Ghashiram Kotwal,Vijay Tendulkar

 Introduction :-

Ghashiram Kotwal is a Marathi play written by playwright Vijay Tendulkar in 1972 as a response to the rise of a local political party in Maharashtra.The play is a political satire, written as historical drama. It is based on the life of Nana Phadnavis (1741–1800), one of the prominent ministers in the court of the Peshwa of Pune and Ghashiram Kotwal, the police chief of the city. Its theme is how men in power give rise to ideologies to serve their purposes, and later destroy them when they become useless. It was first performed on 16 December 1972, by the Progressive Dramatic Association in Pune. Jabbar Patel's production of the play in 1973 is considered a classic in Modern Indian Theatre.

About the Playwright :-

Vijay Dhondopant Tendulkar (6 January 1928 – 19 May 2008) was a leading Indian playwright, movie and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist, and social commentator primarily in Marāthi. His Marathi plays established him as a writer of plays with contemporary, unconventional themes.[1] He is best known for his plays Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe (1967), Ghāshirām Kotwāl (1972), and Sakhārām Binder (1972). Many of Tendulkar's plays derived inspiration from real-life incidents or social upheavals, which provide clear light on harsh realities. He has provided guidance to students studying "play writing" in US universities. Tendulkar was a dramatist and theatre personality in Mahārāshtra for over five decades.

Awards :-

• Padma Bhushan: 1984

• Sangeet Nātak Akademi Fellowship: 1998

• National Film Award for Best Screenplay: Manthan, 1977

Summary of the Play :-

Ghashiram Kotwal Summary by Vijay Tendulkar, The play begins with the death of Nana Phadnavis, the powerful minister of the Peshwa empire. The Peshwa then appoints Ghashiram, a low-caste man, as the Kotwal of Pune. Ghashiram quickly rises to power, using his position to manipulate and extort money from the citizens of Pune. He becomes involved in a power struggle with Nana's nephew, who is vying for the position of minister.

Ghashiram's corruption and brutality become apparent as the play progresses. He orders the killing of innocent people, including women and children, to maintain his position of power. The citizens of Pune begin to revolt against him, and the play ends with Ghashiram being killed by the people he oppressed.

Themes :-

The play explores several themes, including:

• Power

Ghashiram's rise to power and his ruthless efforts to maintain it highlight the corrupting nature of power. The play shows how power can be abused, and how it can lead to violence and oppression.

• Caste

The play highlights the caste-based discrimination that was prevalent during the Peshwa rule. Ghashiram's low-caste status makes him an unlikely candidate for the position of Kotwal, and his rise to power is seen as a threat by the upper-caste Brahmins.

The play "Ghashiram Kotwal" by Vijay Tendulkar explores the theme of caste in Indian society and its impact individuals and communities. The on protagonist, Ghashiram, is a low-caste man who rises to power as the Kotwal of Pune, a position that is traditionally reserved for members of higher castes.

Throughout the play, Ghashiram's low-caste status is both a source of advantage and disadvantage for him. On the one hand, his low-caste background allows him to manipulate and exploit the system to his advantage, as he is not bound by the same social norms and expectations as members of higher castes. He is able to rise to power through a combination of cunning, bribery, and intimidation..

On the other hand, Ghashiram's low-caste status also makes him vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment by those in positions of power. He is constantly at risk of being marginalized and excluded from the dominant power structures in society, and his actions are often viewed with suspicion and distrust by members of higher castes.

The play also explores the complex interactions: between different castes in Indian society, as well as the ways in which caste can be used as a tool for political and social control. Through its portrayal of the character of Ghashiram and the events that unfold in the play, "Ghashiram Kotwal" offers a powerful critique of the caste system and its impact on individuals and communities in Indian society.Ghashiram Kotwal Summary by Vijay Tendulkar.

• Corruption

Corruption is a pervasive theme in the play. Ghashiram's manipulation and extortion of the citizens of Pune highlights the corruption that was prevalent during the Peshwa rule.

Corruption is a central theme in "Ghashiram Kotwal" by Vijay Tendulkar. The play depicts a society where corruption is rampant and those in positions of power use it to maintain their status and control over others.

