Free Sample Essays > North American
A Child Called It
rebel against him.
One night, Old Major, the prize Middle White Boar, wishes to share a strange dream with all the animals. Since the two-year old boar is greatly respected by all, the animals are willing to forego an hour’s sleep to listen to Old Major’s tale. Before the animals assemble, the stout, majestic Old Major makes himself comfortable on his bed of straw. As the animals enter the barn, each is described. First to come are the three dogs, Bluebell, Jessie, and Picher. Then the pigs arrive and settle down in front of the platform. Clover, the stout, motherly mare, who is nearing middle age, finds her place. Benjamin, the cynical donkey, who is the oldest animal and the worst tempered, grumps as he settles down. Boxer, who is an enormous and optimistic horse, Mollie, who is the foolish, pretty white mare, Moses, who is the tame raven, and the cat are all present. The hens perch on the windowsills, and the pigeons flutter up to the rafters.
Major's intentions are noble. He shows concern for the welfare and destiny of the animals and inspires them to rebel against the human beings for their own good. Without ever telling his dream, he diverts the animals’ attention to his song, 'Beasts of England'. He encourages them to gather in perfect unity and warns them to avoid the habits of men.
Notes
The first chapter clearly establishes the point of view of the entire novel. The story is told by an observing narrator who is outside the action of the story. He appears to be an average being who is unbiased; therefore, he can be trusted and believed. He also tells the story in a direct and concise manner, which is very effective. This point-of-view also helps Orwell successfully express the wishes, expectations, obedience, unity, and even protest of the animals.
The chapter also begins to establish the personalities of the animals, who act like animals and think and talk like human beings. True to animal behavior, Boxer and Clover trot like horses, and the cat selfishly looks after its own needs in a typically feline way. In contrast, Old Major, talking like a man, appears to be a polished statesman, more human than boar. He convinces the animals that they are poorly treated and deserve better. He describes instance of man’s repeated cruelty to them. He then paints a picture of a happy future, when humans have been removed and the animals rule themselves. The groundwork for an animal farm and its rules of behavior are established in Old Major’s speech. He specifically points out which human vices must be avoided by the animals when they rule the farm.
Old Major’s philosophy is overly simplistic. He is convinced that humans are bad and animals are good. He also believes the good life is one ruled by animals in an easy-going, pastoral setting, as described in the song ‘Beasts of England.’ The fact that the other animals accept his philosophy is seen when they join in the singing [next page]