There(used to indicate existence [ðɛr]) was(past tense of 'is' [wɑz]) much discussion(a lot of debate or conversation [məʧ dɪˈskəʃən]) as to(regarding; concerning [ɛz tɪ]) what(which thing or event [wət]) the battle(referring to a specific fight or conflict [ðə ˈbætəl]) should be called(what name it should be given [ʃʊd bi kɔld]). In the end(finally; after a period of time [ɪn ðə ɛnd]), (punctuation mark)it(referring to the battle [ɪt]) was named(was given the name [wɑz neɪmd]) the Battle of the Cowshed(the chosen name for the battle [ðə ˈbætəl əv ðə cowshed]), (punctuation mark)since(because; as a reason [sɪns]) that(referring to the cowshed [ðət]) was(past tense of 'is' [wɑz]) where(the place in which [wɛr]) the ambush(a surprise attack [ðə ˈæmˌbʊʃ]) had been sprung(had been launched or initiated [hæd bɪn sprəŋ]). Mr. Jones’s gun(the gun belonging to Mr. Jones [ˈmɪstər ˈʤoʊnzɪz gən]) had been found(was discovered [hæd bɪn faʊnd]) lying(being in a horizontal position [laɪɪŋ]) in the mud(wet, soft earth [ɪn ðə məd]), (punctuation mark)and(conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]) it(referring to the fact [ɪt]) was known(was understood or established [wɑz noʊn]) that(introduces a subordinate clause [ðət]) there(used to indicate existence [ðɛr]) was(past tense of 'is' [wɑz]) a supply(an amount of something available [ə səˈplaɪ]) of cartridges(ammunition for a gun [əv ˈkɑrtrəʤəz]) in the farmhouse(inside the main house on the farm [ɪn ðə ˈfɑrmˌhaʊs]). It(referring to the group of animals [ɪt]) was decided(a decision was made [wɑz ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd]) to set(to place or position [tɪ sɛt]) the gun(referring to Mr. Jones's gun [ðə gən]) up(in an upright position [əp]) at the foot(at the base [æt ðə fʊt]) of the Flagstaff(the pole on which the flag is flown [əv ðə ˈflægˌstæf]), (punctuation mark)like(similar to [laɪk]) a piece(an item [ə pis]) of artillery(large guns used in warfare [əv ɑrˈtɪləri]), (punctuation mark)and(conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]) to fire(to shoot or discharge [tɪ faɪər]) it(referring to the gun [ɪt]) twice(two times [twaɪs]) a year(per year [ə jɪr]) (punctuation mark [–*])– once(one time [wəns]) on October the twelfth(a specific date [ɔn ɑkˈtoʊbər ðə twɛlfθ]), (punctuation mark)the anniversary(the date on which an event occurred in a previous year [ðə ˌænəˈvərsəri]) of the Battle of the Cowshed(referring back to the battle [əv ðə ˈbætəl əv ðə cowshed]), (punctuation mark)and(conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]) once(one time [wəns]) on Midsummer Day(a specific day, usually around June 21st [ɔn ˈmɪdˈsəmər deɪ]), (punctuation mark)the anniversary(the date on which an event occurred in a previous year [ðə ˌænəˈvərsəri]) of the Rebellion(referring to a revolt or uprising [əv ðə rɪˈbɛljən]).
