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Animal Farm
The Final Betrayal
Chapter 10
Chapter Summary
In the final chapter of Animal Farm, years have passed since the initial rebellion, and the farm has undergone a profound transformation. The ideals that once motivated the animals to rise against their human oppressor have been completely obliterated. The pigs, once the leaders of the revolution, now embody the very traits of the tyrants they overthrew, having adopted human behaviors and lifestyles that starkly contrast with the original principles of Animalism.
The farm is now a shadow of its former self, as the animals find that their lives have not improved but rather deteriorated. The pigs have built a luxurious house where they live, enjoying comforts and privileges that the other animals do not have access to. They engage in trade with humans, further betraying the revolutionary ideals of self-sufficiency and equality. The Seven Commandments, which were meant to govern the behavior of all animals on the farm, have been altered and manipulated to justify the pigs’ actions, culminating in the single commandment: 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.' This phrase encapsulates the hypocrisy and betrayal of the original ideals, highlighting the way power corrupts and distorts truth.
The chapter emphasizes the disillusionment felt by the other animals. They have grown old and weary, realizing that their sacrifices have not led to the promised utopia. The hardworking horse Boxer, a symbol of the working class, has been sent to the glue factory, a tragic fate that underscores the betrayal of those who believed in the revolution. The animals gather to reminisce about their dreams of a better life, but they find themselves trapped in a reality that mirrors the oppressive rule of Mr. Jones, the human farmer they initially rebelled against.
As the chapter concludes, the sight of pigs and humans dining together at the farmhouse signifies the complete erosion of the revolution's ideals. The animals, watching from outside, can no longer distinguish between the two groups, reflecting the ultimate failure of their aspirations. This ending serves as a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of power and the ease with which revolutionary ideals can be corrupted. The narrative closes on a bleak note, illustrating the grim reality that the animals' dreams have been crushed, and they are left with an oppressive regime that is indistinguishable from their previous fate under human rule. Through this stark conclusion, Orwell poignantly critiques the dangers of totalitarianism and the betrayal of revolutionary movements.