution to the fighting). Once again it is the innocent animals who work hard to preserve the farm’s independence, whilst the pigs reap the fruit of their work.

Boxer’s death is Orwell’s representation of the future – the Communists ultimate betrayal of the workers. Boxer – hard working and loyal – collapses when working in the fields. He recovers and dreams of a happy and relaxed retirement. However, a van comes to take him away and Benjamin the donkey reads on the side Boxer’s eventual destination: the slaughterhouse.

The novel ends with the pigs walking upright and carrying whips – just like the humans before them. The sheep begin to bleat: "Four legs good, two legs better! Four legs good, two legs better! Four legs good, two legs better!" The pigs fraternise with humans. Finally the Seven Commandments are replaced by: "ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS". This represents the ignominious end to Old Major’s dream of an animal society based on equality and communal spirit.