The Nature of Rebellion and Its Failure

Reflects on why the rebellion failed, exploring the role of the pigs' intelligence, the animals' ignorance, and the inevitable corruption.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Just Rebellion

The Righteous Cause The Motives Old Major's speech is a legitimate critique of oppression. The animals have every reason to rebel. The Overthrow of Jones The rebellion is successful and bloodless. The animals believe they have achieved freedom. The Initial Hope The future seems bright. The animals have the opportunity to build a truly equal society.

The Flaws in the Animal Society

The Seeds of Failure The Intellectual Inequality The pigs are cleverer, and they use this to gain power. The other animals are too ignorant to challenge them. The Lack of a System of Checks The pigs control all decision-making. There is no way to remove them or hold them accountable. The Gullibility of the Animals They believe everything the pigs say, forgetting their own memories. They are easily manipulated by fear and propaganda.

The Complete Failure

The Circus of Oppression The Return to Tyranny The pigs become exactly what they rebelled against. The farm is back to Manor Farm, with the same exploitation. The Loss of the Dream All the animals' sacrifices are for nothing. Boxer is dead, the windmill is a mill for profit, and the pigs are drunk with power. The Lesson The rebellion fails because it does not change the fundamental human nature of the pigs. The oppressed become the oppressors.

the night of the Rebellion

throughout the story

the end of the story