The Loss of Beasts of England
Animal FarmTraces the song's journey from anthem of rebellion to forbidden memory, and its replacement by propaganda.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The Birth of an Anthem

Old Major teaches the animals the song "Beasts of England," which predicts the overthrow of humans and the golden future. The animals sing it with wild excitement, and it becomes the rallying cry of the Rebellion. The song embodies their unity and hope.
The Song of the Rebellion

After the Rebellion, the song is sung at every meeting and every celebration. It spreads to neighbouring farms, causing the humans to tremble. It is a revolutionary anthem that inspires solidarity. Even the birds and the church bells seem to echo its tune.
The Mournful Last Singing

After the executions, the animals gather on the knoll and sing the song three times, slowly and mournfully. It is a lament for the lost ideals. The song is now a threnody, not a celebration. It is the last time they sing it together.
The Abolition

Squealer announces that the Rebellion is over, so the song is no longer needed. It is replaced by a sycophantic hymn to Napoleon. The animals are sad but too frightened to protest. The song is driven underground, but it is not forgotten. It becomes a secret memory of what was lost.
The Secret Humming

In the final years, every animal still knows the tune, but no one dares sing it aloud. It is hummed secretly. The song represents the unfulfilled promise of the revolution. It is a ghost of hope that haunts the farm. The pigs cannot erase it from the animals' hearts.
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