Summary
Highlights
Old Major, a prize boar on Manor Farm, gathers the animals to share a vision of a future free from human oppression, inspiring them to overthrow their owner, Mr. Jones. He teaches them the anthem 'Beasts of England' and encourages unity against mankind.
After Old Major's death, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, develop Animalism from his teachings. The rebellion erupts when Mr. Jones neglects to feed the animals. They drive out the humans, rename the farm 'Animal Farm', and establish the Seven Commandments of Animalism, though the pigs immediately begin to skim off resources like milk.
The animals work hard, with Boxer the carthorse embodying dedication with his motto 'I will work harder'. Napoleon and Snowball lead Sunday meetings, but their disagreements are evident. Napoleon begins to consolidate power by taking Jessie and Bluebell's puppies for 'education' and justifying the pigs' exclusive consumption of milk and apples for their health, essential for the farm's survival.
News of the rebellion spreads. Mr. Jones attempts to reclaim the farm but is defeated in the 'Battle of the Cowshed', a victory led by Snowball. Later, during a debate about building a windmill, Napoleon uses his secretly trained dogs to violently expel Snowball from the farm, seizing absolute control and abolishing Sunday meetings.
Napoleon takes credit for the windmill idea and forces the animals to build it. He begins trading with humans, violating Old Major's original rules, and the pigs move into the farmhouse, altering commandments. When a storm destroys the windmill, Napoleon blames Snowball and orders its reconstruction. Food shortages lead to brutal crackdowns, including the execution of rebelling hens. Snowball is increasingly slandered and becomes a scapegoat for all misfortunes.
Napoleon's power grows, marked by public executions of 'traitors' and further alteration of the commandments (e.g., 'No animal shall kill any other animal without cause'). He strikes a deal with Mr. Frederick, who then cheats him and invades, destroying the rebuilt windmill in the 'Battle of the Windmill'. The animals win, but suffer greatly, while the pigs indulge in whiskey, further altering the commandments (e.g., 'No animal shall drink alcohol to excess').
Despite hardship, Squealer convinces the animals that their lives are improving. Napoleon is elected president. Boxer, the loyal workhorse, collapses from overwork and is shockingly sold to the knacker, with Squealer fabricating a story about a 'vet's van'. Years pass; the pigs adopt human behaviors, walk on hind legs, carry whips, and rename the farm 'Manor Farm' once more. The final commandment becomes: 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.' Observing a dinner between pigs and humans, the other animals can no longer distinguish between them.