Chapter
III – The Animals’ New Life and Education
Working
the Farm After the Rebellion
After
the excitement of the rebellion, the animals face the challenge of managing the
farm themselves. The harvest is still to be gathered, and everyone is
determined to prove that they can work without human masters. They throw
themselves into the task with great enthusiasm. Surprisingly, the harvest turns
out to be the best the farm has ever had. In Mr. Jones’s absence, the animals
work harder and more efficiently.
Each
animal contributes according to its ability. The horses, especially Boxer and
Clover, pull heavy loads tirelessly. The hens and ducks help by gathering stray
grains. Even the smallest creatures, like the ducks and hens, take part by
carrying small bundles of hay in their beaks.
Boxer’s
Personal Motto
Boxer,
the enormous and strong cart-horse, becomes the symbol of the new work ethic.
He adopts the personal motto: “I will work harder.” This phrase inspires
other animals and reflects the dedication they feel toward building their new
society. Boxer’s willingness to do any task, no matter how difficult, sets an
example for all. He does not complain or question orders; instead, he believes
that working harder will solve any problem the farm might face.
The
Role of the Pigs
The
pigs, due to their intelligence, take on a leadership role. They do not work in
the fields like the others but instead organize, supervise, and plan the farm
work. Some animals initially find it strange that the pigs are not physically
contributing, but the pigs explain that their role is to think and manage,
which is equally important.
Snowball
and Napoleon, the two main leaders, oversee the work closely. Snowball focuses
on innovative ideas, while Napoleon observes quietly, keeping his plans to
himself. Squealer, the persuasive speaker, ensures that everyone believes in
the pigs’ leadership.
Teaching
Reading and Writing
After
the harvest, the pigs start an education campaign. They believe that literacy
will give the animals more power and independence. Snowball takes the lead in
teaching reading and writing to all animals. They use the old schoolroom in the
farmhouse and adapt books left behind by Mr. Jones’s children. At first, many
animals are eager to learn, but the results vary according to intelligence.
The
pigs quickly become literate, Muriel the goat learns well, and Benjamin the
donkey can read as well as the pigs, though he claims there is nothing worth
reading. The horses learn the alphabet but struggle to remember all the
letters. Other animals, like the sheep, hens, and ducks, cannot get beyond a
few letters.
The
Seven Commandments on the Barn Wall
To
ensure that everyone understands the principles of Animalism, Snowball paints
the Seven Commandments in large white letters on the barn wall. These
commandments are meant to guide all behaviour on the farm:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.
The
commandments are written so they can be
read from a distance. Snowball reads them aloud to the whole farm, and the
animals commit them to memory as best they can.
Simplification
for the Less Intelligent Animals
Despite
the large letters, many animals still have difficulty remembering all Seven
Commandments. To help them, Snowball simplifies them into a single maxim:“Four
legs good, two legs bad.” This becomes the animals’ simple guiding rule.
The sheep, in particular, love chanting it repeatedly, often to interrupt
debates or to show loyalty.
Signs
of Early Privilege
The
animals trust the pigs’ leadership, but subtle signs of inequality begin to
appear. The pigs quietly set aside the farm’s milk and later claim the apples
for themselves. Squealer explains that these foods are necessary for the pigs’
health because they are the “brainworkers” of the farm. He warns that if the
pigs fail in their duties, Mr. Jones could come back. This fear persuades the
animals to accept the pigs’ decision without protest.
A
New Sense of Purpose
By
the end of the chapter, the farm is functioning smoothly. The animals take
pride in their independence, and they feel the work is lighter because it
benefits them directly, not a human master. The pigs’ teaching has brought a
sense of progress, even if not all animals can read fluently. The Seven
Commandments, painted on the wall, stand as a constant reminder of the
ideals of Animalism. The simple slogan, “Four legs good, two legs bad,”
echoes around the farm, uniting the animals in a common cause.
Foreshadowing
Future Changes
Although
the chapter ends with hope and unity, there are hints that all is not entirely
equal. The pigs’ special privileges, their role as sole decision-makers, and
their subtle manipulation of the other animals foreshadow the inequalities and
corruption that will grow later. Yet, at this point, the animals are too
content and enthusiastic to notice the possible dangers.
Chapter
IV – The Spread of Animalism and the Battle of the Cowshed
The
Spread of Animalism Beyond the Farm
As
the summer passes, the fame of Animal Farm spreads far beyond its boundaries.
