Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 18

IV

By the late summer the news of what had happened on Animal Farm had spread across half the county.

• By: indicating a time or deadline [baɪ]
• the late summer: the end of the summer season [ðə leɪt ˈsəmər]
• the news: information about recent events [ðə nuz]
• of: connecting 'news' to its subject [əv]
• what had happened: the events that had occurred [wət hæd ˈhæpənd]
• on: indicating the location [ɔn]
• Animal Farm: the name of the farm [ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• had spread: had become widely known [hæd sprɛd]
• across: over a wide area [əˈkrɔs]
• half the county: a significant portion of the county [hæf ðə ˈkaʊnti]

Every day Snowball and Napoleon sent out flights of pigeons whose instructions were to mingle with the animals on neighbouring farms, tell them the story of the Rebellion, and teach them the tune of Beasts of England.

• Every day: each day; daily [ˈɛvəri deɪ]
• Snowball: name of a pig [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• and: joining two names [ənd]
• Napoleon: name of a pig [nəˈpoʊljən]
• sent out: dispatched; released [sɛnt aʊt]
• flights of pigeons: groups of pigeons flying together [flaɪts əv ˈpɪʤənz]
• whose: possessive relative pronoun, referring to the pigeons [huz]
• instructions: orders; directives [ˌɪnˈstrəkʃənz]
• were: past tense of 'to be', linking the subject to the description [wər]
• to mingle: to mix or associate [tɪ ˈmɪŋgəl]
• with: in the company of [wɪθ]
• the animals: animals in general [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• on: located at [ɔn]
• neighbouring farms: farms that are nearby [ˈneɪbərɪŋ fɑrmz]
• tell: to communicate verbally [tɛl]
• them: the animals on neighboring farms [ðɛm]
• the story: the narrative [ðə ˈstɔri]
• of: connecting 'story' to its subject [əv]
• the Rebellion: the uprising against Mr. Jones [ðə rɪˈbɛljən]
• and: joining two actions [ənd]
• teach: to instruct or train [tiʧ]
• them: the animals on neighboring farms [ðɛm]
• the tune: the melody [ðə tun]
• of: connecting 'tune' to its subject [əv]
• Beasts of England: the name of the revolutionary song [bists əv ˈɪŋglənd]

Most of this time Mr. Jones had spent sitting in the taproom of the Red Lion at Willingdon, complaining to anyone who would listen of the monstrous injustice he had suffered in being turned out of his property by a pack of good-for-nothing animals.

• Most of this time: Denotes the majority of the aforementioned period [moʊst əv ðɪs taɪm]
• Mr. Jones: The character's name, indicating a specific individual [ˈmɪstər ʤoʊnz]
• had spent: Past perfect tense of 'spend', indicating an action completed before another time in the past [hæd spɛnt]
• sitting: Being in a seated position [ˈsɪtɪŋ]
• in the taproom: A room in a pub where alcoholic drinks are served [ɪn ðə taproom]
• of the Red Lion: The name of a specific pub [əv ðə rɛd laɪən]
• at Willingdon: The location of the pub, a specific place [æt willingdon]
• complaining: Expressing dissatisfaction or resentment [kəmˈpleɪnɪŋ]
• to anyone who would listen: To any person willing to hear his grievances [tɪ ˈɛniˌwən hu wʊd ˈlɪsən]
• of the monstrous injustice: Referring to a perceived great unfairness or wrong [əv ðə ˈmɑnstrəs ˌɪnˈʤəstɪs]
• he had suffered: Past perfect tense, indicating the injustice occurred before the time of speaking [hi hæd ˈsəfərd]
• in being turned out: Being evicted or forced to leave [ɪn biɪŋ tərnd aʊt]
• of his property: His land and possessions [əv hɪz ˈprɑpərti]
• by a pack of good-for-nothing animals: A derogatory term for the animals, implying they are worthless [baɪ ə pæk əv good-for-nothing ˈænəməlz]

The other farmers sympathised in principle, but they did not at first give him much help.

