CHAPTER IX INFORMATION By: Agata Kwasnik, Isabel Martinez ANIMAL FARM By George Orwell CHAPTER IX INFORMATION By: Agata Kwasnik, Isabel Martinez Ledlow 7 Pre-AP RELA

SUMMARY The labour on the farm is difficult, the rations are low and constantly being cut—the conditions on the farm are miserable for all of the working animals. In contrast, the dogs and pigs live in comfort; pigs are now very obviously superior—if a pig and another animal met on the same path, the other animal must stand aside; pigs are also allowed to wear ribbons in their tails on Sundays. The animals barely remember what it was like when Jones was still around—they all agree that while they are living in poor conditions now, it was definitely worse when Jones ran the farm. The farm is now exporting things such as eggs, potatoes, and hay to pay for supplies and building materials. Soon, Animal Farm is declared a republic; a president is to be chosen. The only one running—and the winner of the election—is Napoleon. Moses the raven appears again; he tells the animals of Sugar Candy Mountain where the animals no longer have to work and are happy once more. The pigs dismiss him as a liar, but allow him to stay on the farm regardless. One day, while working on the windmill, Boxer falls and is unable to get up; he says that it’s his lung that’s causing the problem. Soon enough, a vet is called for. When the vet arrives and Boxer is put into the van to be taken away, the animals gather to say goodbye. During this, Benjamin reveals that the cart says “Alfred Simmons, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler, Willingdon. Dealer in Hides and Bone-Meal. Kennels supplied.” All the animals suddenly become frantic but they are unable to help Boxer get out. Squealer later tells the animals that Boxer died in the hospital, despite all efforts to help him; he says that the rumor that Boxer was sent to a horse slaughterer was just a lie. He explains this by saying that the veterinary surgeon’s van was previously owned by a horse slaughterer and had yet to be repainted. The animals believe him and allow the matter to drop.

QUOTATIONS “Once again, all rations were reduced, except those of the pigs and the dogs. A too rigid equality in rations, Squealer explained, was contrary to the principles of Animalism.” Why is it Important? This is an example of Napoleon and his inner-circle lying to the animals for their own gain; he twists the words of Animalism—which say that all animals are to be treated equally and are to receive the same amount of everything—in order to get higher rations. “About this time, too, it was laid down as a rule that when a big and any other animal met on the path, the other animal must stand aside: and also that all pigs, of whatever degree, were to have the privilege of wearing green ribbons on their tails on Sundays.” Why is it Important? This shows a larger and larger separation between classes—the pigs are being viewed as more superior. “In April, Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic, and it became necessary to elect a President. There was only one candidate, Napoleon, who was elected unanimously.” Why is it Important? It formally and officially established Napoleon as leader; it also gave the animals the illusion of democracy—that they really had a choice in who ruled and who made decisions on the farm.

How does Squealer explain the death of Boxer? QUESTIONS What are the living conditions like for all of the animals (except the pigs and the dogs)? The living conditions are miserable for the animals; there was hard labour, little rest, and they were bordering starvation. 2. What happens to Boxer? Boxer falls, presumably due to problems with his lungs; a veterinary surgeon is called for Boxer. How do the animals accept it? When the van takes Boxer away, what is revealed by Benjamin? Originally, they were happy that Boxer was going to be taken away to get better, but then Benjamin read what was on the side of the truck (“Alfred Simmons, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler, Willingdon. Dealer in Hides and Bone-Meal. Kennels supplied.”), and the animals became frantic to get Boxer back. How does Squealer explain the death of Boxer? Squealer says that Boxer died in the hospital, despite getting all the attention that a horse could get. Squealer also says that, despite the rumor, the van was NOT taking Boxer to a horse slaughterer; it was merely painted that way before and had yet to be relabeled.