V
As(used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]) winter(the coldest season of the year, typically following autumn and preceding spring [ˈwɪntər]) drew on(gradually approached or arrived [dru ɔn]), Mollie(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]) became(to begin to be [bɪˈkeɪm]) more and more(increasingly [mɔr ənd mɔr]) troublesome(causing difficulty or annoyance [ˈtrəbəlsəm]). She(referring to Mollie [ʃi]) was(past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]) late(arriving or happening after the expected or usual time [leɪt]) for(indicating the purpose or reason for something [fər]) work(activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]) every morning(each morning; without exception [ˈɛvəri ˈmɔrnɪŋ]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) excused(to offer an apology or justification for an action or fault [ɪkˈskjuzd]) herself(reflexive pronoun referring back to 'she' [hərˈsɛlf]) by(indicating the means of achieving something [baɪ]) saying(expressing something with words [seɪɪŋ]) that(introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]) she(referring to Mollie [ʃi]) had overslept(slept longer than intended [hæd ˌoʊvərsˈlɛpt]),and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) she(referring to Mollie [ʃi]) complained(expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance about something [kəmˈpleɪnd]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) mysterious(difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify [mɪˈstɪriəs]) pains(physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury [peɪnz]), although(in spite of the fact that [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]) her(belonging to Mollie [hər]) appetite(a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food [ˈæpəˌtaɪt]) was(past tense of 'to be' [wɑz]) excellent(extremely good; outstanding [ˈɛksələnt]). On(indicating a day or date on which something happens or is done [ɔn]) every kind of(all types of [ˈɛvəri kaɪnd əv]) pretext(a reason given to justify a course of action that is not the real reason [ˈpriˌtɛkst]) she(referring to Mollie [ʃi]) would(expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]) run away(escape from a place or situation [rən əˈweɪ]) from(indicating separation or removal from a place or time [frəm]) work(activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result [wərk]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) go(move from one place to another [goʊ]) to(expressing motion in the direction of a particular location [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]) drinking pool(a pool of water used for drinking, especially by animals [ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ pul]), where(at or in which place or situation [wɛr]) she(referring to Mollie [ʃi]) would(expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]) stand(be in or rise to an upright position, supported by one's feet [stænd]) foolishly(in a silly or unwise way [ˈfulɪʃli]) gazing(look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or surprise [ˈgeɪzɪŋ]) at(expressing direction or position [æt]) her own(belonging to herself; emphasizing possession [hər oʊn]) reflection(an image seen in a mirror or shiny surface [rɪˈflɛkʃən]) in(expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]) water(a colorless, transparent, odorless, and tasteless liquid [ˈwɔtər]). But(used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has already been said [bət]) there(used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]) were(past tense plural of 'to be' [wər]) also(in addition; too [ˈɔlsoʊ]) rumours(a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth [ˈrumərz]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) something(an unspecified or indefinite thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]) more(a greater or additional amount or degree of [mɔr]) serious(grave; giving cause for concern [ˈsɪriəs]). One day(on a particular day [wən deɪ]), as(used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]) Mollie(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]) strolled(walked in a leisurely way [stroʊld]) blithely(in a happy or carefree manner [ˈblaɪθli]) into(expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]) the(definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]) yard(an area of ground, typically one that is enclosed, adjoining or surrounding a building [jɑrd]), flirting(behaving as though attracted to someone, but playfully rather than with serious intentions [ˈflərtɪŋ]) her(belonging to Mollie [hər]) long(measuring a great distance from end to end [lɔŋ]) tail(the hindmost part of an animal, especially when prolonged beyond the rest of the body [teɪl]) and(used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) chewing(bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow [ʧuɪŋ]) at(expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]) a stalk(the main stem of a herbaceous plant [ə stɔk]) of(expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]) hay(grass that has been mown and dried for use as fodder [heɪ]), Clover(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]) took(past tense of 'take' [tʊk]) her(referring to Mollie [hər]) aside(to one side; out of the way [əˈsaɪd]).
‘Mollie(Addressing Mollie directly, using her name [‘‘mollie]),’ she said(Indicates who is speaking [ʃi sɛd]), ‘I have something very serious to say to you(Expresses the importance of the upcoming message [‘‘i hæv ˈsəmθɪŋ ˈvɛri ˈsɪriəs tɪ seɪ tɪ ju]). This morning(Refers to the morning of the current day [ðɪs ˈmɔrnɪŋ]) I saw you looking over the hedge(Describes the action of looking over a boundary [aɪ sɔ ju ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈoʊvər ðə hɛʤ]) that divides Animal Farm from Foxwood(Specifies the hedge's function as a divider between two locations [ðət dɪˈvaɪdz ˈænəməl fɑrm frəm ˈfɑksˌwʊd]). One of Mr. Pilkington’s men(Refers to a person associated with Mr. Pilkington [wən əv ˈmɪstər pilkingtons mɛn]) was standing on the other side of the hedge(Describes the man's location relative to the hedge [wɑz ˈstændɪŋ ɔn ðə ˈəðər saɪd əv ðə hɛʤ]). And – I was a long way away, but I am almost certain I saw this – he was talking to you(Describes the man's action of speaking to Mollie [hi wɑz ˈtɔkɪŋ tɪ ju]) and you were allowing him to stroke your nose(Describes Mollie's action of permitting the man to touch her nose [ənd ju wər əˈlaʊɪŋ ɪm tɪ stroʊk jʊr noʊz]). What does that mean, Mollie(Asks for an explanation of the situation, directly addressing Mollie [wət dɪz ðət min ˈmɑli])?’