The character of Ghashiram himself is a prime example of this corruption. He uses bribery, intimidation, and other unethical tactics to rise to power as the Kotwal of Pune. He is willing to betray those around him, including his own family members, in order to maintain his hold on power and control over the city.

Ghashiram Kotwal Summary by Vijay Tendulkar The play also highlights the corrupt practices of the higher castes in Indian society. They use their position and influence to maintain their power, often at the expense of those in lower castes. The play portrays the corrupt practices of the Brahmins, who manipulate the system to their advantage and use their status as priests and scholars to maintain their control over society.

The corrupt practices of the ruling class in the play are contrasted with the moral integrity of the lower castes, who are often depicted as victims of the corrupt system. For example, Ghashiram's father is a victim of the corrupt practices of the Brahmins and their manipulation of the legal system. The play also shows the struggle of the oppressed to challenge the corrupt practices of those in power.

Through its portrayal of corruption, "Ghashiram Kotwal" offers a powerful critique of the ways in which power and privilege can be abused in society, and the ways in which corruption can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

The play questions the morality of those in power. Ghashiram's actions are shown to be immoral, and the citizens of Pune are forced to grapple with their own moral principles in the face of his oppression. Ghashiram Kotwal Summary by Vijay Tendulkar

The theme of morality is a central one in "Ghashiram Kotwal" by Vijay Tendulkar. The play explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and the impact of their decisions on themselves and others.

The character of Ghashiram is a prime example of the moral ambiguity in the play. He rises to power through unethical means and uses his position to exploit and oppress others. However, he is also shown to have moments of doubt and self-reflection, particularly towards the end of the play. He is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the harm he has caused to others.

The play also explores the morality of the higher castes in Indian society, particularly the Brahmins. They are shown to use their position and influence to maintain their power, often at the expense of those in lower castes. The play portrays the struggle of the lower castes to challenge the morality of the ruling class and the ways in which their actions have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Through its portrayal of morality, "Ghashiram Kotwal" offers a powerful critique of the ways in which power and privilege can corrupt individuals and the systems in which they operate. The play highlights the importance of moral integrity and the consequences that result when it is compromised. Ultimately, the play leaves the audience with a sense of the complexity of moral decision-making and the ways in which it can impact the lives of individuals and communities.

Analysis

Ghashiram Kotwal is a powerful play that offers a scathing critique of the Peshwa rule and the corruption and violence that characterised it. Tendulkar uses the character of Ghashiram to explore the themes of power, caste, corruption, and morality, and his play remains a powerful commentary on these issues today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ghashiram Kotwal is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian literature and history. Tendulkar's exploration of power, caste, corruption, and morality remains as relevant today as it was when the play was first written. The play offers a powerful critique of the Peshwa rule and the violence and oppression that characterised it, and it remains a testament to the power of literature to speak truth to power.

"Ghashiram Kotwal" by Vijay Tendulkar is a play that explores a number of critical ideas related to power, politics, caste, and identity. One of the most prominent themes in the play is the idea of power and its corrupting influence. The play shows how Ghashiram, a low-caste man, rises to power as the Kotwal or chief police officer of Pune, but is corrupted by his position and becomes increasingly oppressive towards the citizens of the city.

Another important theme in the play is the idea of caste and its impact on society. The play highlights the caste-based discrimination that was prevalent during the Peshwa rule, and shows how Ghashiram's low-caste status is seen as a threat by the upper-caste Brahmins. This theme is explored in depth throughout the play, and is an important commentary on the societal issues that continue to plague India today.

The play also touches on the theme of identity, and how it is shaped by societal norms and expectations. Ghashiram's character is a complex one, and his actions are often driven by a desire to prove his worth and gain acceptance from the upper-caste Brahmins. This theme is explored in depth in the play, and is an important commentary on the ways in which societal expectations can limit an individual's ability to express themselves fully.

Ghashiram Kotwal Summary by Vijay Tendulkar Overall, "Ghashiram Kotwal" is a play that is rich in critical ideas and explores a number of important themes that are still relevant today. Tendulkar's bold and thought- provoking writing continues to inspire and challenge audiences, and his legacy as one of India's greatest playwrights remains secure.

