The Internal Conflict: The Purge of Dissenters

Chronicles the violent suppression of any animal who questions the pigs' authority, culminating in the executions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Signs of Discontent

The Murmurs The Questioning of Privileges Some animals murmur when the pigs take the milk and apples, but Squealer's arguments silence them. The Abolition of Meetings When Napoleon ends the Sunday meetings, four young pigs protest. They are silenced by the dogs' growling. The Quiet Fear Animals learn that questioning is dangerous. The sheep's bleating is used to drown out dissent.

The Confessions and Executions

The Terror The Accusations Napoleon orders the animals to assemble. The dogs drag forward four pigs who confess to being in league with Snowball. The Massacre They are torn apart. Then three hens, a goose, a sheep, and more are forced to confess and are executed. The yard is filled with blood. The Shock Clover and the others are horrified. This is the first time animals have killed animals since the Rebellion. The dream is shattered.

The Aftermath of the Purge

The Silence of Fear The Broken Spirit The animals are too frightened to speak. They huddle together, trying to make sense of the violence. Boxer's Denial Boxer believes the fault must be in themselves and decides to work harder. He cannot accept that the pigs are to blame. The Abolition of 'Beasts of England' Squealer announces that the Rebellion is over, so the song is no longer needed. The last symbol of hope is removed.

during the first year

the second winter

immediately after the executions