Old Major dreamed about the nature and purpose of their lives and wanted to discuss it with the other animals. He gathered all the animals and started by explaining the unhappy lives they lead in England. He emphasized how animals work hard and produce things, while humans only take what the animals create for their own benefit. Additionally, he highlighted the cruel practice of humans taking what they want from an animal and then mercilessly killing it, citing the example of pigs.
Old Major is expressing the belief that life would greatly improve if it weren’t for Man, and envisions a future where animals can be happy without human influence. He urges them to take action and overthrow the human race, cautioning them against being swayed by false and deceitful arguments put forth by humans. He emphasizes that all animals are comrades, including rats, and warns against adopting the behaviors and characteristics of humans if they succeed in conquering them. In order to avoid becoming like Man, he establishes rules to guide their future conduct.
He proceeds to instruct them in the song “Beasts of England,” which they swiftly grasp. This occurrence proves significant as it serves as the catalyst for subsequent events. The address prompts the more intelligent animals to perceive life in a new light. Despite their lack of knowledge about the specific timing of the Rebellion, the pigs commence preparations. However, when the Rebellion ultimately transpires, the animals are unprepared for the newfound freedoms they acquire. Consequently, they readily rally behind anyone willing to assume leadership and trust that all actions undertaken are in their best interest.
The animals, influenced by Old Major’s vision, began to work against their own well-being, leading to dire consequences. In June, the mistreatment of the animals reached a breaking point as they were denied food. Unable to endure the starvation any longer, one of the cows took matters into her own hands and broke into the store-shed. The rest of the animals followed suit and began to eat. Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Jones awoke from his slumber and discovered the animals feasting in the store-shed. In response, he and his four men swiftly approached, armed with whips, intending to forcibly remove the animals from the scene.
However, the hungry animals refused to tolerate that and proceeded to throw themselves onto the men. There was no plan, but all the animals joined in the attack, causing the scared men to flee for safety. Upon witnessing this, the animals began to celebrate as the Rebellion had triumphed successfully. From this point onwards, everything started to transform. The farm’s name was changed to “Animal Farm”, they took charge of their own tasks, and numerous changes occurred.
But this also means that there have to be leaders. This is when the competition to be leaders starts. Later, the animals are forced to work harder than when they were owned by Mr. Jones. This incident is what actually initiates all of the big changes. The animals were at a Meeting where Snowball was attempting to persuade them to vote for the construction of the windmill and presenting them with all of the benefits that would come with a windmill. After Snowball finished, Napoleon emitted a strange whimper. This was the signal for the dogs to enter.
Napoleon had taken away nine large dogs from their mother in secret, with the intention of raising them himself. When the dogs approached Snowball, he immediately fled and managed to successfully escape. This event marks a turning point as Napoleon emerges as the sole leader. From this point forward, everything starts going in his favor. He establishes a dictatorship and implements numerous changes. As a result, conditions on the farm deteriorate significantly. The animals are subjected to harsh treatment, forced labor, and meager food rations. Napoleon struggles with his newfound leadership role and ultimately adopts human-like qualities.