The Boy Comes Home: A. A. Milne

 About the Writer :-

Alan Alexander Milne (18 January 1882 – 31 January 1956) was an English writer best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh, as well as for children's poetry. Milne was primarily a playwright before the huge success of Winnie-the-Pooh overshadowed all his previous work. Milne served in both World Wars, as a lieutenant in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in the First World War and as a captain in the Home Guard in the Second World War.

Milne was the father of bookseller Christopher Robin Milne, upon whom the character Christopher Robin is based. It was during a visit to London Zoo, where Christopher became enamoured with the tame and amiable bear Winnipeg, that Milne was inspired to write the story of Winnie-the-Pooh for his son.

Summary of the Play :-

Summary | The Boy Comes Home

The Boy Comes Home is a light comedy. The title of the play shows that a boy, Philip returns from France, at the end of the Second World War after fighting against Germany. Philip is about 23 years old when comes home to his guardian, uncle James’ house in England.

 

He is a mature boy and very much depressed after the second world war ended. He hates tough army life and now he wants to enjoy his life freely. He had served the army for four years. When he went to fight against Germany, he was an immature boy of nineteen.

He lacked confidence and courage. At that time he was unaware of the problems of practical life. His late father left for his large property but he could not acquire it until he reached the age of 25. After fighting against Germany, he had become a mature boy.

 

Moreover, he was free to do any work. So it was because of the effect of war that Philip had become a changed person. The generation gap is the major theme of the play. Uncle James is the representative of the old generation and Philip is the representative of the young generation.

 

Philip wants to think, work, and act according to his own will, while Uncle James has set some rules in his house. He does not like his rude and bad attitude Philip. Philip demands the money that his father has left for him but his uncle does not give him until the age of 25 years.

 

Uncle James desires that Philip should join his business of join while Philip wants to be an architect. After the dream scene, Uncle James becomes a changed person. But, Uncle James and Philip develop a healthy relationship.

 

The greatest value of the new generation is freedom and independence. To maintain and guard freedom, the new generation has fought four years-long war. Hence they prefer freedom to all other values. The greatest value of the old generation is obedience and respect for elders.

 

Mr. James is a symbolic character who is upholding the old values and social traditions. The point emphasized by the author is that even good social values and traditions become taboos and a burden on society when blindly followed when a sense is taken out of them. It is in fact a conflict between tradition and modernity that goes on side by side in all ages.

 

Characters of the Play :-

• Philip

Philip is a 23 years old young man. His father has died and he comes to his guardian uncle James’ home from the war front after four years. He was an immature person before going to war. 

 

But now he is an experienced man the master of his own will. He gets up late at his uncle’s house and violates all his uncle’s rules and discipline. He thinks of himself as a mature person who learned a lot in the army.

 

• Uncle James

Uncle James is an aged man. He is a strict person by nature. He specified a time schedule for dining and for every type of work. Everything is done on time. He considers Philip as an inexperienced person. That’s why he decided to engage Philip in his business but Philip does not agree with him.

 

• Aunt Emily

Emily is Philip’s aunt. She is of a pleasant nature. She takes very good care of his house and puts the things in a proper arrangement. 

 

• Mrs. Higgins

Mrs. Higgins is an old woman. She is appointed as a cook in uncle James’s house. Apparently, she is a strict woman but understands everyone and obeys orders. 

 

Title of the Play :-

The title The Boy comes Home is a story of a boy, Philip who returns from France, at the end of the Second World War after fighting against Germany. Philip is about 23 years old when comes back to his guardian.

 

He has his uncle James’ house in England. He is a mature boy. He is very much depressed after the Second World War II ended. He hates hectic, monotonous, and tough army life and now he wants to enjoy his life freely.

Themes of the Play :-

• Generation Gap – a major theme of the play

The generation gap is an important theme of the play. Uncle James represents the old generation and Philip represents the young generation. Philip intends to think, work and act independently, while Uncle James has given rules in his house. 

He does not like his rude and bad attitude Philip. Philip demands the money which his father has left for him but his uncle does not give him until the age of 25 years. Uncle James wishes that Philip should join his business of join while his nephew Philip wants to be an architect. After the dream scene, Uncle James is a changed man now. Both Uncle James and Philip develop a healthy relationship.

