What happens in chapter 7 of George Orwell’s classic novel “Animal Farm” is a pivotal moment that deepens the readers’ understanding of the corrupting influence of power. In this chapter, the animals of the farm, who had initially overthrown the human owners to establish their own utopian society, begin to notice the gradual erosion of their ideals. The narrative reveals the dark side of leadership and the betrayal of the very principles that had inspired their revolution.
The chapter opens with the pigs, especially Snowball and Napoleon, demonstrating their growing control over the other animals. Snowball, once the charismatic leader and the architect of the revolution, is depicted as being increasingly distant and obsessed with his own image. He is shown painting a portrait of himself in the barn, which the other animals are instructed to admire, symbolizing the rise of self-adulation and narcissism among the pigs.
Napoleon, on the other hand, is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative leader. He uses his charisma and the promise of better food and comfort to gain the loyalty of the animals. In a chilling scene, Napoleon introduces a new commandment, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others,” which is a direct contradiction of the original slogan, “All animals are equal.” This moment is a critical turning point in the novel, as it signifies the pigs’ betrayal of the farm’s original ideals.
The chapter also delves into the economic realities of the farm, revealing the stark class divide that has emerged among the animals. The pigs, who now dine on the finest food and enjoy the most comfortable quarters, are treated as superior to the other animals. The dogs, who are trained by Napoleon to enforce his will, become his personal guard and enforcers, further solidifying the pigs’ grip on power.
Another significant event in chapter 7 is the execution of Boxer, the loyal and hardworking cart horse. Boxer, who had been instrumental in the farm’s success, is betrayed by the pigs and is falsely accused of being a spy. Despite his protests, he is taken away and later found dead, a symbol of the pigs’ ruthless nature and the betrayal of the common good.
In conclusion, what happens in chapter 7 of “Animal Farm” is a haunting portrayal of the corruption of power and the betrayal of ideals. The pigs’ gradual transformation into the very tyrants they had overthrown serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the potential for any group to succumb to the allure of power. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s principles and the consequences of forsaking them.
