https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib Blog Posts and Journal Entries Breaking Down the Meaning Behind the Novel en-us 2019-04-02 14:13:33 UTC 2026-03-24 22:07:14 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/370111803/a89a613e816de9824a7b2bec814a83ae/pig2.png clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348060503 More than likely, when we were younger, we all believed that Animal Farm was a novel about cute animals on a farm. I know that's what I thought, at least. However, with age, we come to discover that this book is much more in-depth and politically charged than this. Based off of my basic knowledge of the novel, I can predict that this novel will be a satirical take on the failure in power through communism. I do believe that the story contains a mutiny -- a takeover of the weaker ones. ]]> 2019-04-03 13:35:30 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348060503 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348063707 Eric Blair, more known as George Orwell, was born in Bengal in the year 1903. He was primarily a political writer. He served in the Loyalist forces in the Spanish Civil War. He wrote mainly based off of his experiences and opinions. While Animal Farm is one of his most famous novels, Orwell is well-known for many more. His novel Burmese Days conveys his experiences as a colonial policeman. On a bit of a different note are two works known as Down and Out in Paris and The Road to Wigan Pier, which recorded his firsthand studies on poverty. Homage to Catalonia shared Orwell's experiences in the Spanish Civil War. Finally, the most popular and influential of all the works discussed thus far is George Orwell's 1984, which can most accurately be described as a political prophecy. After his many years of literary success, Orwell died in 1950 at the age of 46.]]> 2019-04-03 13:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348063707 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348509524 This part of the book provides us with the first true insight to the underlying meaning of the work, including to whom it is referring, what events and the attitude of the author towards them. The novel seems to be very anti-Stalin. As it was written during the time of totalitarian takeover, Orwell shared his thoughts on the danger and destruction that was inevitable. He noted that people were blind to what was really happening with Soviet communism and just how wrong it was. Based off of this section, it can be said that this novel is a story of political destruction and tract, satire on the foolishness of humans, jokes against those who wish for a Utopian society and allegorical lessons. Overall the novel can be described as a fable in the Aesop tradition and a sermon that teaches against the dangers of political innocence full of hatred and despair.]]> 2019-04-04 13:35:02 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/348509524 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349045014 I found this section of the novel to be quite entertaining as well as thought-provoking. The author of the introduction to this publication of the novel was C. M. Woodhouse. He offers an entryway to one of the most commonly asked questions about the novel: why is it called a "fairy story." Animal Farm is like no other fairy tale you've ever heard -- there's no prince charming, no fairy godmother and, especially, no happy ending. But Woodhouse explains how the basic building blocks of the novel are, in fact, similar to those of a fairy tale. There is no moral to be taken from the story, but it is full of figurative and literary techniques, such as irony, conflict and hardships. In this way, the novel is comparable to any other fairy tale. Woodhouse is also quite perceptive of the poetic qualities of the work, saying that Orwell was a poet lost in the world of prose. This piece is a work of art that provides a true outlook on life in its most uncomfortable of times. ]]> 2019-04-05 18:21:01 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349045014 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349048881 Personally, I became lost in the story in just the first chapter. We are introduced to this world so much like ours, except one wish that many people have made has come true: animals can talk. In the very beginning we are introduced to Mr. Jones, the farmer whose first description is of his drunkenness. We briefly meet Mrs. Jones, Mr. Jones' snoring wife. Most importantly, however, is the presentation of all the animals, each of which are introduced and described within the character list above.

This chapter focuses on the speech Major gave to all the rest of the animals. Word had spread of an odd dream he had the night before, and he then called for a meeting with everyone that evening. In his speech, he tells the other animals that every hardship the animals had ever experienced was because of the evil humans. He started a fire of liberation within the barn, telling the others that, even after he is gone, they must look towards an uprising to take down the humans and get what they have always deserved. However, a highly stressed point in his speech is that the animals must never turn on each other and break equality among them all, like the humans had done. This portion of the chapter, I believe, is a foreshadowing of this exact conflict coming in to play later on in the novel.
