What happens in chapter 6 of George Orwell’s classic novel “Animal Farm” is a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of the pigs’ rise to power and the gradual betrayal of the farm’s original ideals. This chapter is crucial to understanding the novel’s themes of revolution, corruption, and the inherent nature of power.
In this chapter, the animals of the farm, led by the pigs, have successfully overthrown the oppressive human farmers and taken control of the farm. However, as the chapter unfolds, it becomes evident that the pigs are not as pure in their intentions as the other animals had hoped. The pigs begin to adopt human-like behaviors, such as sleeping in beds and wearing clothes, which引起了对他们真实目的的怀疑。
One of the most significant events in this chapter is the introduction of the concept of “Two Kinds of Animals.” The pigs declare that animals can be divided into two categories: the pigs and the rest of the animals. This new rule effectively strips the other animals of their rights and privileges, marking the beginning of the pigs’ dictatorial rule. The pigs justify this new hierarchy by claiming that they are intellectually superior and therefore deserve special treatment.
Another key event in chapter 6 is the pigs’ rewriting of the Seven Commandments of the Animal Farm. They subtly alter the rules to benefit themselves, such as changing the fifth commandment from “No Animal Shall Wear Clothes” to “No Animal Shall Wear Clothes, except to protect his Body from the Weather.” This act of manipulation demonstrates the pigs’ cunning and their willingness to sacrifice the farm’s original principles for their own gain.
As the chapter progresses, the other animals become increasingly aware of the pigs’ duplicity. Boxer, the loyal and hardworking cart horse, is particularly disturbed by the pigs’ new ways. He questions the pigs’ authority and their right to change the rules, but his concerns are dismissed by the pigs. This moment highlights the power dynamics on the farm and the vulnerability of the other animals.
The chapter concludes with the pigs’ decision to build a windmill, which they claim will improve the farm’s conditions. However, the windmill project turns out to be a massive failure, leading to the animals’ suffering and hard work. This event serves as a metaphor for the failed utopian ideals of the revolution and the pigs’ betrayal of the farm’s original purpose.
In conclusion, chapter 6 of “Animal Farm” is a turning point in the novel, where the pigs’ true nature is revealed, and the other animals’ innocence is shattered. This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the novel, emphasizing the themes of corruption, power, and the inevitable decay of idealistic movements.