• The other farmers: Other agricultural landowners in the area [ðə ˈəðər ˈfɑrmərz]
• sympathised: Expressed feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune [sympathised]
• in principle: In theory or as a general idea, but not necessarily in practice [ɪn ˈprɪnsəpəl]
• but they did not at first give him much help: Initially, they offered little assistance [bət ðeɪ dɪd nɑt æt fərst gɪv ɪm məʧ hɛlp]

At heart, each of them was secretly wondering whether he could not somehow turn Jones’s misfortune to his own advantage.

• At heart: In their true feelings or inner selves [æt hɑrt]
• each of them: Every individual farmer [iʧ əv ðɛm]
• was secretly wondering: Privately contemplating [wɑz ˈsikrɪtli ˈwəndərɪŋ]
• whether he could not somehow turn Jones’s misfortune to his own advantage: If they could exploit Jones's situation for their own benefit [ˈwɛðər hi kʊd nɑt ˈsəmˌhaʊ tərn ˈʤoʊnzɪz mɪsˈfɔrʧən tɪ hɪz oʊn ædˈvæntɪʤ]

It was lucky that the owners of the two farms which adjoined Animal Farm were on permanently bad terms.

• It was lucky: It was fortunate [ɪt wɑz ˈləki]
• that the owners: The individuals who possess the land [ðət ðə ˈoʊnərz]
• of the two farms: Referring to two specific agricultural lands [əv ðə tu fɑrmz]
• which adjoined Animal Farm: That were next to Animal Farm [wɪʧ adjoined ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• were on permanently bad terms: Had a continuous, negative relationship [wər ɔn ˈpərmɑˌnɛnˌtli bæd tərmz]

One of them, which was named Foxwood, was a large, neglected, old-fashioned farm, much overgrown by woodland, with all its pastures worn out and its hedges in a disgraceful condition.

• One of them: Referring to one of the two farms [wən əv ðɛm]
• which was named Foxwood: The name of one of the farms [wɪʧ wɑz neɪmd ˈfɑksˌwʊd]
• was a large, neglected, old-fashioned farm: A farm that is big, poorly maintained, and outdated [wɑz ə lɑrʤ nɪˈglɛktɪd ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd fɑrm]
• much overgrown by woodland: Extensively covered with trees and shrubs [məʧ ˌoʊvərˈgroʊn baɪ ˈwʊˌdlænd]
• with all its pastures worn out: The fields for grazing animals were depleted and unusable [wɪθ ɔl ɪts ˈpæsʧərz wɔrn aʊt]
• and its hedges in a disgraceful condition: The boundary lines of bushes were poorly maintained [ənd ɪts ˈhɛʤɪz ɪn ə dɪsˈgreɪsfəl kənˈdɪʃən]

Its owner, Mr. Pilkington, was an easy-going gentleman farmer who spent most of his time in fishing or hunting according to the season.

• Its owner, Mr. Pilkington: The person who owns the farm, named Mr. Pilkington [ɪts ˈoʊnər ˈmɪstər ˈpɪlkɪŋtən]
• was an easy-going gentleman farmer: A relaxed and wealthy farmer [wɑz ən easy-going ˈʤɛnəlmən ˈfɑrmər]
• who spent most of his time: Dedicated the majority of his time [hu spɛnt moʊst əv hɪz taɪm]
• in fishing or hunting: Engaging in recreational activities involving catching fish or animals [ɪn ˈfɪʃɪŋ ər ˈhəntɪŋ]
• according to the season: Depending on the time of year [əˈkɔrdɪŋ tɪ ðə ˈsizən]

The other farm, which was called Pinchfield, was smaller and better kept.

• The other farm: The second of the two farms [ðə ˈəðər fɑrm]
• which was called Pinchfield: The name of the other farm [wɪʧ wɑz kɔld pinchfield]
• was smaller and better kept: Was more compact and well-maintained [wɑz sˈmɔlər ənd ˈbɛtər kɛpt]

Its owner was a Mr. Frederick, a tough, shrewd man, perpetually involved in lawsuits and with a name for driving hard bargains.

