The Pigs' Gradual Seizure of Privileges

Chronicles the incremental steps by which the pigs claim special rights, culminating in absolute tyranny.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Milk and Apples Reserved

The First Privilege The Disappearance of Milk After the first harvest, the milk disappears. The animals soon learn it is mixed into the pigs' mash. Windfall apples are also reserved for the pigs. Squealer's Justification Squealer argues that the pigs need milk and apples for their brainwork, otherwise Jones would return. The animals accept this logic. The Principle Set This establishes the principle that the pigs' needs are different from the others. It is the first crack in the idea of equality.

The Pigs Move into the Farmhouse

The Second Step The Move Announced Napoleon announces that the pigs will live in the farmhouse for quiet work. The animals vaguely remember a resolution against this, but Squealer convinces them it never existed. Sleeping in Beds When the pigs are found sleeping in beds, the Commandment is read as 'No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.' Sheets are removed, but the pigs sleep in the beds anyway. Later Rising Soon the pigs get up an hour later than the others. The animals accept this as necessary for leadership.

Alcohol and the Whisky Incident

The Forbidden Drink The Whisky Found The pigs discover a case of whisky in the farmhouse cellar. That night, Napoleon is seen wearing Mr. Jones's bowler hat and acting drunk. The next day, Squealer announces Napoleon is dying. The Decree Napoleon recovers and issues a decree: drinking alcohol is punishable by death. But soon after, the pigs buy books on brewing and distilling, and barley is planted for their use. The Commandment Changed The Fifth Commandment is revealed to be 'No animal shall drink alcohol TO EXCESS.' The pigs now drink regularly.

The Pigs' Hierarchy and Worship

The Cult of Napoleon Titles and Poems Napoleon is given grand titles: Father of All Animals, Terror of Mankind. A poem 'Comrade Napoleon' is inscribed on the barn wall, alongside his portrait. Spontaneous Demonstrations Weekly processions are held, with the pigs leading, the dogs flanking, and the sheep bleating 'Four legs good, two legs bad.' The gun is fired on Napoleon's birthday. The Privileges Multiply Pigs are allowed to wear green ribbons on their tails on Sundays. They have the right of way on paths. The young pigs are educated separately, learning the arts of leadership.

The Final Equality: Pigs Become Human

The Last Transformation Walking on Hind Legs Squealer and the other pigs begin walking on two legs. Napoleon appears carrying a whip. The Commandments are altered to allow this. Wearing Clothes Napoleon wears Mr. Jones's black coat and breeches. The pigs take on human clothing and habits. They smoke pipes, drink beer, and play cards with human farmers. The Name Restored The farm is renamed Manor Farm. The green flag is now plain. The pigs and humans are indistinguishable, completing the cycle of oppression.

first summer

during the second year

after the Battle of the Windmill

after the purges

the final chapter