Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 20

As the human beings approached the farm buildings, Snowball launched his first attack.

• As: conjunction indicating when something happens [ɛz]
• the human beings: people [ðə ˈjumən biɪŋz]
• approached: moved closer to [əˈproʊʧt]
• the farm buildings: the structures on the farm [ðə fɑrm ˈbɪldɪŋz]
• Snowball: a character's name [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• launched: started or initiated [lɔnʧt]
• his first attack: the initial offensive action [hɪz fərst əˈtæk]

All the pigeons, to the number of thirty-five, flew to and fro over the men’s heads and muted upon them from mid-air; and while the men were dealing with this, the geese, who had been hiding behind the hedge, rushed out and pecked viciously at the calves of their legs.

• All the pigeons: every one of the pigeons [ɔl ðə ˈpɪʤənz]
• to the number of: amounting to [tɪ ðə ˈnəmbər əv]
• thirty-five: the specific number of pigeons [ˈθərdiˌfaɪv]
• flew to and fro: moved back and forth [flu tɪ ənd froʊ]
• over the men’s heads: above the heads of the men [ˈoʊvər ðə mɛnz hɛdz]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• muted upon them: dropped their droppings on them [mˈjutɪd əˈpɑn ðɛm]
• from mid-air: while in the air [frəm mid-air]
• and: conjunction connecting two events [ənd]
• while: during the time that [waɪl]
• the men: the human beings [ðə mɛn]
• were dealing with this: were handling or addressing the situation [wər ˈdilɪŋ wɪθ ðɪs]
• the geese: plural of goose, a type of bird [ðə gis]
• who: relative pronoun referring to the geese [hu]
• had been hiding: past perfect continuous tense, meaning they had been concealing themselves [hæd bɪn ˈhaɪdɪŋ]
• behind the hedge: in the area behind the bushes [bɪˈhaɪnd ðə hɛʤ]
• rushed out: moved quickly and suddenly out [rəʃt aʊt]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• pecked viciously: struck sharply and aggressively with their beaks [pecked ˈvɪʃəsli]
• at the calves of their legs: on the lower back part of their legs [æt ðə kævz əv ðɛr lɛgz]

However, this was only a light skirmishing manoeuvre, intended to create a little disorder, and the men easily drove the geese off with their sticks.

• However: adverb indicating a contrast [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• this: referring to the previous actions [ðɪs]
• was only: was just [wɑz ˈoʊnli]
• a light skirmishing manoeuvre: a small, brief fight or tactic [ə laɪt ˈskərmɪʃɪŋ manoeuvre]
• intended to: meant to [ˌɪnˈtɛndɪd tɪ]
• create: cause or produce [kriˈeɪt]
• a little disorder: a small amount of confusion [ə ˈlɪtəl dɪˈsɔrdər]
• and: conjunction connecting two clauses [ənd]
• the men: the human beings [ðə mɛn]
• easily: without difficulty [ˈizəli]
• drove the geese off: forced the geese to leave [droʊv ðə gis ɔf]
• with their sticks: using the sticks they were carrying [wɪθ ðɛr stɪks]

Snowball now launched his second line of attack.

• Snowball: a character's name [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• now: at this time [naʊ]
• launched: started or initiated [lɔnʧt]
• his second line of attack: the second offensive action [hɪz ˈsɛkənd laɪn əv əˈtæk]

Muriel, Benjamin, and all the sheep, with Snowball at the head of them, rushed forward and prodded and butted the men from every side, while Benjamin turned around and lashed at them with his small hoofs.

• Muriel: a character's name [mˈjʊriəl]
• Benjamin: a character's name [ˈbɛnʤəmən]
• and: conjunction connecting names [ənd]
• all the sheep: every one of the sheep [ɔl ðə ʃip]
• with Snowball: accompanied by Snowball [wɪθ sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• at the head of them: leading the group [æt ðə hɛd əv ðɛm]
• rushed forward: moved quickly towards the front [rəʃt ˈfɔrwərd]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• prodded and butted: poked and pushed with their heads [ˈprɑdɪd ənd butted]
• the men: the human beings [ðə mɛn]
• from every side: from all directions [frəm ˈɛvəri saɪd]
• while: during the time that [waɪl]
• Benjamin: a character's name [ˈbɛnʤəmən]
• turned around: rotated his body [tərnd əraʊnd]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• lashed at them: struck them forcefully [læʃt æt ðɛm]
• with his small hoofs: using his feet [wɪθ hɪz smɔl hʊfs]

But once again the men, with their sticks and their hobnailed boots, were too strong for them; and suddenly, at a squeal from Snowball, which was the signal for retreat, all the animals turned and fled through the gateway into the yard.

