Animal Farm
Chapter II
by Orwell, GeorgeThe chapter begins with the death of Old Major, whose revolutionary ideas inspire the more intelligent animals on the farm, particularly the pigs, to prepare for an eventual rebellion against their human master, Mr. Jones. The pigs, led by Snowball and Napoleon, take charge of organizing and educating the other animals, developing Major’s teachings into a system called Animalism. Despite initial apathy and skepticism, they hold secret meetings to spread their ideology, though they face resistance from animals like Mollie, who prioritize personal comforts over liberation, and Moses, the raven, who spreads distracting tales of a mythical paradise called Sugarcandy Mountain.
Snowball and Napoleon work tirelessly to counter these distractions, emphasizing the principles of Animalism and the need for unity. Their most dedicated followers are the cart-horses, Boxer and Clover, who, though not intellectually gifted, wholeheartedly embrace the cause and help rally the others. Meanwhile, Mr. Jones’s neglect of the farm due to his drinking and financial troubles creates worsening conditions for the animals, fueling their discontent. The stage is set for rebellion as the animals grow increasingly frustrated with their mistreatment and lack of food.
The rebellion erupts unexpectedly when the animals, driven by hunger and desperation, break into the store-shed to feed themselves. When Mr. Jones and his men attempt to whip them into submission, the animals revolt en masse, overpowering their oppressors and driving them off the farm. The sudden success of the uprising astonishes the animals, who quickly take control of Manor Farm, erasing symbols of human domination and celebrating their newfound freedom.
In the aftermath, the animals revel in their victory, exploring the farm to ensure no humans remain and destroying remnants of Jones’s rule. The chapter concludes with a sense of triumph and possibility, as the animals begin to envision a future governed by their own principles. However, the groundwork is also laid for the pigs’ increasing dominance, hinting at the challenges to come in maintaining the ideals of Animalism.
FAQs
1. How do the pigs establish themselves as leaders after Old Major’s death, and what challenges do they face in spreading Animalism?
Answer:
After Old Major’s death, the pigs naturally assume leadership due to their intelligence, with Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer emerging as key figures. They systematize Major’s ideas into Animalism and hold secret meetings to educate the other animals. However, they face significant challenges, including apathy, loyalty to Jones (“Master”), and practical concerns about survival without human care. Some animals, like Mollie, prioritize comforts like sugar and ribbons over revolution, while Moses the raven distracts them with tales of Sugarcandy Mountain. The pigs must work hard to counter these objections and convince the animals of Animalism’s principles, showing early signs of propaganda efforts and ideological manipulation.
2. Analyze the role of Boxer and Clover in the Rebellion. How do their characteristics reflect broader themes in the chapter?
Answer:
Boxer and Clover, the cart-horses, are the pigs’ most faithful disciples. Though not intellectually independent, they wholeheartedly embrace Animalism and help spread its message through simple arguments. Their unwavering dedication—exemplified by their consistent attendance at meetings and leadership in singing Beasts of England—highlights themes of loyalty and the power of collective action. However, their inability to think critically also foreshadows potential exploitation by more cunning leaders. Their role underscores the tension between blind faith and informed participation in revolutionary movements, a key theme in the chapter.
3. What circumstances lead to the Rebellion’s success, and how does the animals’ spontaneous uprising contrast with their earlier preparations?
Answer:
The Rebellion succeeds unexpectedly due to Jones’s neglect and the animals’ desperation. Jones, disheartened and alcoholic, fails to feed the animals, prompting them to break into the store-shed. When Jones and his men retaliate with whips, the animals revolt spontaneously—a stark contrast to the pigs’ methodical planning. This highlights the difference between ideological preparation (the pigs’ meetings) and the immediate, visceral reaction to oppression. The Rebellion’s ease also raises questions about the regime’s stability and whether the animals are truly prepared for self-governance, as their victory stems from human failure rather than strategic prowess.
4. Compare Snowball and Napoleon’s leadership styles as introduced in this chapter. What might their differences suggest about their future roles?
Answer:
Snowball is vivacious, inventive, and articulate, while Napoleon is quieter, fiercer, and more focused on achieving his own goals. Snowball takes the lead in debates (e.g., rebutting Mollie’s questions about sugar and ribbons), whereas Napoleon’s silence hints at a more calculating nature. These differences foreshadow future conflict: Snowball’s idealism versus Napoleon’s pragmatism. Snowball’s engagement with the animals’ concerns suggests a participatory leader, while Napoleon’s “reputation for getting his own way” implies authoritarian tendencies, setting the stage for a power struggle.
5. Why does Moses’ tale of Sugarcandy Mountain pose a threat to Animalism, and how do the pigs counter it?
Answer:
Moses’ Sugarcandy Mountain—a paradise where animals enjoy eternal leisure—diverts attention from the Rebellion by offering a passive, heavenly reward instead of active change. This undermines Animalism’s call for collective effort and mirrors how religion can pacify oppressed groups. The pigs dismiss it as a lie, arguing that Sugarcandy Mountain doesn’t exist, but their struggle to convince the animals shows the allure of escapism. This conflict introduces the theme of controlling narratives, as the pigs must combat not just human oppression but also competing ideologies that discourage revolutionary action.
Quotes
1. “Major’s speech had given to the more intelligent animals on the farm a completely new outlook on life. They did not know when the Rebellion predicted by Major would take place, they had no reason for thinking that it would be within their own lifetime, but they saw clearly that it was their duty to prepare for it.”
This quote marks the ideological awakening of the animals after Old Major’s death, showing how his vision became their revolutionary mandate. It introduces the central conflict and establishes the pigs’ role as organizers of the coming rebellion.
2. “The work of teaching and organising the others fell naturally upon the pigs, who were generally recognised as being the cleverest of the animals.”
This significant quote introduces the power dynamic that will dominate the story, establishing the pigs’ intellectual superiority and their emerging leadership role. It foreshadows the hierarchy that will develop after the rebellion.
3. “‘Comrade,’ said Snowball, ‘those ribbons that you are so devoted to are the badge of slavery. Can you not understand that liberty is worth more than ribbons?’”
This exchange with Mollie encapsulates the ideological struggle between revolutionary principles and personal comforts. Snowball’s rhetorical question represents the pigs’ attempts to redefine values and priorities under Animalism.
4. “With one accord, though nothing of the kind had been planned beforehand, they flung themselves upon their tormentors. Jones and his men suddenly found themselves being butted and kicked from all sides.”
This dramatic quote captures the spontaneous moment of rebellion, showing how the animals’ collective suffering leads to unified action. It marks the pivotal turning point where theory becomes reality.
5. “And so, almost before they knew what was happening, the Rebellion had been successfully carried through: Jones was expelled, and the Manor Farm was theirs.”
This concluding statement marks the triumphant climax of the chapter, showing how quickly and unexpectedly the animals seize control. The simple declaration “the Manor Farm was theirs” establishes the new reality that will be explored in subsequent chapters.