• The conflict between young and old generation 

 

The greatest value with the new generation presents freedom and independence. The new generation has fought four years-long war to maintain and guard freedom,  Hence they prefer freedom to all other values. 

The greatest value of the old generation is obedience and respect for elders. Mr. James is a symbolic character who is upholding the old values and social traditions. The point emphasised by the author is that even good social values and traditions become taboos and burdens on society when blindly followed when the sense is taken out of them. It is in fact a conflict between tradition and modernity that goes on side by side in all ages.

The Proposal: Anton Chekhov

 Introduction :-

A Marriage Proposal (sometimes translated as simply The Proposal, is a one-act farce by Anton Chekhov, written in 1888–1889 and first performed in 1890. It is a fast-paced play of dialogue-based action and situational humour. A young man Lomov comes to propose to his neighbour Natalya but they keep on fighting over various topics. Through this play, Chekhov exposes the "fakeness" of the world and tries to show how superficial modern people are. Rather than emotionally bonding in relationships, people instead connect with wealth and money.

About the Author :-

Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was an acclaimed Russian playwright and short story writer  whose works were translated into several languages.His characters include a cross-section of people across gentry and middle class reflecting their attitude, behaviour and social etiquette.He was a literary realist of precision who presented the secret motives of his characters. It is characteristic of Chekov to weave a simple plot with freedom to the readers to draw their own conclusions.  He depicts the trivialities of Russian life of his time devoid of obtrusive literary devices.

The Proposal Summary :-

'The Proposal" is a one-act play written in 1880 by the acclaimed Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chekhov. The play is a typical example of what is know as "Farce - A Comic play involving ridiculously improbable situations and events which seem to be absurd tothe audience

The play is set in the country house of a wealthy landlord. Stephen Stepanovitch Chubukov. It involves the humourous and absurd argument between Chubukov, his daughter Natalya and their long time neighbour

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov. The play is an adaptation by Brian Molloy based on the translation by Julius West (1889).

The play is set in the rural countryside of Russia during the late 1800s. When Ivan arrives at the home of the Chubukov family, the elderly Stepan assumes that the well-dressed young man has come to borrow money.

Instead, Stepan is pleased when Ivan asks for his daughter's hand in marriage. Stepan whole-heartedly bestows his blessing, declaring that he already loves him like a son. The old man then leaves to fetch his daughter, assuring the younger man that Natalya will graciously accept the proposal.

While alone, Ivan delivers a soliloquy, explaining his high level of nervousness, as well as a number of physical ailments that have recently plagued his daily life. This monologue sets up everything that unfolds next.

Everything is going well when Natalya first enters the room. They chat pleasantly about the weather and agriculture. Ivan attempts to bring up the subject of marriage by first stating how he has known her family since childhood.

As he touches upon his past, he mentions his family's ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Natalya stops the conversation to clarify. She believes that her family has always owned the meadows, and this disagreement ignites a caustic debate, one that sends tempers flaring and Ivan's heart palpitating.

After they yell at each other, Ivan feels dizzy and tries to calm himself down and change the subject back to matrimony, only to get immersed in the argument yet again. Natalya's father joins the battle, siding with his daughter, and angrily demanding that Ivan leave at once.

As soon as Ivan is gone, Stepan reveals that the young man has planned to propose to Natalya. Shocked and apparently desperate to be married, Natalya insists that her father bring him back.

Once Ivan has returned, she tries to bend the subject toward romance. However, instead of discussing marriage, they begin to argue over which of their dogs is the better hound. This seemingly innocuous topic launches into yet another heated argument.

Finally, Ivan's heart cannot take it anymore and he flops down dead. At least that's what Stepan and Natalya believe for a moment. Fortunately, Ivan breaks out of his fainting spell and regains his senses enough for him to propose to Natalya. She accepts, but before the curtain falls, they return to their old argument regarding who owns the better dog.

In short, "The Marriage Proposal" is a delightful gem of a comedy. It makes one wonder why so much of Chekhov's full-length plays (even the ones labelled as comedies) seem so thematically heavy.

