Chapter+1

Chapter 1

Summary: Chapter 1 introduces us to Mr. Jones, the owner of the farm which portrays Czar Nicholas II, and Old Major, a prize boar that portrays Marx and Lenin. Old Major gives a speech to the animals about how they can run the farm on their own and that the humans oppress all animals. The animals are all fired up and Old Major suggests a rebellion.

Mr. Jones – married, heavy drinker who owns the Farm on which the animals live
 * Most of the animals fear and resent him, most of all Old Major.
 * The animals gold secret meetings to avoid detection by Mr. Jones
 * Old Major describes Mr. Jones as a brutal man
 * Neglecting to feed the animals
 * Whipping them
 * Represents Czar Nicholas II of Russia

Czar Nicholas II (represented as Mr. Jones)

Old Major: A prized boar that is described as stout but with a majestic look. He was so highly regarded on the farm that everyone would put off doing something to listen to him speak. He gives a speech (meant to represent Marx's "Communist Manifesto") of how the animals are treated unfairly and that the animals have the power and ability to control the farm themselves. Being 12 years old, the animals consider him to be wise. The song "Beasts of England" is taught to the animals to remind them of the goal to take over the farm.

Quote 1: "Let us face it: our lives are miserable, laborious, and short." (6) This quote directly relates to the peasants in Russia. Before the Bolshevik Revolution, the space between the "nobles" and the working/lower class was incredibly too large. Peasants lived in poverty and worked day in and day out six days a week. The living conditions, disease, and famine all lead to a high death rate.

Karl Marx (left) and Vladimir Lenin (right) (BOTH REPRESENTED BY OLD MAJOR)

Russian National Anthem- Over the past hundred years, Russia has changed their National Anthem numerous times. This change is because of the change in leaders. Once the Czars had taken control, the anthem changed. Then again when the Bolshevik Party took control and then was changed twice after the Soviet Union was disolved.

[|Lenin Speech]

Mr.Jones