Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 17

The mystery of where the milk went to was soon cleared up.

• The mystery: An event or situation that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain [ðə ˈmɪstəri]
• of where: indicating the location or place [əv wɛr]
• the milk: a white liquid produced by cows and used as food and drink [ðə mɪlk]
• went to: past tense of 'go to', indicating the destination or fate of something [wɛnt tɪ]
• was soon: happened quickly or in a short time [wɑz sun]
• cleared up: to resolve or explain a mystery or misunderstanding [klɪrd əp]

It was mixed every day into the pigs’ mash.

• It: referring to the mystery or situation [ɪt]
• was mixed: combined or blended together [wɑz mɪkst]
• every day: each day; daily [ˈɛvəri deɪ]
• into: expressing movement or direction toward something [ˈɪntu]
• the pigs’ mash: a soft mixture of food for pigs [ðə pɪgz mæʃ]

The early apples were now ripening, and the grass of the orchard was littered with windfalls.

• The early apples: apples that ripen earlier in the season [ðə ˈərli ˈæpəlz]
• were now: at the present time [wər naʊ]
• ripening: becoming ripe or ready to eat [ˈraɪpənɪŋ]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the grass: a common green plant covering the ground [ðə græs]
• of the orchard: a piece of land planted with fruit trees [əv ðə ˈɔrʧərd]
• was littered: covered with scattered items or debris [wɑz ˈlɪtərd]
• with windfalls: fruit that has fallen from a tree [wɪθ ˈwɪndˌfɔlz]

The animals had assumed as a matter of course that these would be shared out equally; one day, however, the order went forth that all the windfalls were to be collected and brought to the harnessroom for the use of the pigs.

• The animals: living creatures that are not human [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• had assumed: supposed or believed something to be true without proof [hæd əˈsumd]
• as a matter of course: as something that is natural or expected [ɛz ə ˈmætər əv kɔrs]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• these: referring to the windfalls [ðiz]
• would be: expressing a future possibility [wʊd bi]
• shared out: distributed among a group [ʃɛrd aʊt]
• equally: in a fair and impartial way [ˈikwəli]
• one day: on a particular day [wən deɪ]
• however: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• the order: an instruction or command [ðə ˈɔrdər]
• went forth: was issued or announced [wɛnt fɔrθ]
• that: introducing a clause [ðət]
• all the windfalls: all the fruit that has fallen from the trees [ɔl ðə ˈwɪndˌfɔlz]
• were to be: expressing an obligation or instruction [wər tɪ bi]
• collected: gathered together [kəˈlɛktəd]
• and: used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• brought: taken or carried to a place [brɔt]
• to: expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]
• the harnessroom: a room for storing harnesses and other equipment [ðə harnessroom]
• for the use of: intended for the benefit or purpose of [fər ðə juz əv]
• the pigs: farm animals with snouts and bristly hair [ðə pɪgz]

At this some of the other animals murmured, but it was no use.

• At this: in response to this situation [æt ðɪs]
• some of: a portion of a group [səm əv]
• the other animals: animals other than the pigs [ðə ˈəðər ˈænəməlz]
• murmured: spoke in a low, indistinct voice, often expressing discontent [ˈmərmərd]
• but: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something [bət]
• it was no use: it was futile or ineffective [ɪt wɑz noʊ juz]

All the pigs were in full agreement on this point, even Snowball and Napoleon.

• All the pigs: all of the pigs [ɔl ðə pɪgz]
• were in: expressing a state or condition [wər ɪn]
• full agreement: complete agreement or consensus [fʊl əˈgrimənt]
• on this point: regarding this specific issue [ɔn ðɪs pɔɪnt]
• even: used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising [ˈivɪn]
• Snowball and Napoleon: names of specific pigs [sˈnoʊˌbɔl ənd nəˈpoʊljən]

Squealer was sent to make the necessary explanations to the others.

• Squealer: name of a specific pig [squealer]
• was sent: was instructed or ordered to go [wɑz sɛnt]
• to make: for the purpose of making [tɪ meɪk]
• the necessary: essential or required [ðə ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]
• explanations: reasons or justifications [ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃənz]
• to the others: to the other animals [tɪ ðə ˈəðərz]

‘Comrades!’ he cried. ‘You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege?

