Conclusion

It has been nearly two years since that last journal entry. I read Animal Farm when it was published, and it alone inspired me to get my version of the story completed.
What was it Major said? Oh yes:

"And above all, pass on this message of mine to those who come after you, so that future generations shall carry on the struggle until it is victorious."

The first attempt of Animalism, so many years ago, ended in death, corruption, and an insatiably power-hungry tyrant. But I don't believe the cause is moot because of this one pig (or human, as the case could be made.)

My name is Snowball. I am an Animal Hero, First Class, defender of Animal Farm, and victor at The Battle of the Cowshed. I follow the ways of Animalism, as taught by Major. Let the stories in this blog be both a warning and a lesson to you. Do not let power corrupt who you are, and do not let those things which caused Napoleon to fall, cause you to stumble. I am here to encourage you, and to inspire you. And I think the best way I can do that is through a song a dear old friend sang for me once. It goes like this:



Comrade, thank you for reading my account of Animal Farm. May you follow the ways of Major always, and live under The Seven Commandments. Above all, may you find the will to continue the cause of Animalism all across the globe.

Signing off, for the last time,

Snowball

The End

I didn't write in my journal for many years after the failure of E-Day. Freedom had become my love, and it pained me every day to see those without it to be under the iron hand of tyranny. Nonetheless, I did nobody any good by being captured, and I thought it best to wait for an opportune moment.

Well, I suppose an update is in order. It's been a while since I've picked this journal up. These last years have been one's of waiting and watching. I've followed Animal Farm as a hobby. Napoleon's regime has consistently gotten worse and more tyrannical with each passing day. Granted, the overall prosperity of Animal Farm has gone up. The comfort level assigned to my comrades, however, has not. Napoleon remains the President of Animal Farm, while all the others who are not pigs do work. Squealer has gotten so fat that it's a wonder he can even move, and Clover has grown used to hearing about rules being changed.

And tonight, I learned, the situation has climaxed.

Are there any differences between animals and humans? This question, as absurd as it sounds, must be asked due to tonight's events. Benjamin is probably the only comrade who could have foreseen this.
Are pigs that walk on two legs, operate equipment, hold whips, and play cards really even pigs? When sheep begin bleating "Four legs good, two legs better" is there any reason to believe absolute truth exists? When "All Animals are Equal, But Some Animals are More Equal Than Others" is there any such thing as hope?

I pray for my comrades. I pray that the day of redemption will come swift and soon.

But what of me? I feel as though I have done my duty- for now. I have been thwarted time and time again by Napoleon. When I helped found Animal Farm, we led together in the name of Animalism. Eventually, that power corrupted Napoleon. When I attempted to free those under his tyrannical government, he again bested me.
I feel as though the only thing I have left to do- the only thing that will best Napoleon once and for all- is to become a Major. How else can I hope to instill hope in others?

For now I am going to leave. I am going to leave Ben & Son's, Animal Farm, and possibly even England as a whole. I hear America has pleasant farms.
I am going to become a Major. I will not return until I am the type of swine who can rise up a new generation of Animalists. When that time comes, Animal Farm, or Manor Farm as it is referred to now, will truly be free.


Signing off, for now,

Snowball

E-Day Fails

Today was the execution of "E-Day."
And it was a complete failure. Even as I write this my tear drops dot the page and smear my ink. I have failed. I have failed as a pig, a leader, and a comrade.

My plan was simple: the Pigeons feed Napoleon false information that I was leading a band of men to Animal Farm and that he should be ready. Then, when he was busy making those preparations, to use that distraction and rescue the innocent animals.
But O, how naive I am! The pigeons have been working for Napoleon this entire time!

My every move has been being reported to Squealer who feeds that information to the "President" (for that is now his title- by unanimous vote).

Not only did my plan fail, but I was nearly captured by the hoard of sheep that Animal Farm now has. I fear that the effects which were put into action long ago by Napoleon are now irreversible.

How can I stand by and do nothing? How can I simply give up?

Snowball

E-Day

Since my last post much has happened in my life. Ben & Son's has remained my place of residence. Farmer Ben provides food and board for a small fee of some of my file-keeping abilities. In the meantime, I've found plenty of time to plan.

That's right, I've been planning.