In the end of his speech Major taught the other animals a song he knew from his childhood called Beasts of England. This song only furthered the urge of the rebellion. ]]> 2019-04-05 18:32:19 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349048881 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349059368 1. Mr. Jones - farmer, known as a drunk
2. Mrs. Jones - Mr. Jones' wife
3. Major - Middle White boar, twelve years old, highly regarded by the other farm animals, stout, majestic-looking, wise and benevolent
4. Bluebell - dog
5. Jessie - dog
6. Pincher - dog
7. pigs (unnamed and number unspecified) - males known as porkers
8. hens (unnamed and number unspecified)
9. pigeons (unnamed and number unspecified)
10. sheep (unnamed and number unspecified)
11. cows (unnamed and number unspecified)
12. Boxer - cart-horse, enormous beast, nearly eighteen hands high, as strong as any two ordinary horses together, stupid appearance, not very intelligent, respected
13. Clover - cart-horse, mother mare, middle aged
14. Muriel - white goat
15. Benjamin - donkey, oldest, worst-tempered, quiet, cynical
16. ducklings (unnamed and number unspecified) - no mother
17. Mollie - mare, white, foolish, dainty, attention-seeking
18. cat (unnamed) - round
19. Moses - raven, tame, Mr. Jones' pet, a spy, a tale-bearer, clever talker
20. Snowball - boar, young, vivacious, quick speaker, inventive
21. Napoleon - Berkshire boar, young, large, fierce-looking, quiet, gets his way
22. Squealer - pig, small, fat, round cheeks, twinkly eyes, nimble in movement, shrill voice, brilliant talker, persuasive
23. Mr. Pilkington - easy-going gentleman farmer
24. Mr. Frederick - tough, shrewd man
25. Mr. Whymper - solicitor, small, sly-looking, sharp]]> 2019-04-05 18:59:44 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349059368 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349150624 This chapter starts out on a sad note as our good friend Major has passed on; however, this event does reflect a bit of foreshadowing that had taken place in the previous chapter as he, during his speech, states that he feels it is his responsibility to spread this word "before [he] die[s]. This example only strengthens my belief that other believed foreshadowing will also come to be true later in the novel.
After Major dies, the other animals, particularly the boars, continue to urge the rebellion their respected leader had began. They came to call their belief in this uprising Animalism. Though they were quite stubborn at first, the other animals began dutifully to follow them in this conquest, which came about sooner than expected. After not being fed for quite a while due to the drunkenness of their master and the ignorance of the other men, the animals broke in to a building in order to obtain their own meal. This caused the farmer and his men to approach in an attempt to control the animals, which they were unable to do as the animals made this the moment for a mutiny. The animals chased the men and Mr. Jones out of the farm, locked the gates and began celebrating their victory. They continued with their celebration the next day as they broke into the farmhouse, destroying some of the humans' belongings and marking the building as a place of historical significance -- a museum. They renamed the farm "Animal Farm" and began tending the land at once. However, some red flags are already beginning to appear. Some animals, particularly Mollie, were being a bit mistreated as they were now being told how not to live by the other "more intelligent" animals. Another bad sign is represented in the very end of the chapter when, after the cows had been milked, all of the animals were sent out to work in the fields; however, Napoleon, who seemed to be taking over as their new leader, stayed behind, assuring the others he would catch up with them soon. When all of the animals returned from their work, they found the bucket of milk had disappeared, presumably due to Napoleon drinking it. Could this possibly be a first act of betrayal?]]> 2019-04-06 13:39:16 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349150624 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349176053 In this chapter we get to learn a little more about what life is like for each animal individually and for the animals as a group now that Mr. Jones is gone. The role of each animal on the farm is shared with the reader. The point is made that the most capable animals hold the most responsibility; however, even those who are least capable in the harvest are still expected to do their part, which most do. The reader also gains a bit of an outlook on what the daily routine is like for the animals now, including the day of rest, which is Sunday. We even learn of the education of each animal. As we get deeper into this chapter, however, we begin to notice that things may not be as equal and fair as previously assumed. The animals are looking forward to their share of the cows' milk and the freshly harvested apples. Unfortunately, the pigs, who seem to be playing the role of the alpha, dub the goods as their o, reserved only for them. At first the other animals are upset about this but do not say much. Soon, however, Squealer comes to tell the animals that the harvest is reserved for the pigs for the benefit of all as they are in most need for them. The animals accept this explanation without question and go on to dedicate the next harvest solely to the pigs as well. I believe this is a pure example of brainwashing as they pigs begin to take advantage of the "stupider" animals. ]]> 2019-04-06 18:21:42 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/349176053 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/353548242 In this chapter, we begin to see a spread in the beliefs and traditions of the Animal Farm, including their anthem of Beasts of England. I believe this represents the spread of Communism that was taking place during Orwell's time. Each farmer and the animals of each farm seemed to have a different interpretation of the truth of this animal takeover: many farmers were in disbelief at first and insisted this would