Characters in the Play :-

• Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov- a wealthy land owner

• Natalya Stepanovna (Chubukor Daughter) - twenty five years old

• Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov a young man and neighbour of Chubukov.

Setting of the Play :-

 A drawing room in Chubukov's house.

Themes of the Play :-

• Landowning Class

A major theme in The Proposal is Chekhov's satire of the landowning class in 19th-century Russia. As mentioned in the Context section, the landowners were a small, privileged class who were notoriously conservative in clinging to old values that defined them. They knew their advantage in society was based mainly on owning land, as opposed to having a title of nobility. As a result, they opposed any reforms that would allow their peasants to own a piece of land. Chekhov makes fun of the landowners by depicting Lomov, Natalya, and Chubukov as obsessed about ownership of a worthless tract called Oxen Meadows. Their pride and greed are so extreme that they override a marriage proposal. Lomov calls Chubukov a land grabber, but, in truth, they all are.

Additionally, Chekhov depicts the three characters as being so stubborn that they can't admit being wrong. Natalya tells Lomov she was mistaken about owning Oxen Meadows, but she really doesn't believe it. She just says this to get Lomov to propose to her. Chekhov satirizes the characters' stubbornness over Oxen Meadows because landowners believed in their right to own huge amounts of land—and would never consider budging on this position.

Finally, Chekhov shows the characters as valuing superficial appearance over substance. They give the appearance of being solid citizens who support traditional values, including marriage. However, through his depiction of Lomov, Natalya, and Chubukov, Chekhov shows that for some landowners this appearance is false. What they really care about is owning land and appearing virtuous and right, while in reality they care little about Christian values. For example, instead of being kind to each other, they are mean and childish.

• Romance and Marriage

Chekhov's theme of romance and marriage runs throughout each section of the comedy. The narrative satirises marriage mainly through the use of situational irony. This type of irony involves a difference between what is expected to happen and what does happen. The audience expects Lomov's proposal to Natalya to be filled with romantic sentiments, loving caresses, and perhaps even tears of joy. However, what the audience gets is bickering between two petty people who each want to prove they are right above anything else. Romantic love has been thrown out the window.

Chubukov's attitude toward the prospective union of Natalya and Lomov also skewers the ideas of romance and marriage. This character is older than Lomov and has seen more of life. As a result, he believes, as a person grounded by his class, that most of life is a charade, in which people go through the motions while not really meaning what they say. Because of this, Chekhov constantly has Chubukov mouthing phrases such as "and so on and all that." This implies that Chubukov sees people performing rote behaviors that are expected in certain social situations. Thus, for Chubukov, a marriage proposal is a formality in which each participant expresses certain expected sentiments like love, loyalty, and so on. Whether they truly mean these sentiments is another matter.

Chubukov's attitude reaches a climax at the end of the play, when he orders a dazed Lomov to get married and sticks the suitor's hand in Natalya's hand. Then Chubukov says, "She's willing and all that and so on." Thus—with no romantic gestures—Lomov becomes engaged without really knowing what's happening. However, in a society in which appearance matters more than substance, this doesn't matter. The formalities have been observed and the charade has been acted out, much to the relief of Chubukov. The play's last line has Chubukov saying, "And they lived happily ever after!" This is the typical, expected ending of a fairy-tale romance. But the truth of this matter, as the bickering Lomov and Natalya show, is clearly going to be quite the opposite.

• Lack of Communication

Chekhov uses three methods to covey the lack of communication theme. The first is Lomov's style of speech. He has a roundabout way of talking that prevents him from getting to the point. For example, instead of directly proposing to Natalya, he talks about their families. Also, he often stops his train of thought to mention something else. Many times, this tendency is caused by his hypochondria. In the middle of his argument with Natalya and Chubukov about Oxen Meadows he cries, "You're a snake and a ... Oh, my heart ... And it's an open secret that before the last elections you bribed ... my eyes are gone blurry."

Secondly, when Lomov digresses from the main point, he and Natalya each value the digression more than the central topic of conversation. For instance, with Oxen Meadows, Lomov and Natalya view the issue of who owns this plot of land as more pressing than the primary purpose of their talk. This tendency of valuing a superficial digression is even more pronounced with Guesser and Messer. During this scene, both Lomov and Natalya know that a decision is about to be made that will change their lives, namely getting married. Yet, they find more meaning in a frivolous argument about who has the better dog.