• Comrades: A term of address suggesting solidarity and fellowship, often used among socialists or communists. [‘‘comrades]
• he: Referring to a male character, likely a pig in this context, who is speaking. [hi]
• cried: Exclaimed loudly; shouted. Indicates strong emotion or emphasis. [kraɪd]
• You: Addressing the audience directly. [‘‘you]
• do not: Expressing negation or denial. [du nɑt]
• imagine: To form a mental image or concept of something. [ˌɪˈmæʤən]
• I hope: Expressing a wish or expectation. [aɪ hoʊp]
• that: Introducing a subordinate clause. [ðət]
• we pigs: Referring to the speaker and other pigs as a group. [wi pɪgz]
• are doing: Present continuous tense of 'do', indicating an ongoing action. [ər duɪŋ]
• this: Referring to the act of taking milk and apples. [ðɪs]
• in a spirit of: With an attitude or motivation of. [ɪn ə ˈspɪrɪt əv]
• selfishness: Concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure. [ˈsɛlfɪʃnəs]
• and: Connecting two similar ideas or concepts. [ənd]
• privilege: A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. [ˈprɪvɪlɪʤ]

Many of us actually dislike milk and apples.

• Many: A large number of. [ˈmɛni]
• of us: Referring to a subset of the pigs. [əv ˈjuˈɛs]
• actually: In fact; really. [ˈæˌkʧuəli]
• dislike: To feel distaste or aversion for something. [dɪsˈlaɪk]
• milk: A white liquid produced by mammals, used as food. [mɪlk]
• and: Connecting two similar ideas or concepts. [ənd]
• apples: A round fruit with firm, crisp flesh. [ˈæpəlz]

I dislike them myself.

• I dislike: The speaker does not like. [aɪ dɪsˈlaɪk]
• them: Referring to milk and apples. [ðɛm]
• myself: Used for emphasis, indicating that the speaker also dislikes milk and apples. [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]

Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health.

• Our sole: Only; single. [ɑr soʊl]
• object: Purpose or aim. [ˈɑbʤɛkt]
• in taking: In the act of consuming or acquiring. [ɪn ˈteɪkɪŋ]
• these things: Referring to milk and apples. [ðiz θɪŋz]
• is to preserve: To maintain or keep safe. [ɪz tɪ prɪˈzərv]
• our health: The state of being free from illness or injury. [ɑr hɛlθ]

Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig.

• Milk: A white liquid produced by mammals, used as food. [mɪlk]
• and: Connecting two similar ideas or concepts. [ənd]
• apples: A round fruit with firm, crisp flesh. [ˈæpəlz]
• this has been proved: It has been demonstrated or verified. [ðɪs həz bɪn pruvd]
• by Science: Through scientific research and evidence. [baɪ saɪəns]
• comrades: A term of address suggesting solidarity and fellowship, often used among socialists or communists. [ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• contain: To have something within. [kənˈteɪn]
• substances: A particular kind of matter with uniform properties. [ˈsəbstənsɪz]
• absolutely: Completely; totally. [ˌæbsəˈlutli]
• necessary: Required; essential. [ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]
• to the well-being: To the health and happiness. [tɪ ðə ˌwɛlˈbiɪŋ]
• of a pig: Referring to the health and happiness of a pig. [əv ə pɪg]

We pigs are brainworkers.

• We pigs: Referring to the speaker and other pigs as a group. [wi pɪgz]
• are brainworkers: Those who primarily use their intellect in their work. [ər brainworkers]

The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us.

• The whole: Entire; complete. [ðə hoʊl]
• management: The process of dealing with or controlling things or people. [ˈmænɪʤmənt]
• and: Connecting two similar ideas or concepts. [ənd]
• organisation: The structure or arrangement of something. [ˌɔrgənɪˈzeɪʃən]
• of this farm: Referring to the management and organisation of the farm. [əv ðɪs fɑrm]
• depend on: Rely on; are contingent on. [dɪˈpɛnd ɔn]
• us: Referring to the pigs. [ˈjuˈɛs]

Day and night we are watching over your welfare.

• Day and night: All the time; continuously. [deɪ ənd naɪt]
• we are watching over: We are guarding and protecting. [wi ər ˈwɑʧɪŋ ˈoʊvər]
• your welfare: Your well-being and happiness. [jʊr ˈwɛlˌfɛr]

It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples.

