Chapter 3
is uneventful for the most part although it does have a few more important
metaphors. For one thing, the pigs are starting to emerge as the "elite"
class of animals although all animals are supposed to be equal. Orwell
narrates, "The pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the
others." Of course the rational is classic and easy to see through.
Orwell continues, "With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should
assume the leadership."
The not-so-hidden metaphor here is the evidence of a decline in
standards. In other words, though you might think to yourself, "Gee, who cares
if the pigs supervise? It's only natural, like Squealer said," really that is
exactly what Orwell wants you to think. One of his major messages is the idea that a
few little white lies here and there do add up to a serious wrong. But I'm getting
ahead of myself here.
Most of the rest of this chapter is optimistic. The animals
do for the most part live in Orwell's ideal society of socialism. "Nobody
stole, nobody grumbled over his rations, the quarreling and biting and jealousy which had
been normal features of life in the old days had almost disappeared."
Two more characters were described in detail. Boxer, the
loyal horse is said to be the hardest worker. "His answer to every
problem, every setback, is 'I will work harder!'"
Old Benjamin, the donkey, is said to have changed his lifestyle
little since the revolt. He seems indifferent to the whole thing. He says,
"Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey."
Mollie is the only animal who doesn't seem to fit in. She's
always thinking about how she looks, etc. She only learns the letters in her name,
unlike the others, who energetically learn the whole alphabet. Of course some learn
better than others. The dogs and pigs know the most. Some of them are even
learning black smithing and other "human" trades.
Snowball and Napoleon start to fight and argue over everything.
Both pigs enjoy the apples and milk only given to them. Of course this is
just in the farm's "best interest." Really pigs don't like the taste of
milk and apples, but force it down in order to stay healthy and help supervise
(haha).
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