Chapter Ten: Summary and Analysis

The final chapter can be seen as Orwell’s take on the dangers of unregulated capitalism and tyrannical socialism. The book ends a few years after Boxer’s death. The animals, since the rebellion, have acquired more fields, and the farm is prosperous. However, only the pigs and dogs have benefited from these advancements. The living conditions of other animals have only worsened. While some animals may believe they are free since they are not ruled by humans, they do not realize that life in the farm might amount to self-imposed slavery. Napoleon now openly interacts with human farmers; he has even managed to get more labor from the already exploited animals. The animals are still inspired by “Beasts of England,” but they realize that the song and its message no longer applies to Animal Farm.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the final chapter is the pigs’ transformation toward personhood. Squealer walks upright like a human being, and the animals are stunned at this sight. Napoleon, too, walks upright; he also carries a whip, much like a human master. The sheep are enlisted for propaganda measures by Squealer and Napoleon. They bleat, “Four legs good, two legs better.” Napoleon changes the name of the farm back to Manor Farm. The Seven Commandments have also been replaced by a single new commandment. It reads: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”