After seeing Napoleon's evil campaign for the first time, I've returned for several visits. I've seen Napoleon break just about every rule he himself helped instate. He is power-hungry and blinded by it.
I've turned many of the pigeons so that they now help me by keeping me informed. I just received news the other day that Boxer had slipped while attempting to finish Napoleon's now-infamous windmill. Just the next day the same pigeon returned to tell me that a cart had picked up Boxer that had the word "glue" on the side. This sent me into a depression for several days. As blinded as Boxer was by Napoleon's leadership, he was a good horse, and always was a good friend for me. Molly and I wept together when I told her.

The timber-sale-fiasco greatly interests me as it shows that Animal Farm is low on resources. This fact alone brought back an idea I had had for some time. What would it look like if an escape mission were hatched? What if I led a group of animals to infiltrate Animal Farm and break those out that are innocent from the tyranny they are now under?
If I could only save Clover, or even Benjamin, it would be worth it.

I've entitled this mission Escape Day or "E-Day" for short. Already I have 15 pigeons, Molly, and several cows that Farmer Ben said could help under my leadership. Although a motley crew, the strength of the mission will be in the planning, not the force. Napoleon's strong point has never been his head, it's always been his muscle.

Something I've been struggling with is this: how do I justify my actions? Wasn't I in cahoots with Napoleon just months ago? Didn't I help found the very same institution I am now attempting to make crumble?

I'm not sure the answers to all of these questions. I do know this: I believe in Animalism, and in the words of Major. I believe that all animals are created equal, and I hold that truth to be evident in and of itself. I know that what Napoleon is doing is wrong, and I know that I am one of the few who possesses the ability and knowledge to thwart him. And I believe that because of those things, it's my responsibility to try to free those animals that remain innocent, even if only out of ignorance.

Snowball

Napoleon's Deceit

Today I decided to do a reconnaissance mission. My goal? To find out the advancement of Animal Farm. What has gone on since my departure?

And boy did I accomplish my goal.

I left Ben & Son's at 7am after an early breakfast. I would have to move quickly: 10 miles is no small distance. I arrived at the border of Animal Farm by 10am after a few brief stops to relieve myself, and I began the process of methodically examining the farm in its entirety.
What I saw astonished me.

First of all, the windmill was being built. That didn't surprise me, as it suited Napoleon perfectly. I did make note that the walls were twice as thick as in my original plan.

As I drew near the farm house, I saw something that didn't make sense. A carriage was parked out front that didn't belong there. A human? I crept up to the farm house and peered through one of the windows. There, on the inside, was Napoleon (slightly fatter then I remember) talking with a human, clearly negotiating something. After rummaging through the carriage a bit, I found the man's name to be Arnold Whymper. This thought I again stashed away. Moving on, I made my way past the garbage heap. As I passed one of my old stomping grounds, the most repulsive of smells met my nose.
The smell was so disgusting that I had no choice but to investigate. I didn't have to get very close to the heap before I saw the cause of the putrid smell. There, in plain sight, lay several dead animals. Obviously mauled by the dogs, I saw a goose, a hen, and a sheep at least before I turned away.

Napoleon is getting seriously out of hand.

I got as close to where the Animal's were working without being seen and I simply eavesdropped, taking mental notes. After about 20 minutes of this, I began making my way back to Ben & Son's.

And now, as I am processing all that I have seen today, Napoleon's goals are clear to me. He intends a complete take-over of the farm- in word as well as in deed. Right now he still needs the other animals to believe him. For that, he has Squealer. It hurt me to overhear Squealer today; it has clearly become custom to blame me for things which have gone wrong on the farm- as if I'm some kind of phantom. On top of that it would seem as though Napoleon has began the process of slowly changing The Seven Commandments. He has become a master of the slow fade, and it pains me to see him leading my comrades astray. This is not what Major intended or would want! Napoleon no longer has any intention of following Animalism; rather, he wants power for himself and will do anything to get that power.

What can I do?

Snowball

An Unexpected Angel

Today something happened that I could have never thought up.
I've been at my wit's end for the last several days. Fully expecting to die lonely, I had given up hope. I began to see no difference between sleeping and staying awake, and the days and nights all ran together.

