von Fifty years ago I was working with my 7a Class in the Gymnasium in Landeck on Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’.
Nowadays the author’s ‘fairy story’ (as he called it) – a political allegory in the form of a fable – is both timeless and – in view of Trump’s Presidency – more timely than ever.
Here are short extracts from ‘Animal Farm’ that focus on the rise of that leading pig, Napoleon.
Page references are from the Penguin edition.
Andrew Milne-Skinner
“Napoleon was better at canvassing support for himself. He was especially successful with the sheep.” (43)
“Napoleon held aloof. He had declared himself against the windmill. He urinated over the plans.” (45)
“Huge dogs, as fierce-looking as wolves, kept close to Napoleon. They wagged their tails to him.” (48)
“In future, all questions relating to the working of the farm would be settled by a special committee of pigs, presided over by Napoleon.” (49)
“Squealer said he trusted that every animal appreciated the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon had made.” (50)
“From then on the maxim was adopted: ‘Napoleon is always right’.” (50-51)
“Napoleon read out the orders for the week in a gruff soldiery style.” (51)
“The windmill was now claimed to be Napoleon’s own creation…… Squealer spoke so persuasively, and the three dogs who happened to be with him growled so threateningly, that the animals accepted his explanation without further questions.” (52)
“From now onwards Animal Farm would engage in trade with the neighbouring farms.” (56)
“Napoleon ended his speech with his usual cry of ‘Long Live Animal Farm’.” (57)
“The pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and took up their residence there.” (59)
“Whenever anything went wrong, it became usual to attribute it to Snowball. …. Napoleon declared that there should be a full investigation into Snowball’s activities.” (68)
“Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon, has stated categorically that Snowball was Jones’s agent from the very beginning.” (71)
“Napoleon emerged from the farmhouse, wearing both his medals (for he had recently awarded himself ‘Animal Hero, First Class’, and ‘Animal Hero, Second Class’.” (72)
“The pigs were in ecstasies over Napoleon’s cunning. …. The superior quality of Napoleon’s mind, said Squealer, was shown in the fact that he trusted nobody.” (85)
“There were recitations of poems composed in Napoleon’s honour, and a speech by Squealer giving particulars of the latest increases in the production of foodstuffs.” (98)
“In April, Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic, and it became necessary to elect a President. There was only one candidate, Napoleon, who was elected unanimously.” (99)
“Out came Napoleon himself, majestically upright, casting haughty glances from side to side.” (113)
“Fill your glasses to the brim”, said Napoleon. “Gentlemen, here is my toast: To the prosperity of the Manor Farm.” (120)
