Animal Farm is a novel written by George Orwell that was published in 1945. The novel is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalin's dictatorship. The plot follows the events that take place on a farm called Animal Farm, which is run by a group of animals who have overthrown their human owner and taken control of the farm.
At the beginning of the novel, the old boar, Old Major, gives a rousing speech to the other animals about the oppression they face under their human owner, Mr. Jones. He inspires them to rise up and overthrow the humans, and he teaches them the song "Beasts of England," which becomes the anthem of the rebellion. After Old Major's death, two pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, take the lead in organizing the animals and planning the rebellion.
The rebellion is a success, and the animals drive Mr. Jones off the farm. They then create a set of commandments, which outline their new way of life and ensure that all animals are equal. The pigs take on the roles of leaders and educators, and they work to improve the farm and increase production. Snowball, in particular, is a strong advocate for animal equality and education, and he is instrumental in the early success of the farm.
However, Napoleon and Snowball eventually have a falling out, and Napoleon becomes the sole leader of the farm. He becomes more and more authoritarian and tyrannical, and he begins to bend the rules of the commandments to suit his own needs. He also becomes more and more like the humans, adopting their habits and even sleeping in a bed.
Meanwhile, the other animals on the farm are becoming increasingly oppressed and exploited. They work long hours, and they receive very little in return. The pigs, who were once their leaders and allies, have become their oppressors. They are also kept in the dark about what is happening on the farm, as Napoleon and the other pigs keep information from them and use propaganda to control their thoughts and actions.
As the years pass, the farm becomes a shadow of its former self. The animals are poor and starving, and they are no better off than they were under Mr. Jones. The commandments have been altered and twisted to serve the interests of the pigs, and the other animals have no power or agency. The novel ends with the pigs walking on two legs, just like humans, and the other animals realize that they have become no better than their former oppressors.
In conclusion, the plot of Animal Farm is a tragic story about the dangers of power, corruption, and propaganda. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting a single group or individual hold too much power, and it is a poignant reminder of the importance of education and critical thinking.