My only memory before consciously waking was of a ribbon-clad body bending down to examine me. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a barn. Looking around I thought, just for a moment, that I was back at Animal Farm. Realizing, however, that by this time work would have started at Animal Farm, I relaxed.
"Finally awake, are you?" said a voice from above. I looked up.
"Molly?"
"One in the same." Molly replied.
"Where have you been?" I asked.
"The nice man who runs this farm, by the name of Farmer Ben, told me that if I wanted to escape Animal Farm once and for all and live where I could get sugar cubes whenever I wanted, that I could come with him. So, I did!"
My first thought was traitor but then I stopped. She had saved my life.
"Well, what farm is this then Molly?" I asked.
"That's just it, Snowball!" Molly replied, enthusiastically, "It's 'Ben & Son's Dairy Co.'! It's a dairy farm!"
This stopped me dead in my thought process. A dairy farm?
"Farmer Ben has been keeping me here out of generosity until Jones can get a new farm of his own, or forever. Whichever comes first." here, she winked.

We proceeded to talk about the events that had unfolded since Molly had disappeared. I knew that she had secretly wandered off to a new farm as soon as she had gone missing. I told her everything that had happened at Animal Farm since she had left. She didn't pay close attention, but she was interested to hear the parts about the windmill.
"So every stall could have hot water and lights?" she asked.
"Well, that was the plan. But now it will never happen since Napoleon is in charge." I replied.
"That's too bad." she said, clearly let down.

So, this has been my new life for the last several days. I've found out that Ben & Son's is 10 miles South of Animal Farm and that Molly had discovered me while pulling Farmer Ben into town on a Saturday morning. Molly was still severely human-minded. I think she would probably die without some kind of master.
But, in all truth, Farmer Ben is a decent fellow. I never thought I would find a human I would like, especially after hearing Major's words. Ben has something different about him- I kind of compassion. Perhaps it's just him; just one man. Either way, I know I will be safe here as long as I stay.

However long that may be.

Snowball

The Dreary Days

Each day is harder then the last. I fear I will become victim to starvation, for I cannot even find so much as a good meal on my own. Perhaps if I had been one of the animals actually DOING the work rather then sitting back being the boss, I could know something about this land and grow some food. As it is, I eat what grass I can stomach. My meager sleeping quarters under the tree has proved less-then-suitable for the simple reason that every morning I wake more sore then the last.

I haven't seen so much as a pigeon for three full days, and I have grown lonely. I long even for one of the long-winded debates that Napoleon and I used to have.
Just writing that name makes me sick to my stomach. Napoleon.

What a monster. Replaying events in my head, I have no doubt that that pig is filled with deceit to the very top. Now, not only does he posses that deceit, but he is able to force others to believe it with an iron fist. How I wish I could save the others from their inevitable fate. None except Squealer and Minimus posses the kind of thought process that could stand up to Napoleon. I fear, however, that as neither of those two have come looking for me by now that they are in league with Napoleon.

So, I have no one. I have nothing.

Snowball

The Seperation

What a turn of events. After such an honorable event and title, this? I am in complete and total shock.

Ever since Animal Farm was started, I knew certain needs would need to be met. If we were to be better off then the Jones', and follow The Seven Commandments as they were intended, we needed to take a new approach. The Battle of the Cowshed gave me a renewed vigor to put a plan together that would bring luxury and comfort that we animals had never experienced under the tyranny of humans. Of course Napoleon immediately disagreed with me. I pulled him aside countless times to work out our differences! "If not for the comrades, then at least for the well-being of us pigs!" I would say. Napoleon would always retort with "I have a better way." but he would never share what that was! How was anything to be done if all he did was keep his mouth shut?
So, I went on with my plans. Electricity, I decided, was the natural next step towards total comfort. I admit, I was a little wild with the promises I made. Electricity in every stall for every animal may not have ever have been feasible (call me Squealer if you must) but nonetheless it was clear that electricity of any kind would be a step in the right direction. I did much studying on methods of producing electricity using the rudimentary tools the wicked humans had left us.
Because Animal Farm had no moving body of water available, a windmill seemed like the only other option. Although the specifics looked rather difficult, the physical layout of the windmill seemed easy enough. The specifics could always be deciphered later. Nothing would get done without a building to do it in, after all.
So, I began reading and studying architecture books. How large would the windmill need to be? What dimensions? I decided to use the former incubator shed as my study. The floor proved perfect for chalk-drawing. Here I wrote my plans for the windmill.
My idea sold easily enough to the animals. Napoleon, however, remained a problem. He would always listen to my words with a kind of rebellious disinterest. Undoubtedly, if I got the other comrades on my side Napoleon would have to change his attitude!