‘He didn’t(Denial of the action [‘‘he ˈdɪdənt])! I wasn’t(Denial of being present or involved [aɪ ˈwəzənt])! It isn’t true(Assertion that the statement is false [ɪt ˈɪzənt tru])!’ cried Mollie(Indicates Mollie's emotional state and speech [kraɪd ˈmɑli]), beginning to prance about(Starting to move around in a lively or playful manner [bɪˈgɪnɪŋ tɪ præns əˈbaʊt]) and paw the ground(Using hooves to scrape or touch the ground [ənd pɔ ðə graʊnd]).
‘Mollie(Addressing Mollie directly [‘‘mollie])! Look me in the face(Command to make eye contact [lʊk mi ɪn ðə feɪs]). Do you give me your word of honour(Asking for a solemn promise [du ju gɪv mi jʊr wərd əv ˈɑnər]) that that man was not stroking your nose(Questioning whether the man was touching her nose [ðət ðət mæn wɑz nɑt ˈstroʊkɪŋ jʊr noʊz])?’
‘It isn’t true(A denial or exclamation of disbelief [‘‘it ˈɪzənt tru])!’ repeated(said again [rɪˈpitɪd]) Mollie(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]), but(a conjunction indicating contrast [bət]) she(pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]) could not(was unable to [kʊd nɑt]) look(to direct one's gaze [lʊk]) Clover(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]) in the face(directly, without avoiding eye contact [ɪn ðə feɪs]), and(a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]) the next moment(immediately after [ðə nɛkst ˈmoʊmənt]) she(pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]) took to her heels(an idiom meaning to run away quickly [tʊk tɪ hər hilz]) and(a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]) galloped(ran quickly, like a horse [ˈgæləpt]) away(in a direction away from the speaker or a specified place [əˈweɪ]) into(expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else [ˈɪntu]) the field(an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture, typically bounded by hedges or fences [ðə fild]).
A thought(An idea or concept [ə θɔt]) struck(came to (someone) suddenly [strək]) Clover(a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈkloʊvər]). Without(lacking; not having [wɪˈθaʊt]) saying(uttering words [seɪɪŋ]) anything(any matter or thing whatever [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) the others(other individuals or animals [ðə ˈəðərz]), she(pronoun referring to Clover [ʃi]) went(moved or traveled to a place [wɛnt]) to(expressing direction or purpose [tɪ]) Mollie’s(possessive form of Mollie, indicating ownership or association [mollies]) stall(a compartment for an animal in a stable or barn [stɔl]) and(a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]) turned over(moved something so that the other side is facing up [tərnd ˈoʊvər]) the straw(dried stalks of grain, used as bedding for animals [ðə strɔ]) with(accompanied by [wɪθ]) her hoof(the hard part of the foot of an animal [hər huf]). Hidden(kept out of sight; concealed [ˈhɪdən]) under(beneath or below [ˈəndər]) the straw(dried stalks of grain, used as bedding for animals [ðə strɔ]) was(past tense of 'is' [wɑz]) a little pile(a small heap or stack [ə ˈlɪtəl paɪl]) of(indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]) lump sugar(sugar in the form of small cubes or blocks [ləmp ˈʃʊgər]) and(a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]) several(more than two but not many [ˈsɛvərəl]) bunches(a number of things, typically of the same kind, growing or fastened together [ˈbənʧɪz]) of(indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]) ribbon(a narrow strip of fine material used for tying or decoration [ˈrɪbən]) of different colours(having various colors [əv ˈdɪfərənt colours]).