Finally, Lomov, Natalya, and Chubukov are more concerned about proving they are right than understanding their opponent's viewpoint. This attitude blocks communication because they end up barraging one another with biased statements and insults instead of being empathetic. For example, in the Guesser and Messer argument, Lomov resorts to calling Chubukov a snake and a rat. In retaliation Chubukov calls Lomov a brat and a fool. Such name calling is hardly conducive to open communication and is used by Chekhov for his satiric purposes of their nature.

Conclusion :-

To sum up, We can say that The play is about the tendency of rich families to hunt ties with other wealthy families, to extend their estates by encouraging marriages that observe economic sense.

Animal Farm George Orwell

 INTRODUCTION :-

Animal Farm is a beast fable,in the form of a satirical allegorical novella, by George Orwell, first published in England on 17 August 1945. It tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Ultimately, the rebellion is betrayed, and under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon, the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before.

ABOUT THE Novelist :-

Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950), better known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic.[1] His work is characterised by lucid prose, social criticism, opposition to totalitarianism, and support of democratic socialism.[2]

Orwell produced literary criticism, poetry, fiction and polemical journalism. He is known for the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945) and the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). His non-fiction works, including The Road to Wigan Pier (1937), documenting his experience of working-class life in the industrial north of England, and Homage to Catalonia (1938), an account of his experiences soldiering for the Republican faction of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), are as critically respected as his essays on politics, literature, language and culture.

Summary of the Novel :-

One night, all the animals at Mr. Jones' Manor Farm assemble in a barn to hear old Major, a pig, describe a dream he had about a world where all animals live free from the tyranny of their human masters. old Major dies soon after the meeting, but the animals — inspired by his philosophy of Animalism — plot a rebellion against Jones. Two pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, prove themselves important figures and planners of this dangerous enterprise. When Jones forgets to feed the animals, the revolution occurs, and Jones and his men are chased off the farm. Manor Farm is renamed Animal Farm, and the Seven Commandments of Animalism are painted on the barn wall.

Initially, the rebellion is a success: The animals complete the harvest and meet every Sunday to debate farm policy. The pigs, because of their intelligence, become the supervisors of the farm. Napoleon, however, proves to be a power-hungry leader who steals the cows' milk and a number of apples to feed himself and the other pigs. He also enlists the services of Squealer, a pig with the ability to persuade the other animals that the pigs are always moral and correct in their decisions.

Later that fall, Jones and his men return to Animal Farm and attempt to retake it. Thanks to the tactics of Snowball, the animals defeat Jones in what thereafter becomes known as The Battle of the Cowshed. Winter arrives, and Mollie, a vain horse concerned only with ribbons and sugar, is lured off the farm by another human. Snowball begins drawing plans for a windmill, which will provide electricity and thereby give the animals more leisure time, but Napoleon vehemently opposes such a plan on the grounds that building the windmill will allow them less time for producing food. On the Sunday that the pigs offer the windmill to the animals for a vote, Napoleon summons a pack of ferocious dogs, who chase Snowball off the farm forever. Napoleon announces that there will be no further debates; he also tells them that the windmill will be built after all and lies that it was his own idea, stolen by Snowball. For the rest of the novel, Napoleon uses Snowball as a scapegoat on whom he blames all of the animals' hardships.

Much of the next year is spent building the windmill. Boxer, an incredibly strong horse, proves himself to be the most valuable animal in this endeavor. Jones, meanwhile, forsakes the farm and moves to another part of the county. Contrary to the principles of Animalism, Napoleon hires a solicitor and begins trading with neighboring farms. When a storm topples the half-finished windmill, Napoleon predictably blames Snowball and orders the animals to begin rebuilding it.