only end in the death of all of the animals on Animal Farm, and others lived in fear of the farm. However, each person spread a different word, most of which were lies and only created more confusion. Nevertheless, the anthem continued to spread to a point of forced illegalization due to the fear of the human beings who found it to be a foreshadowing of their death. During this chapter, the first physical war between animal and human began as many farmers and stable lads teamed up to take down Animal Farm. This ended in the humans' defeat and one fatality, which was a sheep. The animals rejoiced vastly, even creating their own war medals for the bravest "soldiers" and those who were lost in battle. This war was named in a way similar to the naming system of humans as well as it was named after the location of the battle. Perhaps this shows the evolution of animal tradition to human traditions. ]]> 2019-04-23 21:19:52 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/353548242 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/353922970 A LOT happens in chapter five of this novel beginning with the disappearance of Mollie, one of the animals, as she returns to the humans, who she felt treated her more fairly and with affection. We also get a look in to what the government of the farm was like as we are told that the pigs had been accepted as the ones to decide all farm policy, but  their decisions must receive a majority vote from the rest of the farm animals. During this same time, we see that the two chosen "leaders" -- Napoleon and Snowball -- were never able to agree on anything. In fact, no matter what one said, the other said the complete opposite. This feuding soon builds up to something that changes everything. As the animals are gathered to vote on Snowball's latest idea, the installation of a windmill which could generate enough electricity to basically run the farm without the animals having to do anything, Napoleon calls upon his "army" of dogs to launch a surprise attack on Snowball. Snowball is chased out of the farm, fearing for his life, and Napoleon has successfully dethroned his partner, now completely taking control of the farm. The animals begin to compare him to that of their old human owner, Mr. Jones. With this new dictatorship came the uprising of a new predominant species (comparable to that of Hitler's Aryan race): the pigs were given complete control over the decisions to be made regarding the farm with no outside input whatsoever. Therefore, the other, less clever animals have lost their voice in all matters, but the pigs have brainwashed them into believing that it was their choice to give up their voice and that it was what was best for them all. Squealer, the most persuasive of the pigs, even guilted them into believing that if they continued to think and speak and debate with each other Mr. Jones would return and take control of the farm once again. I find this to be much like the speech of guilt given by Marcus Brutus of Julius Caesar to the citizens of Rome, aggravating them into believing that his word was the only way. Under this new rule, Animal Farm found themselves to be caught up in a stricter agenda and more stringent routine. We come to find out that Napoleon had been planning this takeover for quite some time and had been lying to every animal. This revelation could foreshadow a dark future for the members of Animal Farm.  ]]> 2019-04-24 21:14:16 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/353922970 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356249318 This chapter only ensures the reader of the evil thinking of the pigs, who have proclaimed themselves the brains and Napoleon the "leader." The other animals work like slaves with less and less food and comfort while the pigs continue to raise their own comfort levels with later wake up times, more food, more comfortable environments and more. However, they are able to convince the other animals that this is what is best for the Animal Farm, despite the obvious lies and wrongdoings. They are able to achieve this by convincing the other animals they are collectively crazy, much like that of the government in 1984. The pigs also tell the other animals if they ever go against their word, their human farmer, Jones, will return. During this chapter, the animals begin forming a business relationship with the humans. The animals realize their struggles and the fact that it is necessary for them to make money in order for them to survive. In order to conduct business, Napoleon begins working with a man by the name of Mr. Whymper, who is a solicitor and helps the animals to connect with the human business world. It is also mentioned that Napoleon was seen speaking with the other farmers, Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick, but it is explicitly said he never sees them simultaneously. The biggest plot point of this chapter revolves around the building of the windmill. Over a year, much progress is made on the windmill, until one night it is destroyed. Napoleon convinces the animals that Snowball did this (even though it is obvious that one pig could never create this much destruction), which is supported by the pig hoof tracks leading from the knoll of the windmill to the edge of the farm which leads to Foxwood Farm. Napoleon identifies these footprints as Snowball's and immediately creates a reward for anyone who returns him to Animal Farm to suffer capital punishment. While on the hunt for Snowball, the animals must also begin the rebuilding of the windmill.]]