• Its owner was a Mr. Frederick: The person who owns the farm, named Mr. Frederick [ɪts ˈoʊnər wɑz ə ˈmɪstər ˈfrɛdərɪk]
• a tough, shrewd man: A strong and clever individual [ə təf ʃrud mæn]
• perpetually involved in lawsuits: Constantly engaged in legal disputes [pərˈpɛʧuəli ˌɪnˈvɑlvd ɪn ˈlɔˌsuts]
• and with a name for driving hard bargains: Known for being a difficult negotiator [ənd wɪθ ə neɪm fər ˈdraɪvɪŋ hɑrd ˈbɑrgɪnz]

These two disliked each other so much that it was difficult for them to come to any agreement, even in defence of their own interests.

• These two: Referring to Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick [ðiz tu]
• disliked each other so much: Had a strong mutual aversion [dɪsˈlaɪkt iʧ ˈəðər soʊ məʧ]
• that it was difficult: It was challenging [ðət ɪt wɑz ˈdɪfəkəlt]
• for them to come to any agreement: To reach a consensus or understanding [fər ðɛm tɪ kəm tɪ ˈɛni əˈgrimənt]
• even in defence of their own interests: Even when it would benefit them to cooperate [ˈivɪn ɪn dɪˈfɛns əv ðɛr oʊn ˈɪntərɪsts]

Nevertheless, they were both thoroughly frightened by the rebellion on Animal Farm, and very anxious to prevent their own animals from learning too much about it.

• Nevertheless: in spite of that; notwithstanding [ˌnɛvərðəˈlɛs]
• they: referring to Frederick and Pilkington [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'to be' [wər]
• both: referring to Frederick and Pilkington as a pair [boʊθ]
• thoroughly: completely; utterly [ˈθəroʊli]
• frightened: filled with fear; scared [ˈfraɪtənd]
• by: indicating the cause or agent [baɪ]
• the rebellion: an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler [ðə rɪˈbɛljən]
• on: indicating location or context [ɔn]
• Animal Farm: the name of the farm where the animals rebelled [ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• and: connecting two similar elements [ənd]
• very anxious: extremely worried or concerned [ˈvɛri ˈæŋʃəs]
• to prevent: to stop something from happening [tɪ prɪˈvɛnt]
• their own animals: the animals belonging to Frederick and Pilkington [ðɛr oʊn ˈænəməlz]
• from learning: to gain knowledge or skill [frəm ˈlərnɪŋ]
• too much: an excessive amount [tu məʧ]
• about it: referring to the rebellion on Animal Farm [əˈbaʊt ɪt]

At first they pretended to laugh to scorn the idea of animals managing a farm for themselves.

• At first: initially; in the beginning [æt fərst]
• they: referring to Frederick and Pilkington [ðeɪ]
• pretended: gave the appearance of doing or feeling something [priˈtɛndɪd]
• to laugh to scorn: to ridicule or mock something [tɪ læf tɪ skɔrn]
• the idea: a thought or suggestion [ðə aɪˈdiə]
• of animals: referring to non-human creatures [əv ˈænəməlz]
• managing: being in charge of; running [ˈmænəʤɪŋ]
• a farm: an area of land and its buildings used for growing crops or rearing animals [ə fɑrm]
• for themselves: without human intervention or control [fər ðɛmˈsɛlvz]

The whole thing would be over in a fortnight, they said.

• The whole thing: referring to the idea of animals managing a farm [ðə hoʊl θɪŋ]
• would be: conditional form of 'to be' [wʊd bi]
• over: finished; completed [ˈoʊvər]
• in a fortnight: in two weeks [ɪn ə ˈfɔrtˌnaɪt]
• they said: attribution to Frederick and Pilkington [ðeɪ sɛd]

They put it about that the animals on the Manor Farm (they insisted on calling it the Manor Farm; they would not tolerate the name ‘Animal Farm’) were perpetually fighting among themselves and were also rapidly starving to death.