Napoleon's lust for power increases to the point where he becomes a totalitarian dictator, forcing "confessions" from innocent animals and having the dogs kill them in front of the entire farm. He and the pigs move into Jones' house and begin sleeping in beds (which Squealer excuses with his brand of twisted logic). The animals receive less and less food, while the pigs grow fatter. After the windmill is completed in August, Napoleon sells a pile of timber to Jones; Frederick, a neighboring farmer who pays for it with forged banknotes. Frederick and his men attack the farm and explode the windmill but are eventually defeated. As more of the Seven Commandments of Animalism are broken by the pigs, the language of the Commandments is revised: For example, after the pigs become drunk one night, the Commandment, "No animals shall drink alcohol" is changed to, "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess."

Boxer again offers his strength to help build a new windmill, but when he collapses, exhausted, Napoleon sells the devoted horse to a knacker (a glue-boiler). Squealer tells the indignant animals that Boxer was actually taken to a veterinarian and died a peaceful death in a hospital — a tale the animals believe.

Years pass and Animal Farm expands its boundaries after Napoleon purchases two fields from another neighboring farmer, Pilkington. Life for all the animals (except the pigs) is harsh. Eventually, the pigs begin walking on their hind legs and take on many other qualities of their former human oppressors. The Seven Commandments are reduced to a single law: "All Animals Are Equal / But Some Are More Equal Than Others." The novel ends with Pilkington sharing drinks with the pigs in Jones' house. Napoleon changes the name of the farm back to Manor Farm and quarrels with Pilkington during a card game in which both of them try to play the ace of spades. As other animals watch the scene from outside the window, they cannot tell the pigs from the humans.

Characters of the Novel :-

• Napoleon

The pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. Based on Joseph Stalin, Napoleon uses military force (his nine loyal attack dogs) to intimidate the other animals and consolidate his power. In his supreme craftiness, Napoleon proves more treacherous than his counterpart, Snowball.

• Snowball

The pig who challenges Napoleon for control of Animal Farm after the Rebellion. Based on Leon Trotsky, Snowball is intelligent, passionate, eloquent, and less subtle and devious than his counterpart, Napoleon. Snowball seems to win the loyalty of the other animals and cement his power.

• Boxer

The cart-horse whose incredible strength, dedication, and loyalty play a key role in the early prosperity of Animal Farm and the later completion of the windmill. Quick to help but rather slow-witted, Boxer shows much devotion to Animal Farm’s ideals but little ability to think about them independently. He naïvely trusts the pigs to make all his decisions for him. His two mottoes are “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.”

• Squealer

The pig who spreads Napoleon’s propaganda among the other animals. Squealer justifies the pigs’ monopolisation of resources and spreads false statistics pointing to the farm’s success. Orwell uses Squealer to explore the ways in which those in power often use rhetoric and language to twist the truth and gain and maintain social and political control.

• Old Major

The prize-winning boar whose vision of a socialist utopia serves as the inspiration for the Rebellion. Three days after describing the vision and teaching the animals the song “Beasts of England,” Major dies, leaving Snowball and Napoleon to struggle for control of his legacy. Orwell based Major on both the German political economist Karl Marx and the Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Ilych Lenin.

• Clover

A good-hearted female cart-horse and Boxer’s close friend. Clover often suspects the pigs of violating one or another of the Seven Commandments, but she repeatedly blames herself for misremembering the commandments.

• Moses

The tame raven who spreads stories of Sugarcandy Mountain, the paradise to which animals supposedly go when they die. Moses plays only a small role in Animal Farm, but Orwell uses him to explore how communism exploits religion as something with which to pacify the oppressed.

• Mollie

The vain, flighty mare who pulls Mr. Jones’s carriage. Mollie craves the attention of human beings and loves being groomed and pampered. She has a difficult time with her new life on Animal Farm, as she misses wearing ribbons in her mane and eating sugar cubes. She represents the petit bourgeoisie that fled from Russia a few years after the Russian Revolution.

Massage of the Novel :-

Malicious groups of people, like the pigs, will continue to use propaganda to usurp power, to exploit the vulnerable, and to control the masses, unless courageous individuals spread the truth and stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Conclusion :-

At the end of Animal Farm, Pilkington and other human farmers come to eat dinner with the pigs at the farmhouse. As the other animals watch through the window, they find they are unable to tell pigs and humans apart. The pigs have started to dress and behave exactly like humans.