Old Major, the large boar on the Manor Farm, calls a meeting of all the animals. He has had a powerful dream, and he feels the need to expound to his fellow animals about the meaning of life. Moreover, he believes he is dying, so the speech he gives is his final word of advice to his farm-mates. He tells them that man is the enemy and that if man were eliminated, the animals would have freedom and prosperity. They expend all their energies only to make the farmer rich. Why should they not work for themselves? There would be no more hunger and no more misery if Man were expelled from the farm.
After this speech, which the animals listen to with rapt attention, Old Major sums up his points in a number of succinct recommendations, which could be called rules. They included the following:
Any creature that walks on two legs is a foe, but any creature that walks on all fours or flies is a comrade.
In fighting against man and after their victory, the animals must not behave like man, taking on his tyrannical ways.
Animals must not sleep in beds, live in houses, wear clothing, drink or smoke, use money, or buy and sell.
All animals are brothers.
No animal must kill another animal.
All animals share equal status.
Old Major dies three days after this speech, but his words spurs the animals to revolt against Farmer Jones.
Monday, December 23, 2013
In Animal Farm by George Orwell, what rules does Major give the animals?
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