• They: referring to Frederick and Pilkington [ðeɪ]
• put it about: spread a rumor or story [pʊt ɪt əˈbaʊt]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the animals: referring to the animals on the Manor Farm/Animal Farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• on: indicating location [ɔn]
• the Manor Farm: the original name of Animal Farm [ðə ˈmænər fɑrm]
• were: past tense of 'to be' [wər]
• perpetually: constantly; always [pərˈpɛʧuəli]
• fighting: engaging in physical or verbal conflict [ˈfaɪtɪŋ]
• among themselves: with each other [əˈməŋ ðɛmˈsɛlvz]
• and: connecting two related ideas [ənd]
• were: past tense of 'to be' [wər]
• also: in addition; as well [ˈɔlsoʊ]
• rapidly: quickly; at a fast pace [ˈræpədli]
• starving: suffering severely from lack of food [ˈstɑrvɪŋ]
• to death: resulting in death [tɪ dɛθ]

When time passed and the animals had evidently not starved to death, Frederick and Pilkington changed their tune and began to talk of the terrible wickedness that now flourished on Animal Farm.

• When: at the time that [wɪn]
• time passed: as time went on [taɪm pæst]
• and: connecting two related ideas [ənd]
• the animals: referring to the animals on Animal Farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• had evidently: clearly; obviously [hæd ˈɛvədəntli]
• not starved: did not suffer from lack of food [nɑt stɑrvd]
• to death: resulting in death [tɪ dɛθ]
• Frederick: one of the farmers [ˈfrɛdərɪk]
• and: connecting two people [ənd]
• Pilkington: one of the farmers [ˈpɪlkɪŋtən]
• changed: altered; modified [ʧeɪnʤd]
• their tune: their opinion or attitude [ðɛr tun]
• and: connecting two actions [ənd]
• began: started [bɪˈgæn]
• to talk: to speak [tɪ tɔk]
• of: about; concerning [əv]
• the terrible wickedness: extreme evil or immorality [ðə ˈtɛrəbəl ˈwɪkədnəs]
• that: introducing a relative clause [ðət]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• flourished: thrived; prospered [flərɪʃt]
• on: indicating location [ɔn]
• Animal Farm: the name of the farm [ˈænəməl fɑrm]

It was given out that the animals there practised cannibalism, tortured one another with red-hot horseshoes, and had their females in common.

• It: referring to the situation on Animal Farm [ɪt]
• was given out: it was announced or reported [wɑz ˈgɪvɪn aʊt]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the animals: referring to the animals on Animal Farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• there: at that place [ðɛr]
• practised: engaged in; performed regularly [ˈpræktɪst]
• cannibalism: the practice of eating the flesh of one's own species [ˈkænəbəˌlɪzəm]
• tortured: inflicted severe pain on [ˈtɔrʧərd]
• one another: each other [wən əˈnəðər]
• with: using [wɪθ]
• red-hot: heated to a very high temperature [red-hot]
• horseshoes: U-shaped metal plates nailed to horses' hooves [ˈhɔrsˌʃuz]
• and: connecting two related ideas [ənd]
• had: past tense of 'to have' [hæd]
• their females: their female animals [ðɛr ˈfiˌmeɪlz]
• in common: shared by everyone [ɪn ˈkɑmən]

This was what came of rebelling against the laws of Nature, Frederick and Pilkington said.

• This: referring to the alleged practices on Animal Farm [ðɪs]
• was: past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]
• what came of: the result of [wət keɪm əv]
• rebelling: rising in opposition or resistance [rɪˈbɛlɪŋ]
• against: in opposition to [əˈgɛnst]
• the laws of Nature: the natural order of things [ðə lɔz əv ˈneɪʧər]
• Frederick: one of the farmers [ˈfrɛdərɪk]
• and: connecting two people [ənd]
• Pilkington: one of the farmers [ˈpɪlkɪŋtən]
• said: stated [sɛd]