What happens in chapter 1 of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” sets the stage for the entire novel, introducing the farm and its inhabitants. This chapter serves as a backdrop for the upcoming revolution and the subsequent establishment of a new society, free from human tyranny. The narrative unfolds with a clear depiction of the oppressive conditions under which the animals live, highlighting the discontent and the desire for change that would ultimately lead to the rise of a new leadership.
The story begins with the animals’ discovery of the seven commandments of the farm, which are inscribed on the wall. These commandments, written by the pigs, serve as a reminder of the human owners’ rule and the suffering it entails. The animals, led by Old Major, a boar who has become disillusioned with human society, gather in the barn and are addressed by him. Old Major delivers a passionate speech, urging the animals to rise up against their human masters and to create a society based on equality and freedom.
As the chapter progresses, the animals’ discontent reaches a boiling point. They rebel against their human owners, driving them off the farm and taking control. The pigs, who have been the most influential among the animals, emerge as the leaders of the new society. The chapter concludes with the renaming of the farm to “Animal Farm,” symbolizing the animals’ liberation from human control and their quest for a better life.
This pivotal chapter establishes the core themes of “Animal Farm,” including the struggle for power, the corruption of ideals, and the inevitability of tyranny. The introduction of the characters and the unfolding of the revolution sets the stage for the subsequent events and conflicts that would shape the fate of Animal Farm. It is in this first chapter that the seeds of the animals’ utopian dream are sown, and the readers are left eager to see how their idealistic vision will unfold in the face of the challenges ahead.