• It is for your sake: It is for your benefit or advantage. [ɪt ɪz fər jʊr seɪk]
• that: Introducing a subordinate clause explaining the reason. [ðət]
• we drink: We consume. [wi drɪŋk]
• that milk: Referring to the milk mentioned earlier. [ðət mɪlk]
• and: Connecting two similar ideas or concepts. [ənd]
• eat: Consume as food. [it]
• those apples: Referring to the apples mentioned earlier. [ðoʊz ˈæpəlz]

Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty?

• Do you know: Are you aware. [du ju noʊ]
• what would happen: What the consequence would be. [wət wʊd ˈhæpən]
• if: Introducing a conditional clause. [ɪf]
• we pigs: Referring to the speaker and other pigs as a group. [wi pɪgz]
• failed: Were unsuccessful. [feɪld]
• in our duty: In fulfilling our responsibilities. [ɪn ɑr ˈduti]

Jones would come back!

• Jones: Likely referring to the former owner of the farm. [ʤoʊnz]
• would come back: Would return. [wʊd kəm bæk]

Yes, Jones would come back!

• Yes: Affirmative response. [jɛs]
• Jones: Likely referring to the former owner of the farm. [ʤoʊnz]
• would come back: Would return. [wʊd kəm bæk]

Now if there was one thing that the animals were completely certain of, it was that they did not want Jones back.

• Now: used to introduce a new topic or a change in subject [naʊ]
• if: introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]
• there was: past tense of 'there is', used to introduce the existence of something [ðɛr wɑz]
• one thing: a particular item or aspect [wən θɪŋ]
• that: introduces a relative clause, specifying the 'one thing' [ðət]
• the animals: referring to the collective group of animals on the farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state of being [wər]
• completely certain: absolutely sure; without any doubt [kəmˈplitli ˈsərtən]
• of: indicating the object of their certainty [əv]
• it was: emphasizing what they were certain about [ɪt wɑz]
• that: introduces the content of their certainty [ðət]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• did not want: expressing their strong aversion [dɪd nɑt wɔnt]
• Jones: referring to Mr. Jones, the former owner of the farm [ʤoʊnz]
• back: returning to his previous position of ownership and control [bæk]

When it was put to them in this light, they had no more to say.

• When: introducing a time clause [wɪn]
• it: referring to the situation or idea [ɪt]
• was put: presented or explained [wɑz pʊt]
• to them: to the animals [tɪ ðɛm]
• in this light: in this particular way or perspective [ɪn ðɪs laɪt]
• they: the animals [ðeɪ]
• had no more: did not have any further [hæd noʊ mɔr]
• to say: any further arguments or objections [tɪ seɪ]

The importance of keeping the pigs in good health was all too obvious.

• The importance: the significance or necessity [ðə ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]
• of: linking 'importance' to what is important [əv]
• keeping: maintaining in a certain state [ˈkipɪŋ]
• the pigs: referring to the pigs on the farm [ðə pɪgz]
• in good health: being healthy and well [ɪn gʊd hɛlθ]
• was: past tense of 'to be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]
• all too obvious: very clear and evident [ɔl tu ˈɑbviəs]

So it was agreed without further argument that the milk and the windfall apples (and also the main crop of apples when they ripened) should be reserved for the pigs alone.

• So: therefore; as a result [soʊ]
• it: referring to the decision or agreement [ɪt]
• was agreed: a consensus was reached [wɑz əˈgrid]
• without: lacking [wɪˈθaʊt]
• further: additional [ˈfərðər]
• argument: discussion or disagreement [ˈɑrgjəmənt]
• that: introduces the content of the agreement [ðət]
• the milk: referring to the milk produced on the farm [ðə mɪlk]
• and: joining two items [ənd]
• the windfall apples: apples that have fallen from the tree naturally [ðə ˈwɪndˌfɔl ˈæpəlz]
• and: joining another item [ənd]
• also: in addition [ˈɔlsoʊ]
• the main crop: the primary harvest [ðə meɪn krɑp]
• of apples: referring to the apple harvest [əv ˈæpəlz]
• when: introducing a time clause [wɪn]
• they: referring to the apples [ðeɪ]
• ripened: became ripe and ready to be harvested [ˈraɪpənd]
• should be reserved: should be kept aside specifically [ʃʊd bi rɪˈzərvd]
• for: intended for [fər]
• the pigs: specifically for the pigs [ðə pɪgz]
• alone: exclusively; only [əˈloʊn]