Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 23

Three days later Mollie disappeared.

• Three days later: A period of three days passing [θri deɪz ˈleɪtər]
• Mollie: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]
• disappeared: vanished; went missing [ˌdɪsəˈpɪrd]

For some weeks nothing was known of her whereabouts, then the pigeons reported that they had seen her on the other side of Willingdon.

• For some weeks: A period lasting several weeks [fər səm wiks]
• nothing: no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ]
• was known: was understood or discovered [wɑz noʊn]
• of: concerning [əv]
• her whereabouts: the place where she is [hər ˈwɛrəˌbaʊts]
• then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
• the pigeons: a type of bird [ðə ˈpɪʤənz]
• reported: gave an account of; announced [ˌriˈpɔrtəd]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• they: pronoun referring to the pigeons [ðeɪ]
• had seen: past perfect tense of 'see' [hæd sin]
• her: pronoun referring to Mollie [hər]
• on: located at a place [ɔn]
• the other side: the opposite side [ðə ˈəðər saɪd]
• of: indicating position relative to something [əv]
• Willingdon: a proper noun, likely the name of a place [willingdon]

She was between the shafts of a smart dogcart painted red and black, which was standing outside a public-house.

• She: pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• between: in the space separating (two objects or regions [bɪtˈwin]
• the shafts: one of the two poles between which a horse is harnessed to a vehicle [ðə ʃæfts]
• of: indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]
• a smart dogcart: a stylish, light, two-wheeled vehicle [ə smɑrt dogcart]
• painted: covered with paint [ˈpeɪnɪd]
• red and black: having the colors red and black [rɛd ənd blæk]
• which: introducing a relative clause [wɪʧ]
• was standing: was positioned [wɑz ˈstændɪŋ]
• outside: on the outer side of [ˈaʊtˈsaɪd]
• a public-house: a building licensed for the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks; a pub [ə public-house]

A fat red-faced man in check breeches and gaiters, who looked like a publican, was stroking her nose and feeding her with sugar.

• A fat red-faced man: A man who is overweight and has a red face [ə fæt red-faced mæn]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• check breeches: trousers with a checkered pattern [ʧɛk breeches]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• gaiters: a covering for the ankle and lower leg [gaiters]
• who: introducing a relative clause referring to the man [hu]
• looked like: resembled [lʊkt laɪk]
• a publican: a person who owns or manages a public house [ə publican]
• was stroking: was gently moving one's hand over (something), especially in affection [wɑz ˈstroʊkɪŋ]
• her nose: the nose of Mollie [hər noʊz]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• feeding: giving food to [ˈfidɪŋ]
• her: pronoun referring to Mollie [hər]
• with sugar: giving her sugar [wɪθ ˈʃʊgər]

Her coat was newly clipped and she wore a scarlet ribbon round her forelock.

• Her coat: the fur or hair covering of Mollie [hər koʊt]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• newly clipped: recently cut short [ˈnuli klɪpt]
• and: a conjunction indicating addition or sequence [ənd]
• she: pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• wore: had on; was wearing [wɔr]
• a scarlet ribbon: a bright red ribbon [ə ˈskɑrlət ˈrɪbən]
• round: surrounding [raʊnd]
• her forelock: a lock of hair growing from the front of the head [hər forelock]

She appeared to be enjoying herself, so the pigeons said.

• She: pronoun referring to Mollie [ʃi]
• appeared: seemed [əˈpɪrd]
• to be enjoying herself: to be having a good time [tɪ bi ˌɛnˈʤɔɪɪŋ hərˈsɛlf]
• so: therefore [soʊ]
• the pigeons: a type of bird [ðə ˈpɪʤənz]
• said: stated [sɛd]

None of the animals ever mentioned Mollie again.

• None: not one [nən]
• of: indicating origin, possession, or association [əv]
• the animals: the creatures [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• ever: at any time [ˈɛvər]
• mentioned: referred to [ˈmɛnʃənd]
• Mollie: a proper noun, likely the name of a character [ˈmɑli]
• again: once more [əˈgɛn]

In January there came bitterly hard weather.

• In January: Referring to the month of January [ɪn ˈʤænjuˌɛri]
• there came: Indicates the arrival or occurrence of something [ðɛr keɪm]
• bitterly hard weather: Extremely cold and harsh weather conditions [ˈbɪtərli hɑrd ˈwɛðər]

The earth was like iron, and nothing could be done in the fields.