Word of the rebellion travels quickly to neighbouring farms and villages.
Snowball and Napoleon send out pigeons to neighbouring farms to spread the
message of Animalism and encourage other animals to rise against their human
masters. The pigeons carry news of how the animals have taken control of their
farm and how they now live in freedom. They also teach the simple slogan “Four
legs good, two legs bad” to the animals they meet.
Mixed
Reactions of Humans
The
human farmers in the neighbourhood are alarmed. They fear that their own
animals might learn about rebellion and be inspired to do the same. At first,
they laugh at the idea, claiming that the farm will collapse without human
guidance. But when they realize the animals are thriving, they become angry and
worried. The two closest farms, run by Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington, are
rivals who distrust each other, but they agree on one thing: the rebellion must
fail.
Attempts
to Discredit Animal Farm
The
humans spread false stories about life on Animal Farm. They claim the animals
are starving and fighting among themselves, hoping to discourage rebellion in
their own lands. At the same time, animals everywhere begin to stir with
discontent. Cows break into storehouses, sheep tear down hedges, and horses
refuse to obey orders. Clearly, the revolutionary spirit is spreading despite
human propaganda.
Mr.
Jones Prepares to Act
By
autumn, Mr. Jones has been drinking heavily and brooding over his loss. With
the support of a few men from the neighbouring farms, he decides to take back
his farm by force. They plan a surprise attack to overthrow the animals and
restore his control. Armed with sticks and a gun, Jones and his men approach
Animal Farm, determined to crush the rebellion.
Snowball’s
Battle Plan
Snowball,
who has been studying military history (including Julius Caesar’s campaigns),
organizes the defence of the farm. He divides the animals into formations and
positions them strategically. First, pigeons and geese harass the men, pecking
and flapping to confuse them. Then, goats and sheep rush forward, followed by
the main force of stronger animals led by Snowball himself.
The
Battle of the Cowshed
The
fight begins in the cowshed, and the humans advance confidently, but Snowball’s
tactics take them by surprise. After the initial skirmish, Snowball signals a
retreat, drawing the men deeper into the farm.
Suddenly,
the larger animals, including Boxer and the pigs, charge from the flanks,
trapping the men. Snowball personally leads the attack with great courage,
leaping directly into the line of fire.
The
humans are overwhelmed by the animals’ coordination and bravery. Boxer proves
especially powerful, knocking down a stable-lad with his mighty hooves. The lad
lies motionless, and Boxer is deeply distressed, believing he has killed him.
Snowball reassures him that in battle, such things are sometimes necessary.
Mr.
Jones is Defeated
Unable
to withstand the animals’ force, Mr. Jones and his men flee in panic. They drop
their weapons and run out of the farm as the animals chase them away. The farm
is safe, and the rebellion is preserved. The victory fills the animals with
pride and strengthens their belief in Animalism.
The
Cost of Victory
Though
triumphant, the animals have suffered losses. A sheep has been killed, and
several animals are wounded, including Snowball, who has been grazed by a
pellet from Jones’s gun. The dead sheep is honoured with a solemn funeral, and
a hawthorn bush is planted on its grave.
Medals
and Honours
To
recognize acts of bravery, Snowball and Boxer are awarded the title “Animal
Hero, First Class” and given medals made from brass. The dead sheep is
posthumously declared “Animal Hero, Second Class.” These awards are
meant to inspire future generations to defend the farm with the same courage.
Naming
the Battle
The
animals decide to name the event “The Battle of the Cowshed” after the main
location of the fighting. They also agree to fire Jones’s gun twice a year:
once on the anniversary of the rebellion, and once on the anniversary of the
battle, to remind them of their victories.
Unity
and Foreshadowing
At
this point, the animals stand united, proud of their accomplishment. They have
defended their independence against a powerful enemy. Snowball emerges as a
heroic figure, admired for his bravery and skill in planning. However, the
seeds of future tension are already present—Napoleon remains in the background,
observing but not openly challenging Snowball’s leadership.
Significance
of the Chapter
Chapter
IV is a turning point because it shows that Animal Farm is not just a local
success—it has become a symbol of resistance. The battle demonstrates that the
animals can defend themselves and maintain their freedom. It also reveals
Snowball’s leadership strengths and the willingness of the animals to fight for
their ideals. Yet, the unity seen here will later be undermined by power
struggles and manipulation.
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