Thursday, February 24, 2011

What is the external conflict in Animal Farm?

In Animal Farm, there is an external conflict between animals and humans. Orwell introduces this conflict early in the story: in Chapter One, for example, Old Major expresses this conflict when he assembles the animals in the barn to warn them about the "tyranny of human beings." He also teaches them a song from his childhood called Beasts of England which inspires them to unite against the humans. This conflict is resolved in Chapter Two when the animals successfully overthrow Mr Jones and take control of the farm for themselves.


Later in the story, this external conflict is again expressed through the animals' relationships with their human neighbours, Frederick and Pilkington. This is best shown when both men bid for a pile of seasoned timber which Napoleon wants to sell. In the end, Napoleon sells the timber to Frederick but is double-crossed when he realises that the bank notes are nothing more than forgeries (in Chapter Eight). This conflict is resolved through battle and the animals are, once again, victorious.

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