The first sign that showed me Napoleon had no intention of doing this, regardless of the others, came with a totally disrespectful act of the worst kind. One day, while I was working, Napoleon walked in (I left my study door open in case other comrades wanted to peak in and see how the project was advancing) and carefully began looking the plans over. I continued my work, keeping him just in my peripheral vision. He paused once or twice to sniff the plans, then he stood there as if contemplating their significance. By now I knew that he was amazed at how much thought I had actually put into this project. Just when I expected him to congratulate me, however, he did the most horrendous thing. Napoleon lifted his leg, eyed me, then urinated all over my plans! After he finished his business, he simply walked out without a word.
My draw just about dropped. The nerve! This nearly pushed me over the edge.

The real trouble, however, came a few weeks later.
My plans for the windmill were completed, and I was ready to present the finished project details to all of the comrades at the Meeting. Although the farm had been heavily divided on this subject of the windmill, I knew that any argument between Napoleon and I would be in my favor due to my superior rhetoric skills.

So, the Meeting began, and I presented my finished windmill project ideas. Although I was interrupted by an occasional "Four legs good! Two legs bad!" (a saying that all the sheep had picked up as their motto) my presentation went rather well. Next, Napoleon stood up to voice his opposition. To my astonishment, his argument was void of any reasoning or logic. He merely advised the others that it was a foolish idea and that they should not vote on it. I was slightly confused, as I knew this was not a normal action for Napoleon. His lack of courage, however, gave me a momentary inspiration. Using this inspiration as a catalyst, I stood up and began a speech of the most passionate kind.
I spoke of Animal Farm, not how it was, but how it could be. My speech closely resembled that of the Major, and I knew, just from looking into the eyes of my comrades, that the windmill would be well on its way soon enough. I spoke of how electricity would impact the lives of every comrade present in such a way that they could be comfortable and truly be free. My eloquence carried the day, and I knew that the vote would be in my favor.

And then, everything changed.

As I took my seat to wait for the vote to be called, I saw Napoleon stand up. He gave me an odd glance from the corner of his eyes, then let out the most terrible whimpering sound I have ever heard. All of a sudden the ground shook, and a loud baying noise could be heard coming from outside. Then, all of a sudden, nine huge dogs burst into the Meeting room growling and barking! They wore brass-studded collars and I immediately could tell they had been bred for one purpose: to be vicious.
As soon as they entered and saw me, they lunged straight towards me. Luckily my superior reflexes paid off, and I was scampering on all fours straight into the open air. I bolted for the long pasture, and finally could see the road up ahead. Then, all of a sudden, a rock appeared that I hadn't seen before, and I tripped! Not the time for clumsiness! I peered behind me almost a second too late for I was met by the sight of a huge dog's mouth! Up again, I pushed as much speed as I could out of my legs. I could feel the hot breath of the dogs behind me, and I could smell their dripping saliva as they grew hungry for a nice bacon dinner. Not today! One dog made a lunge for my tail, but I pushed every ounce of speed I had, and finally could see my salvation ahead. With only a few inches to spare, I was through a hole in the hedge.

How did this happen? Wasn't I just awarded Animal Hero, First Class? And now, betrayal? Surely my other comrades won't stand for this! Surely at least Squealer will come for me, if not Minimus!
I now see that Napoleon had been planning this power shift for some time. Forcing me, ever so slightly, into the outside so that when the time was right he could lock the door.

So, here I lay, lost somewhere outside of Manor Farm between it and Foxwood. I've found a dry spot on the ground underneath some trees, and I plan to sleep here for a couple nights while I pull my thoughts together.

I fear Animal Farm is in for its darkest days.

Snowball

The Battle of the Cowshed

The second greatest achievement of Animal Farm since its founding has been accomplished!

Napoleon and I have been alerting pigeons of the status of Animal Farm everyday, and instructing them to fly to other farms and mingle with animals there. Everyday we see our potential numbers grow, as pigeons have come back reporting that Beasts of England is being sung by animals all over England. And not only animals! Word has it even church bells have been reported ringing our Tune of Rebellion. How amazing! What would Major say if he were here now? This revolution will change the world, I can already see it.