• But: conjunction indicating a contrast [bət]
• once again: again [wəns əˈgɛn]
• the men: the human beings [ðə mɛn]
• with their sticks: using the sticks they were carrying [wɪθ ðɛr stɪks]
• and: conjunction connecting two items [ənd]
• their hobnailed boots: boots with nails in the soles [ðɛr hobnailed buts]
• were too strong: had more strength [wər tu strɔŋ]
• for them: compared to the animals [fər ðɛm]
• and: conjunction connecting two events [ənd]
• suddenly: quickly and unexpectedly [ˈsədənli]
• at a squeal: a high-pitched cry [æt ə skwil]
• from Snowball: made by Snowball [frəm sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• which: relative pronoun referring to the squeal [wɪʧ]
• was the signal: was the indication [wɑz ðə ˈsɪgnəl]
• for retreat: to move back or withdraw [fər riˈtrit]
• all the animals: every one of the animals [ɔl ðə ˈænəməlz]
• turned: changed direction [tərnd]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• fled: ran away quickly [flɛd]
• through the gateway: through the entrance [θru ðə ˈgeɪtˌweɪ]
• into the yard: to the area [ˈɪntu ðə jɑrd]

The men gave a shout of triumph.

• The men: referring to a group of male humans [ðə mɛn]
• gave: past tense of 'give', meaning to perform an action [geɪv]
• a shout: a loud cry or yell [ə ʃaʊt]
• of triumph: expressing great joy or victory [əv traɪəmf]

They saw, as they imagined, their enemies in flight, and they rushed after them in disorder.

• They: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• saw: past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]
• as: in the way that [ɛz]
• they: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• imagined: past tense of 'imagine', meaning to form a mental image or concept [ˌɪˈmæʤənd]
• their enemies: the people who are opposed to them [ðɛr ˈɛnəmiz]
• in flight: running away; fleeing [ɪn flaɪt]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• they: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• rushed: past tense of 'rush', meaning to move with great speed [rəʃt]
• after them: following behind their enemies [ˈæftər ðɛm]
• in disorder: in a state of chaos or disarray [ɪn dɪˈsɔrdər]

This was just what Snowball had intended.

• This: referring to the situation described in the previous sentences [ðɪs]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• just: exactly [ʤɪst]
• what: referring to the plan or intention [wət]
• Snowball: name of a character, likely an animal [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• had intended: past perfect tense of 'intend', meaning to have planned or meant to do something [hæd ˌɪnˈtɛndɪd]

As soon as they were well inside the yard, the three horses, the three cows, and the rest of the pigs, who had been lying in ambush in the cowshed, suddenly emerged in their rear, cutting them off.

• As soon as: immediately after [ɛz sun ɛz]
• they: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'be' [wər]
• well inside: deep within [wɛl ˌɪnˈsaɪd]
• the yard: an enclosed area around a building [ðə jɑrd]
• the three horses: a group of three horses [ðə θri ˈhɔrsɪz]
• the three cows: a group of three cows [ðə θri kaʊz]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the rest of the pigs: the remaining pigs [ðə rɛst əv ðə pɪgz]
• who: relative pronoun referring to 'the rest of the pigs' [hu]
• had been lying: past perfect continuous tense of 'lie', meaning to have been in a resting position [hæd bɪn laɪɪŋ]
• in ambush: waiting in a concealed position to attack [ɪn ˈæmˌbʊʃ]
• in the cowshed: a shed or building for cows [ɪn ðə cowshed]
• suddenly: quickly and unexpectedly [ˈsədənli]
• emerged: past tense of 'emerge', meaning to come out into view [ˈimərʤd]
• in their rear: behind them; at their back [ɪn ðɛr rɪr]
• cutting them off: blocking their escape [ˈkətɪŋ ðɛm ɔf]

Snowball now gave the signal for the charge.

• Snowball: name of a character, likely an animal [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• now: at this time [naʊ]
• gave: past tense of 'give', meaning to issue [geɪv]
• the signal: a sign or command [ðə ˈsɪgnəl]
• for the charge: to begin the attack [fər ðə ʧɑrʤ]

He himself dashed straight for Jones.

• He: referring to 'Snowball' [hi]
• himself: emphasizing that it was Snowball who did the action [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• dashed: past tense of 'dash', meaning to move quickly and suddenly [dæʃt]
• straight: directly [streɪt]
• for Jones: towards Jones, likely a person's name [fər ʤoʊnz]

Jones saw him coming, raised his gun and fired.

