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Animal Farm

The Decline of Ideals

Chapter 10

Chapter Summary

In the final chapter of Animal Farm, the narrative concludes years after the initial rebellion led by the animals against Mr. Jones. Over time, the original principles of Animalism have been completely eroded, and the once-hopeful dreams of equality and fraternity among the animals have faded into a distant memory.
As the animals grow older, they struggle with physical labor and harsh living conditions. The pigs, who have positioned themselves as the ruling class, continue to enjoy privileges and luxuries that the other animals can only dream of. The distinction between the pigs and humans blurs as the pigs adopt human behaviors, including walking on two legs and wearing clothes. The reformation of the commandment, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," encapsulates the hypocrisy and betrayal of the revolutionary ideals that once inspired the animals.
The chapter highlights the disillusionment of the other animals, particularly Boxer, the hardworking horse. Boxer, despite his dedication and loyalty, is sold to a glue factory when he becomes too weak to work. The pigs deceive the other animals by claiming that Boxer is being taken to a veterinarian, showcasing their manipulation and the complete betrayal of trust among comrades. The moment underscores the tragic consequences of misplaced loyalty and the exploitation of the working class.
The farm is now overseen by Napoleon and the other pigs, who have become indistinguishable from humans. They engage in the same oppressive tactics that the humans once employed. The pigs hold lavish feasts and enjoy privileges while the other animals toil in the fields. The principles of Animalism have been entirely replaced by a new tyranny, with the pigs as the new ruling elite. The animals are left in a state of confusion and despair, unable to recognize their own oppression or the betrayal of their original cause.
In a climactic scene, the remaining animals gather to observe a meeting between the pigs and human farmers. They are shocked to see the pigs negotiating with humans, and as they look through the farmhouse window, they can no longer tell who is who—there is no visible distinction between the pigs and the humans. This powerful imagery serves as a poignant illustration of the cyclical nature of power and how revolutions can lead to a new form of oppression. The final lines of the chapter resonate with irony, as the animals realize that their struggles have led to a situation worse than the one they originally sought to escape.
Chapter 10 encapsulates the grim resolution of the narrative, where the ideals of the revolution are thoroughly corrupted. The stark transformation of the pigs into the very oppressors they once rebelled against serves as a powerful critique of power and the ease with which noble ideas can be subverted. The animals' plight reflects the loss of hope and the tragic consequences of betrayal, leaving readers with a haunting reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority and the fragility of freedom.