Animal Farm: A Simple Story with a Big Lesson

Sometimes we believe that change will make everything better. We hope for freedom, fairness, and a new beginning. But what happens when the leaders of change become the very thing they once fought against? George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a short but powerful story that answers this question. Even though the book was first published in 1945, its message is still very true today.

The book takes place on a farm in England. The animals are unhappy because their owner, Mr. Jones, is careless and cruel. He often drinks too much, forgets to feed them, and treats them only as tools for his own benefit. One night, the animals gather to listen to Old Major, a wise old pig. He gives a speech about freedom. He tells them that animals should not serve humans, but live equally and work for themselves. His speech inspires the animals to dream of a better life.

Soon after, Old Major dies, but his ideas live on. The animals, led by two pigs named Snowball and Napoleon, rise up against Mr. Jones. They fight, and surprisingly, they win. Jones is chased away, and the farm belongs to the animals. They rename it Animal Farm. For the first time, they feel free.

The animals create rules called the Seven Commandments. These rules say that all animals are equal, that no animal should kill another, and that animals should never act like humans. At first, everything seems hopeful. The animals work hard together, and they are proud to own the farm.

But slowly, things begin to change. Napoleon and Snowball disagree on many ideas. Snowball wants progress—he plans to build a windmill to make life easier. Napoleon, however, wants power. One day, Napoleon uses trained dogs to chase Snowball away from the farm. After that, Napoleon becomes the only leader.

Over time, Napoleon starts changing the rules. The pigs take the best food for themselves. They sleep in beds, wear clothes, and even trade with humans. Every time the animals notice something strange, the pigs twist the truth or secretly change the commandments written on the barn wall. The animals work harder than ever, but their lives do not improve.

The saddest part comes with Boxer, the strong horse who always believes in working harder. He trusts Napoleon completely, but when he grows old and weak, Napoleon sells him to the slaughterhouse. Still, the animals are told lies: that Boxer went to the hospital and died peacefully.

In the end, the pigs become so much like humans that it is hard to tell them apart. The famous commandment changes into one final line:

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

The revolution that promised freedom ends in betrayal.

Animal Farm is written in very simple language, almost like a fable or children’s story. But don’t be fooled—it carries a heavy and serious message. Orwell uses farm animals to explain how revolutions can go wrong and how power can corrupt even the best ideas.

The pigs represent leaders who rise in the name of equality but slowly become dictators themselves. The other animals represent ordinary people, who often trust too much, work too hard, and ask too few questions. The story is also a mirror of real history—Orwell was criticizing what happened in the Soviet Union under Stalin.

What makes the book special is that it’s short and easy to read, but it leaves you thinking for a long time. It shows us how propaganda works, how history can be rewritten, and how people (or animals) can be controlled when they are not educated or when they stop questioning authority.

Even though Animal Farm was written many years ago, it still feels fresh and relevant. We see in the world today how leaders promise change, but sometimes end up abusing their power. We see how truth can be twisted and how ordinary people can be manipulated.

This book reminds us to stay aware, to question what we are told, and to protect fairness. It’s a warning that freedom is fragile. Once it is lost, it is very hard to get back.

Animal Farm may be short, but it is one of the most powerful books ever written. It teaches us that the line between freedom and oppression is thin, and that the fight for equality never truly ends.

If you want a book that is easy to read but makes you think deeply about life, politics, and human nature, Animal Farm is a perfect choice. You might finish it in one day, but its message will stay with you for years.