• Jones: name of a character, likely a person [ʤoʊnz]
• saw: past tense of 'see', meaning to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]
• him: referring to 'Snowball' [ɪm]
• coming: approaching [ˈkəmɪŋ]
• raised: past tense of 'raise', meaning to lift or bring up [reɪzd]
• his gun: a firearm [hɪz gən]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• fired: past tense of 'fire', meaning to discharge a firearm [faɪərd]

The pellets scored bloody streaks along Snowball’s back, and a sheep dropped dead.

• The pellets: small, round pieces of ammunition [ðə ˈpɛləts]
• scored: past tense of 'score', meaning to mark or scratch [skɔrd]
• bloody streaks: lines of blood [ˈblədi striks]
• along: on or parallel to [əˈlɔŋ]
• Snowball’s: belonging to Snowball [sˈnoʊˌbɔlz]
• back: the rear part of the body [bæk]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• a sheep: a farm animal [ə ʃip]
• dropped dead: fell to the ground and died [drɑpt dɛd]

Without halting for an instant, Snowball flung his fifteen stone against Jones’s legs.

• Without: not having or doing something [wɪˈθaʊt]
• halting: stopping [ˈhɔltɪŋ]
• for an instant: even for a very short time [fər ən ˈɪnstənt]
• Snowball: name of a character, likely an animal [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• flung: past tense of 'fling', meaning to throw forcefully [fləŋ]
• his fifteen stone: his weight, fifteen stone being a unit of weight [hɪz ˈfɪfˈtin stoʊn]
• against: in opposition to; impacting [əˈgɛnst]
• Jones’s: belonging to Jones [ˈʤoʊnzɪz]
• legs: the limbs used for standing and walking [lɛgz]

Jones was hurled into a pile of dung and his gun flew out of his hands.

• Jones: name of a character, likely a person [ʤoʊnz]
• was hurled: past tense of 'hurl', meaning to throw with great force [wɑz hərld]
• into: expressing movement or direction into something [ˈɪntu]
• a pile of dung: a heap of animal excrement [ə paɪl əv dəŋ]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• his gun: a firearm [hɪz gən]
• flew out: past tense of 'fly', meaning to move through the air [flu aʊt]
• of his hands: from his grasp [əv hɪz hænz]

But the most terrifying spectacle of all was Boxer, rearing up on his hind legs and striking out with his great iron-shod hoofs like a stallion.

• But: conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• the most terrifying: causing the greatest fear [ðə moʊst ˈtɛrəˌfaɪɪŋ]
• spectacle: a visually striking performance or display [ˈspɛktəkəl]
• of all: out of everything [əv ɔl]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• Boxer: name of a character, likely an animal [ˈbɑksər]
• rearing up: standing on hind legs [ˈrɪrɪŋ əp]
• on his hind legs: standing upright on his back legs [ɔn hɪz haɪnd lɛgz]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• striking out: attacking with a forceful blow [ˈstraɪkɪŋ aʊt]
• with: used to indicate the instrument or means used [wɪθ]
• his great: very large [hɪz greɪt]
• iron-shod hoofs: hooves fitted with iron shoes [iron-shod hʊfs]
• like: similar to [laɪk]
• a stallion: an adult male horse [ə ˈstæljən]

His very first blow took a stable-lad from Foxwood on the skull and stretched him lifeless in the mud.

• His: belonging to Boxer [hɪz]
• very first blow: the initial strike [ˈvɛri fərst bloʊ]
• took: past tense of 'take', meaning to hit or strike [tʊk]
• a stable-lad: a young man who works in a stable [ə stable-lad]
• from Foxwood: from a place called Foxwood [frəm ˈfɑksˌwʊd]
• on the skull: on the head [ɔn ðə skəl]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• stretched him: caused him to fall [strɛʧt ɪm]
• lifeless: dead [ˈlaɪfləs]
• in the mud: in wet, soft earth [ɪn ðə məd]

At the sight, several men dropped their sticks and tried to run.

• At the sight: upon seeing this [æt ðə saɪt]
• several men: more than two men [ˈsɛvərəl mɛn]
• dropped: past tense of 'drop', meaning to let fall [drɑpt]
• their sticks: long, thin pieces of wood used for support or as weapons [ðɛr stɪks]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• tried: past tense of 'try', meaning to attempt [traɪd]
• to run: to move quickly on foot [tɪ rən]

Panic overtook them, and the next moment all the animals together were chasing them round and round the yard.