Yesterday is when the significant event took place, which we are now calling the Battle of the Cowshed.
In the mid-afternoon a flight of pigeons flew into Animal Farm screaming that men from Pinchfield and Foxwood farms were on their way! They further reported that all the men were carrying sticks, except Jones (who was leading the group) who was carrying his gun. We knew right away that the men meant to recapture the farm.
We had rehersed this possibility hundreds of times. I have been studying war tactics for the last several months, and have mastered the strategies of Julias Caesar himself. Napoleon had placed me (who is he to place me somewhere anyways?) as the head of defensive operations. I shouted orders to the others, getting them in their appropriate positions. As soon as the men showed their ugly faces, hell would be upon them.

Just about everything went according to plan. First came the pigeons and geese, more of a distraction then a true threat. Next came the line of attack which I led myself. This line was composed of the sheep, along with Muriel and Benjamin. Unfortunately the men had come well prepaired, and our kicks weren't enough to fend of their fierce sticks. I gave the previously decided signal for retreat, and my line fell back. Just as I intended, the men followed yelling and hollering as if they had conquered something. Little did they know! For just as they reached the cow shed, the ambush was sprung. The rest of the sheep, cows, and horses gave the men everything they had. In the heat of the moment I found myself remembering Major's words "Rebellion!" and I flew into a bloody rage. I struck out for Jones himself, but just as I approached the roach he let a shot fire! The pellets skimmed my back, and made contact with a nearby sheep killing it instantly and shooting blood everywhere. I immeadiatly flung my fifteen stone against Jones's legs, and he fell back into a pile of dung. Hah! His gun also flew from his hand! I looked over and saw the most terrible sight of all: Boxer rearing up to a foolish stable-boy from Foxwood! The terrifying horse let a kick go and it connected straight to the stable-boy's head, knocking him (what appeared to be) lifeless.
At this, the men made a run for it. The animals who hadn't yet received a satisfactory piece of the fight decended upon the men with everything they had. It was a wonderful sight: our former captors now fleeing with fear at the sight of us: the united comrades of Animal Farm. I couldn't help but smile, even as the men finally broke free and ran out of the farm screaming with geese hot on their heels.

After the men had fled, I found Boxer trying to turn over the apperently lifeless stable-boy. He expressed his regret for taking a human life, to which I comforted him. "No sentimentality, comrade!" I said. "War is war. The only good human being is a dead one."
Later it was found that the stable-boy had only been dazed and had run off.

After the fight, a spontaneous victory celebration went into full swing! "Animal Hero First Class" was created as a rank and awarded to me and Boxer. I am so honored to have been of such use to Animal Farm! Also, "Animal Hero Second Class" was given posthumously to the sheep who gave its life in the battle.

After some discussion, the fight was titled "The Battle of the Cowshed".
I am so proud to have been a part of one of the greatest victories Animal Farm has seen!

Snowball

"I Will Work Harder!"

Much has happened since my last entry!
First of all, us pigs have a plan in mind. Shortly after Jones was driven out, it became abundantly clear that if our status as leaders of Animal Farm were to be kept up, we would need some extra supplies; rations to start with. Rather then take away from the standard rations of our comrades, however, we've decided to store the milk which is taken from the cows, along with the apples which have fallen due to wind in the orchard. At first we told our comrades that they would be shared equally- but soon after we pigs put it to a vote and decided we required apples in our diet if we hoped to remain strong leaders. Personally, I see no harm in it, and I know neither does Napoleon. He and I have been getting along great lately- I'll talk about that more in a minute.
When the other animals found out we had been using the milk in our mash and been eating the apples ourselves, they grumbled (naturally.) We had planned on this, and Squealer was immediately sent out to squash any rumors. Although he bent the truth a little (saying he disliked milk and apples was a little over the top) he got the point across.
All in all, our plan of extra rations for the swine comrades has gone great!

I talked to Napoleon about the possibility of putting committees together for various purposes, and to my surprise, he not only agreed, but he also put me in charge! Currently, the committees being run are:

• Egg Production Committee
• Clean Tails League
• Wild Comrades' Re-education Committee
• Whiter Wool Movement

Brilliant, isn't it? Each, of course, focuses on a different group of animals, but all are for the betterment of every comrade in Animal Farm!