> 2019-05-02 15:18:04 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356249318 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356271783 This chapter is one that will be remembered. It began with the rebuilding of the windmill, making it stronger, better, but it continues in a way that is unexpected. The weather on the farm is getting worse as the winter continues, and the animals are finding it harder to work. They have less food available to them, and starvation is becoming imminent. But even with all these hardships, the leaders only worry about the appearance of Animal Farm to the human world. In order to convey their well-being to the humans, the animals use Mr. Whymper. They show him false images of a well-off farm, which he goes back to share with all of the other humans. We also begin to see at this time a change in Napoleon. He has now become too good to be known as one of the animals. He hardly never makes an appearance on the farm, sending orders by way of the other pigs. When he does make an appearance, he is constantly surrounded by his dogs, who are there to protect him and keep the other animals from making any contact with Napoleon. The first rebellion under the new leader also takes place in this chapter. The hens are told that they must give up their eggs to be sold to the humans, but the hens refuse to accept this change and, instead, begin destroying the eggs at the time they are lain. This results in their rations being cut off and the starvation of several hens before the surrender of the eggs.  The animals are beginning to notice Snowball's presence everywhere around the farm and start blaming him for everything wrong that seems to happen. Napoleon assures them that it is Snowball's fault as he declares his footprints to be covering every inch of every building on the farm. The animals are also made aware that documentation putting Snowball in league with Jones from the beginning has been found, but the animals find this hard to believe; however, they have no way to prove or disprove this accusation because the proof is written, and none of these animals are able to read. Even with the doubt of the animals, the evidence is accepted due to Napoleon's word of it being true. For me, as the reader, this became very frustrating to read, especially when Squealer went on to tell the animals to watch all those around them as it is suspected that others are also working with Snowball. This seems to be the pigs' attempt to turn the other animals against each other. The most notable part of this chapter, if not the entire book, is what happens next. All of the animals are called together under Napoleon. In this meeting some of the animals are forced to admit to their alliance with Snowball, which results in their throats being ripped out by Napoleon's dogs. After these animals were killed, Napoleon asked if any others would like to admit to something, which several did. Some of these "crimes" included dreams of Snowball, sneaking a bit of extra food and the accidental murder of one of the other animals, which happened to be an obedient follower of Napoleon. Each of these animals were killed in that moment, leaving behind a much smaller group of animals on Animal Farm. These animals that are left seem to begin to notice how they have begun to do just what Major had warned them not to do when he first presented the Rebellion to them. In order to create some sense of comfort, the animals all began singing Beasts of England together, which they were immediately told had been replaced and is now illegal to sing on Animal Farm. This takes away the one thing left of the original Rebellion and everything has changed. ]]> 2019-05-02 15:57:52 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356271783 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356349456 This chapter, in the beginning, is used to prove the takeover of Napoleon as a leader, showing his evolution into a sovereign dictator. The animals are beginning to notice that, under this leadership, they now seem to be working more and eating less than they had with Jones as their master. The rest of the chapter involves the other two farmer, Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington. It was previously mentioned that Napoleon was speaking with both of them about the sale of the timber. As this is still being contemplated, it comes out that Frederick has been torturing and killing his animals and should become the next victim of the animals on Animal Farm. Out of nowhere, though, the animals are told that the timber has been sold to Frederick and that all the rumors were greatly exaggerated. The animals were told that the real enemy was Pilkington, and he began feeling the wrath of Animal Farm instead. Mr. Frederick paid for the timber with 5-pound notes, which was said to be "just enough" to cover the cost of the rest of the windmill, which the animals have now finished building the structure of. I find this exact amount to be a bit suspicious. But this doesn't matter because we soon find out that the notes are fake. Just then Mr. Frederick and 14 other men attack Animal Farm in the next physical battle of animal vs. human. This battle is not as easily fought for the animals, and they run to safety shortly after the battle begins. As they are hiding, the humans blow up the windmill the animals have worked so hard on. This angers the animals so much that they do not wait for Napoleon's say-so and go straight to attacking the men. They are all injured, several killed, but they do succeed in running the humans off of their land. The pigs see this as a victory and begin celebrating. This celebration lasted for two days as everyone drank, sang, and Napoleon gave speeches. The reader does become aware of several suspicious actions of the pigs during this time, such as Napoleon's short trip around the yard, leaving his room, trotting in a circle and returning straight back to his room again. Could this be him creating Snowball's footsteps? This would make sense as we soon find out that Snowball has somehow poisoned Napoleon via alcohol. Napoleon recovers, but he does illegalize alcohol. Later on, during the night, a crash is heard, and all the animals rush out to see what has happened. They discover Squealer fallen on the ground under the sign that contains the Seven Commandments with a paintbrush, a broken ladder and a tub of paint. This proves what most readers and some of the animals have been suspicious of: the pigs were making changes to the Commandments in order to fit their needs. In this case, the Commandment "No animal shall drink alcohol" has become "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess." Perhaps the other