What happened in chapter 4 of George Orwell’s classic novel “Animal Farm” is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the rest of the story. This chapter introduces the concept of the windmill, which becomes a central symbol of the animals’ struggle for independence from their human masters. It also highlights the growing tensions and the early signs of corruption within the animal community.
In this chapter, the animals of Manor Farm, led by the pigs Napoleon and Snowball, have successfully overthrown their human owners and taken control of the farm. The windmill, initially proposed by Snowball as a symbol of progress and independence, becomes the focal point of the animals’ collective efforts. However, as the chapter progresses, it becomes evident that the windmill is not just a tool for advancement but also a means for the pigs to consolidate their power.
The chapter opens with the animals working tirelessly to build the windmill, driven by Snowball’s charismatic leadership and the promise of a better future. The windmill represents the animals’ desire to break free from the chains of human oppression and achieve self-sufficiency. However, as the construction progresses, the pigs begin to take on a more prominent role, dictating the terms of the project and reaping the benefits of the animals’ labor.
Napoleon, in particular, starts to display signs of autocratic tendencies. He demands more and more work from the animals, using fear and punishment to maintain control. This shift in power dynamics becomes apparent when Napoleon sends Squealer, the pig’s propagandist, to convince the animals that the windmill is necessary for their survival. Squealer’s ability to manipulate the animals’ beliefs and distort the truth serves as an early indication of the pigs’ increasing control over the narrative.
As the chapter unfolds, the animals begin to question the true intentions of the pigs. The windmill, once a symbol of unity and progress, becomes a source of division and conflict. The animals realize that the pigs are using the windmill as a tool to maintain their dominance, rather than as a means to improve their lives. This realization leads to a series of confrontations between the animals and the pigs, with the pigs ultimately winning the power struggle.
The climax of chapter 4 occurs when Snowball is betrayed by Napoleon and expelled from the farm. This event marks the beginning of Napoleon’s consolidation of power and the end of the animals’ dream of a utopian society. The chapter concludes with the animals working on the windmill, but this time under the oppressive rule of the pigs. The windmill, once a symbol of hope, has become a symbol of the animals’ subjugation.
In conclusion, what happened in chapter 4 of “Animal Farm” is a critical turning point in the story. It reveals the seeds of corruption and the gradual erosion of the animals’ ideals. The windmill serves as a powerful symbol of the animals’ struggle for independence and the eventual betrayal of their cause. This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the novel, where the animals’ dream of a perfect society is shattered by the very pigs who claim to represent their interests.