Decision making is done at our weekly Meeting. Resolutions are open to be submitted by everyone, and each resolution or weekly plan is put to a vote that everyone has the opportunity to cast in. Although the philosophy is undeniably workable, most comrades rarely put forth resolutions. All vote- but usually it's the pigs that put forth resolutions that have merit (as it should be.) Napoleon and I usually do not agree on the resolutions, as has been the case on most occasions, but a final decision is always reached. I am glad for these debates, as I am the better orator between us (all humbleness intended.) Napoleon is a fine leader, but when it comes to instilling passion in the hearts of the comrades I will always come up on top.

That being said, Napoleon and I have gotten along much better as of recent. He had me lead the harvest when the time came. Speaking of the harvest, how great it was! We got done two days ahead of what would normally have been the Jones' schedule! Also, it was the biggest harvest ever brought in! Animal Farm truly is majestic in how it is run.
We pigs did little work during the harvest as we were busy leading the others. More and more I see that the other animals, although no less equal, are better for doing the lower tasks of the farm. Napoleon, myself, and the other pigs should keep to the leadership roles as we have the brains (to be completely frank.)
All in all, the harvest was immensely successful. During the whole event Boxer coined his now-famous phrase "I will work harder!" He says it whenever the task gets more difficult, or whenever someone else falters in their duties. Napoleon and I agree that of the three horses, Boxer is the most indispensable.

Today is Sunday, and I'm afraid I must go now so that I can be a part of our weekly ceremony. Today I am overseeing those who hoist the flag!

Snowball

Animal Farm!

The teaching is going rather well! Since Major's speech, and passing soon thereafter, much has been accomplished. The pigs, Napoleon and I to be specific, have taken the brunt of Animalism on our shoulders. At times it's rather hard for Napoleon and I to agree on what is true to Animalism. He seems to think the important thing is to grow into a strong farm that can take over the surrounding farms, and in turn all of England, then finally the world. He is a forward thinker- but I can't help but wonder if this brute force philosophy will only get us into more trouble.

On a lighter note, we finally decided upon a name for the new farm! Animal Farm! Clever, eh? Also- after using nearly all three months to argue and debate, all of us pigs have decided upon the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm! Here they are, just as they are written on the wall of the barn:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a freind.
3. No animal shall wear clotheƨ.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

After showing them to the other Comrades, we decided memorization should be attempted. Unfortunately, only a few of the others can actually comprehend all of the Commandments, much less memorize them. We'll have to start with the alphabet for some of the animals, so it will take much time.
I'm finding Napoleon has a short temper for such matters. He'd rather we were all pigs it seems. I think we need to put together committees that will actually get things accomplished- that's really what will work.

Well, I better go. Molly is conversing with Moses again. Both of them make me concerned. Molly is constantly asking about humans. She doesn't seem to understand that the hardest freedom is better then the best enslavement.
Moses is simply unreasonable altogether! Talks of Sugarcandy Mountain pour off of his lips! It's as if freedom isn't enough- he must invent some fake reality to bring about treason with the others! He would be better off leaving Animal Farm altogether.

Bye for now!
Snowball

REBELLION!

-Three months had passed since my last pertaining journal entry. This is where the story at hand resumes-

It happened! I'm not even sure how it exactly happened! One moment, we were all starving hungry, the next one of the cows had broken up the food shed! Then, in comes Jones, with his four farmhands, all carrying whips! They were going berserk!
Then, that's when it happened. All at once, without speaking, without planning, and without any kind of forethought, all of us animals thrashed out at the humans at once! Every emotion that Major's speech had showed us we had was brought to the surface! This was the time- the time to win our freedom and become free animals.
Well, Jones and his men knew what was good for them and took off running. I looked at the farmhouse and saw Mrs. Jones tearing out of the door carrying bags of belongings with Moses squawking at her the entire way! What a sight!

A couple of the animals slammed the gate closed behind the fleeing humans. Then, it was over.

The rebellion was complete! Without even knowing what we had done, Manor Farm now belonged to us!

As I sit here in my stall, I can hardly contain myself. We are free! What will come in the days to come, no one can say for sure. Now that Animalism is free to be discussed openly without fear of the Joneses, I'm sure we will begin to thrive!

We are free!
Snowball

A time of sadness, but renewed vigor.