animals of Animal Farm are beginning to realize that everything is a lie. ]]> 2019-05-02 18:27:03 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356349456 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356366730 The frustration I am experiencing writing this is beyond belief. I am angry at the story and at the characters for their evil ways and their stupidity and ignorance. In this chapter, a lot happens, and a lot changes. Some piglets are born and are to be raised by Napoleon himself. The animals' rations were reduced once again, except for the pigs, of course, who seem to be gaining weight. Even knowing how hungry, cold and overworked they are, the animals are convinced by Squealer's presumably made-up numbers that things are better now than they had been with Jones as their master. A new field of barley had been planted, which was announced to all be preserved for the pigs. With this barley, the pigs made beer, which they enjoyed daily. During this chapter, Animal Farm is announced as a Republic, and a President was elected. Of course, there was only one candidate. Wanna guess who it was? Yep: Napoleon. Who won unanimously, by the way. The main part of this chapter, though, focused on Boxer the hard-working horse. He was nearing retirement and had been injured in The Battle of the Windmill, but he continued to work as hard as he possibly could. One day, though, his body let out and his lung collapsed, causing him to fall to his side as blood trickled from his mouth. When Napoleon found out what had happened, he told the animals (or got someone else to tell them, actually) that he had made arrangements for a hospital to pick him up for treatment; however, when the van arrived, Benjamin saw that it was the van of a slaughterhouse and glue manufacturer. The animals tried their best to save Boxer, and Boxer tried his best to escape but to no avail. It was later announced that Boxer had died in the hospital after receiving all the medical attention possible. Squealer shared his final words with the crowd, which were "Forward, comrades! Forward in the name of the Rebellion. Long live Animal Farm! Long live Comrade Napoleon! Napoleon is always right." *rolling my eyes* At this time, Squealer also addressed the name on the side of the van. He says that the hospital had bought the van from a slaughterhouse and had not yet changed the name. *rolling my eyes even harder* From here, all the animals, even Napoleon, celebrated the life of Boxer. ]]> 2019-05-02 19:06:57 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356366730 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356377824 Here, we've reached the end. In this chapter, we are put in the setting of Animal Farm a few years later, after the deaths of many of the original animals and the additions of many new ones. Many changes have been made, such as the windmill successfully being built as well as several more buildings. Change continues throughout this chapter. The pigs march one day to show off their newest ability: to walk on two legs. Along with the broadcasting of this change comes the presentation of the sheeps' new chant, which is "Four legs good, two legs better!" Also, the Seven Commandments has now been changed to one: " All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." From this point forward, the pigs carry whips and wear human clothes as they supervise the work of the lesser animals. The biggest thing to happen in this chapter is the visitation of the human farmers. They inspected every bit of the Animal Farm and even stayed for a game of cards in the farmhouse. During this game, with the other animals peeking in the window, a toast was made in which the human farmers rejoiced at the newest relationship with the Animal Farm and commended the pigs for their good work. The reader becomes aware here that the Animal Farm is known to be run by pigs. The pigs, especially Napoleon, are celebrated for the way they treat the lesser animals: more work, less food. After a toast had been given, Napoleon stood up to give a speech of his own in which he said there had been one mistake. The farm was no longer called Animal Farm; it was to be known, once again, as The Manor Farm. At this time the animals notice something about the pigs, but they couldn't quite figure what it was that was different. They decided just to walk away as the pigs and humans continue with their game of cards. That is until they hear an outbreak -- a fight -- beginning in the farmhouse. As they animals return to the window to look at what has happened they notice what it is that has changed about the pigs. The animals can longer tell the difference between the pigs and humans. They are just the same. ]]> 2019-05-02 19:35:30 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356377824 clamanno https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356383222 At this point, I feel as if I could cry. I am disappointed, frustrated and angry at what this book has become. I am angry because it shows the harshness of reality. I am frustrated because there is nothing to be done about it. I knew the Rebellion would never be what Major had said it would; I new this plan would backfire and the animals would turn on each other, but I never thought the madness would be to this extent. The animals, all but the pigs, have returned to the role of a slave, but only now it is to their own kind, and it is worse. The pigs have become the evil human owners who can't be trusted by any word. Everything they say is a lie but is to be held as the truth. Everything they do is wrong but is to be accepted as right. The frustration the reader experiences while reading this novel is beyond comprehension. I nearly burned the book before I even finished it. The symbolism found in this novel is like that of no other. The way it connected to the real-life events of the time in which it was written is unmistakable, as well as the humans which the characters were based off of. Perhaps this story is a farmer's worst nightmare, but it's a farm animal's hell. ]]> 2019-05-02 19:52:00 UTC https://padlet.com/clamanno/bn2avbg8nvib/wish/356383222