• Panic: sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety [ˈpænɪk]
• overtook: past tense of 'overtake', meaning to catch up with and pass [ˌoʊvərˈtʊk]
• them: referring to 'several men' [ðɛm]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• the next moment: immediately after [ðə nɛkst ˈmoʊmənt]
• all the animals: every animal [ɔl ðə ˈænəməlz]
• together: in a group [təˈgɛðər]
• were chasing: past continuous tense of 'chase', meaning to pursue in order to catch [wər ˈʧeɪsɪŋ]
• them: referring to 'several men' [ðɛm]
• round and round: in a circular motion [raʊnd ənd raʊnd]
• the yard: an enclosed area around a building [ðə jɑrd]

They were gored, kicked, bitten, trampled on.

• They: referring to 'several men' [ðeɪ]
• were gored: past tense of 'gore', meaning to pierce or stab with a horn or tusk [wər gɔrd]
• kicked: past tense of 'kick', meaning to strike with the foot [kɪkt]
• bitten: past participle of 'bite', meaning to cut or tear with the teeth [ˈbɪtən]
• trampled on: past participle of 'trample', meaning to step on and crush [ˈtræmpəld ɔn]

There was not an animal on the farm that did not take vengeance on them after his own fashion.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• was not: was not [wɑz nɑt]
• an animal: a living creature [ən ˈænəməl]
• on the farm: at the farm [ɔn ðə fɑrm]
• that: relative pronoun referring to 'an animal' [ðət]
• did not: did not [dɪd nɑt]
• take vengeance: retaliate; seek revenge [teɪk ˈvɛnʤəns]
• on them: referring to 'several men' [ɔn ðɛm]
• after: following [ˈæftər]
• his own fashion: in its own way [hɪz oʊn ˈfæʃən]

Even the cat suddenly leapt off a roof onto a cowman’s shoulders and sank her claws in his neck, at which he yelled horribly.

• Even: used to emphasize something surprising or unexpected [ˈivɪn]
• the cat: a domestic animal [ðə kæt]
• suddenly: quickly and unexpectedly [ˈsədənli]
• leapt off: past tense of 'leap', meaning to jump [lɛpt ɔf]
• a roof: the covering of a building [ə rʊf]
• onto: on top of [ˈɔntu]
• a cowman’s: belonging to a cowman, a person who tends cows [ə cowmans]
• shoulders: the upper part of the body between the neck and the upper arm [ˈʃoʊldərz]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• sank: past tense of 'sink', meaning to penetrate or go into something [sæŋk]
• her claws: sharp, curved nails on the feet of an animal [hər klɔz]
• in his neck: in the part of the body connecting the head and the torso [ɪn hɪz nɛk]
• at which: as a result of which [æt wɪʧ]
• he: referring to 'a cowman' [hi]
• yelled: past tense of 'yell', meaning to shout loudly [jɛld]
• horribly: in a terrible or frightening way [ˈhɔrəbli]

At a moment when the opening was clear, the men were glad enough to rush out of the yard and make a bolt for the main road.

• At a moment: during a specific time [æt ə ˈmoʊmənt]
• when: at which [wɪn]
• the opening: a gap or space [ðə ˈoʊpənɪŋ]
• was clear: free from obstruction [wɑz klɪr]
• the men: referring to a group of male humans [ðə mɛn]
• were glad enough: were happy enough [wər glæd ɪˈnəf]
• to rush out: to move quickly out [tɪ rəʃ aʊt]
• of the yard: from the enclosed area [əv ðə jɑrd]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• make a bolt: to run away quickly [meɪk ə boʊlt]
• for: towards [fər]
• the main road: the primary road [ðə meɪn roʊd]

And so within five minutes of their invasion they were in ignominious retreat by the same way as they had come, with a flock of geese hissing after them and pecking at their calves all the way.

• And so: therefore [ənd soʊ]
• within: inside of [wɪˈθɪn]
• five minutes: a short period of time [faɪv ˈmɪnəts]
• of their invasion: of their act of entering a place with hostile intent [əv ðɛr ˌɪnˈveɪʒən]
• they: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'be' [wər]
• in ignominious retreat: retreating in a shameful and disgraceful manner [ɪn ˌɪgnəˈmɪniəs riˈtrit]
• by: along [baɪ]
• the same way: the same route [ðə seɪm weɪ]
• as: in the same manner as [ɛz]
• they: referring to 'the men' [ðeɪ]
• had come: past perfect tense of 'come', meaning to have arrived [hæd kəm]
• with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• a flock of geese: a group of geese [ə flɑk əv gis]
• hissing: making a hissing sound [ˈhɪsɪŋ]
• after them: following them and making a hissing sound [ˈæftər ðɛm]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• pecking: striking with the beak [ˈpɛkɪŋ]
• at their calves: at the lower part of their legs [æt ðɛr kævz]
• all the way: for the entire distance [ɔl ðə weɪ]