• The earth: Referring to the ground or soil [ðə ərθ]
• was like iron: Implies the ground was frozen solid and unyielding [wɑz laɪk aɪərn]
• and nothing could be done: Indicates that no work or activity was possible [ənd ˈnəθɪŋ kʊd bi dən]
• in the fields: Referring to agricultural land [ɪn ðə fildz]

Many meetings were held in the big barn, and the pigs occupied themselves with planning out the work of the coming season.

• Many meetings: A large number of gatherings or assemblies [ˈmɛni ˈmitɪŋz]
• were held: Took place; were conducted [wər hɛld]
• in the big barn: A large agricultural building used for storage [ɪn ðə bɪg bɑrn]
• and the pigs: Referring to the pigs on the farm [ənd ðə pɪgz]
• occupied themselves: Kept busy; engaged in activity [ˈɑkjəˌpaɪd ðɛmˈsɛlvz]
• with planning out: Making detailed plans for [wɪθ ˈplænɪŋ aʊt]
• the work: The tasks or activities [ðə wərk]
• of the coming season: The next agricultural season [əv ðə ˈkəmɪŋ ˈsizən]

It had come to be accepted that the pigs, who were manifestly cleverer than the other animals, should decide all questions of farm policy, though their decisions had to be ratified by a majority vote.

• It had come to be accepted: It had become the established norm or belief [ɪt hæd kəm tɪ bi ækˈsɛptɪd]
• that the pigs: Referring to the pigs on the farm [ðət ðə pɪgz]
• who were manifestly cleverer: Who were clearly and obviously more intelligent [hu wər ˈmænəfɛstli cleverer]
• than the other animals: Compared to the other animals on the farm [ðən ðə ˈəðər ˈænəməlz]
• should decide: Were expected to make the decisions [ʃʊd ˌdɪˈsaɪd]
• all questions: Every issue or matter [ɔl kˈwɛsʧənz]
• of farm policy: Relating to the management and operation of the farm [əv fɑrm ˈpɑləsi]
• though their decisions: Even though the pigs made the decisions [ðoʊ ðɛr dɪˈsɪʒənz]
• had to be ratified: Needed to be formally approved [hæd tɪ bi ˈrætəˌfaɪd]
• by a majority vote: By a vote where more than half agree [baɪ ə məˈʤɔrəti voʊt]

This arrangement would have worked well enough if it had not been for the disputes between Snowball and Napoleon.

• This arrangement: This system or agreement [ðɪs ərˈeɪnʤmənt]
• would have worked well enough: Would have functioned adequately [wʊd hæv wərkt wɛl ɪˈnəf]
• if it had not been: If it were not [ɪf ɪt hæd nɑt bɪn]
• for the disputes: Because of the disagreements or arguments [fər ðə dɪˈspjuts]
• between Snowball and Napoleon: Referring to the two pigs named Snowball and Napoleon [bɪtˈwin sˈnoʊˌbɔl ənd nəˈpoʊljən]

These two disagreed at every point where disagreement was possible.

• These two: Referring to Snowball and Napoleon [ðiz tu]
• disagreed: Held different opinions; argued [dɪsəˈgrid]
• at every point: On every issue or matter [æt ˈɛvəri pɔɪnt]
• where disagreement was possible: Where there was potential for differing opinions [wɛr dɪsəˈgrimənt wɑz ˈpɑsəbəl]

If one of them suggested sowing a bigger acreage with barley, the other was certain to demand a bigger acreage of oats, and if one of them said that such and such a field was just right for cabbages, the other would declare that it was useless for anything except roots.

