What happens in chapter 8 of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a pivotal moment that further unfolds the political allegory of the novel. This chapter marks the beginning of the corruption and the deviation from the original ideals that the animals had fought for. The events in this chapter are crucial in understanding the gradual collapse of the utopian society that the animals initially envisioned.
In this chapter, the animals are celebrating their first anniversary of the successful rebellion against the oppressive human farmers. The celebration is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it is overshadowed by the appearance of a mysterious pig named Napoleon. He had been absent from the farm for the past year, and his sudden return creates an air of mystery and tension among the animals.
Napoleon reveals that he has been working with a neighboring farm, the Foxes, to ensure the continued prosperity of the farm. This revelation shocks the animals, as they had believed that all animals were equal and that they should rely solely on their own efforts. Napoleon justifies his collaboration with the Foxes by claiming that it is necessary for the farm’s survival.
As the chapter progresses, it becomes apparent that Napoleon is amassing more power and control over the farm. He begins to enforce stricter rules and demands more work from the animals. The pigs, who were once revered as the leaders of the rebellion, now act like human farmers, demanding respect and obedience from the other animals.
One of the most significant events in this chapter is the introduction of a new commandment: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” This commandment effectively undermines the original principle of equality that was the foundation of the farm’s society. The animals are confused and disillusioned, as they realize that the pigs are no longer their leaders but rather their new oppressors.
The chapter concludes with a chilling scene where Napoleon has the animals work through the night to complete a task that was supposed to be done in a single day. This act of forced labor serves as a metaphor for the exploitation and oppression that the animals are now subjected to. The chapter leaves the reader with a sense of dread and foreboding, as it becomes increasingly clear that the farm’s ideals are slipping away.
In summary, what happens in chapter 8 of “Animal Farm” is a turning point in the novel. It reveals the corruption and betrayal of the original ideals that the animals fought for, setting the stage for the rest of the story. This chapter serves as a powerful critique of totalitarianism and the dangers of power, as it shows how easily a utopian society can devolve into tyranny.