Major has died! Just three days ago we were all brought into the light by this dear old pig. Now, he is no more! The farm is filled with sadness that cannot be expressed.

He has not died in vain, though. The other pigs and I have begun to develop a new system of social management that we are calling Animalism. It is based off of Major's principles and dreams, and we believe it will be succesful.

Later tonight we will meet with the other comrades to explain to them the basics of Animalism. No doubt we will get naive questions and remarks, probably spearheaded by Molly. But, all the same, I believe that the other comrades will pull through and be able to follow Animalism as Major intended.

Down with Jones! Long live Animalism!
Snowball

The Meeting in the Barn

I am so inspired!

Tonight's meeting that Major called in the barn ended up being so life changing! He spoke with such majesty and brilliance! But even more amazing- the idea he suggests!

I was one of the first to enter the barn, just after the dogs. We sat down and watched Major intently. There he stood- on a raised platform with a beam of lantern light that made his contour stand out. Major is by far the most majestic of all us animals on Manor Farm.

The next hour was like a blur of the best kind. Major began weaving a picture of the farm as it is today, and told all of us about realizations he's been having lately. He spoke with the authority of an animal that has experienced much, and seen more. His voice reverberated off of the walls like a booming trumpet. Then, Major spoke of his dream. A wonderful world void of humans where animals can roam free- this was more then just a dream he said.
I looked around the room, first at the other pigs. Squealer and Napoleon sat hushed, eyes gleaming while they looked at Major. Minimus, I could tell, was already thinking of songs to sing about this night. Next I looked at the horses: Boxer stood still, all attention focused towards the stage. His coat gleamed in the light, and his muscles flexed as if in agreement with all Major had to say. Next to him, Clover. She was breathing fast, entertaining thoughts of running wild without a master to whip her. Mollie had been the last animal to arrive in the barn. I personally think she is rather naive and foolish, and I could tell that as Major spoke, she held little interest. She seemed more interested in making sure her ribbons were all on straight.

I'm not sure how long Major spoke for- but I do remember the visions that my mind went in and out of. I see now how Jones (for I will no longer call him "Master") has crippled our minds and held our potential at bay. "Rebellion!" spoke Major,

"I do not know when that Rebellion will come, it might be in a week or in a hundred years, but I know, as surely as I see this straw beneath my feet, that sooner or later justice will be done. Fix your eyes on that, comrades, throughout the short remainder of your lives! And above all, pass on this message of mine to those who come after you, so that future generations shall carry on the struggle until it is victorious."

I knew Major was right. These humans, these evil beings that stalked the Earth, needed to be cast off! We needed to end the tyranny which the humans had placed us under for so long!

Major went on to tell us about his dream. A song, he said, had come back to him. A song? These had never held much interest for me. Minimus was a poet and composer himself, but none of his works had ever added up to much in my mind.
But Major seemed to think this song held much importance.
Here's the first two verses:

Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland,
Beasts of every land and clime,
Hearken to my joyful tidings
Of the Golden future time.

Soon or late the day is coming,
Tyrant Man shall be o'er thrown,
And the fruitful fields of England
Shall be trod by beasts alone.

By the third verse, I found myself joining in humming the tune. By the end of the song, nearly everyone had found the melody and rhythm. We all began the song, and after a couple attempts, were finally able to arrange the words.
We all sang in the fashion we knew, and O was it glorious! The sheep's bleats accompanied all of us pigs' squeals, which went in perfect harmony with the neigh's that the horses had to offer. Something was awoken in each of us: a desire to be free. We had always had that desire buried deep, but this new realization that it might actually be possible spurred the greatest kind of passion in our souls.
Then, all of a sudden BANG! A large noise and wood splinters erupted all around us. Jones had unleashed his terrible Killer Stick on us! We all scattered to our appropriate sleeping quarters, and everybody was silent all in a moment.

But we all knew what had just happened, and I for one am inspired to Rebel against the tyranny of Jones.

Snowball

Pre-meeting diary

Major asked us all to meet him in the barn tonight so that he could talk with us. I heard that he had a wonderful dream last night, but I think this meeting is about something different. Something bigger.

Today Master fed us pigs good food: banana peals, brilliant oats that have been soaked in milk, orange juice, and water, and he even gave us soggy bread this time! I was in heaven!

Well, I better go. Squealer just told me Master is calling!

Snowball