• If one of them: If either Snowball or Napoleon [ɪf wən əv ðɛm]
• suggested: Proposed; recommended [səˈʤɛstɪd]
• sowing a bigger acreage: Planting a larger area of land [soʊɪŋ ə ˈbɪgər ˈeɪkərɪʤ]
• with barley: With the grain barley [wɪθ ˈbɑrli]
• the other: The other one of Snowball and Napoleon [ðə ˈəðər]
• was certain: Was sure; would definitely [wɑz ˈsərtən]
• to demand: To insist on; to request forcefully [tɪ dɪˈmænd]
• a bigger acreage: A larger area of land [ə ˈbɪgər ˈeɪkərɪʤ]
• of oats: With the grain oats [əv oʊts]
• and if one of them: And if either Snowball or Napoleon [ənd ɪf wən əv ðɛm]
• said: Stated; declared [sɛd]
• that such and such: That a particular; that a specific [ðət səʧ ənd səʧ]
• a field: An area of land [ə fild]
• was just right: Was perfectly suitable [wɑz ʤɪst raɪt]
• for cabbages: For growing cabbages [fər ˈkæbɪʤɪz]
• the other: The other one of Snowball and Napoleon [ðə ˈəðər]
• would declare: Would state; would announce [wʊd dɪˈklɛr]
• that it was useless: That it was not suitable or good for anything [ðət ɪt wɑz ˈjusləs]
• for anything: For any purpose [fər ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]
• except roots: Except for growing root vegetables [ɪkˈsɛpt ruts]

Each had his own following, and there were some violent debates.

• Each had: Each of them possessed [iʧ hæd]
• his own following: His own group of supporters [hɪz oʊn ˈfɑloʊɪŋ]
• and there were: And there existed [ənd ðɛr wər]
• some violent debates: Some intense and heated arguments [səm ˈvaɪələnt dəˈbeɪts]

At the Meetings Snowball often won over the majority by his brilliant speeches, but Napoleon was better at canvassing support for himself in between times.

• At the Meetings: During the gatherings or assemblies [æt ðə ˈmitɪŋz]
• Snowball often won over: Snowball frequently convinced or persuaded [sˈnoʊˌbɔl ˈɔfən wən ˈoʊvər]
• the majority: More than half of the people present [ðə məˈʤɔrəti]
• by his brilliant speeches: Through his impressive and persuasive talks [baɪ hɪz ˈbrɪljənt ˈspiʧɪz]
• but Napoleon: Referring to the pig named Napoleon [bət nəˈpoʊljən]
• was better: Was more skilled [wɑz ˈbɛtər]
• at canvassing support: At gathering or soliciting support [æt ˈkænvəsɪŋ səˈpɔrt]
• for himself: For his own benefit [fər hɪmˈsɛlf]
• in between times: In the periods between the meetings [ɪn bɪtˈwin taɪmz]

He was especially successful with the sheep.

• He was: Referring to Napoleon [hi wɑz]
• especially successful: Particularly effective [əˈspɛʃəli səkˈsɛsfəl]
• with the sheep: In dealing with the sheep on the farm [wɪθ ðə ʃip]

Of late the sheep had taken to bleating ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ both in and out of season, and they often interrupted the Meeting with this.

• Of late: Recently; lately [əv leɪt]
• the sheep: Referring to the sheep on the farm [ðə ʃip]
• had taken to: Had started to; had developed the habit of [hæd ˈteɪkən tɪ]
• bleating: Making the characteristic sound of sheep [bleating]
• Four legs good, two legs bad: A slogan or motto used by the sheep [‘‘four lɛgz gʊd tu lɛgz bad’*’]
• both in and out of season: At all times; constantly [boʊθ ɪn ənd aʊt əv ˈsizən]
• and they often: And they frequently [ənd ðeɪ ˈɔfən]
• interrupted: Broke into; disrupted [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]
• the Meeting: The gathering or assembly [ðə ˈmitɪŋ]
• with this: With this slogan or motto [wɪθ ðɪs]

It was noticed that they were especially liable to break into ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ at crucial moments in Snowball’s speeches.

• It was noticed: It was observed; it was seen [ɪt wɑz ˈnoʊtɪst]
• that they were: That the sheep were [ðət ðeɪ wər]
• especially liable: Particularly likely [əˈspɛʃəli ˈlaɪəbəl]
• to break into: To start suddenly [tɪ breɪk ˈɪntu]
• Four legs good, two legs bad: The slogan or motto used by the sheep [‘‘four lɛgz gʊd tu lɛgz bad’*’]
• at crucial moments: At important or decisive times [æt ˈkruʃəl ˈmoʊmənts]
• in Snowball’s speeches: During Snowball's talks [ɪn sˈnoʊˌbɔlz ˈspiʧɪz]

Snowball had made a close study of some back numbers of the Farmer and Stock-breeder which he had found in the farmhouse, and was full of plans for innovations and improvements.

• Snowball had made: Snowball had undertaken [sˈnoʊˌbɔl hæd meɪd]
• a close study: A detailed examination [ə kloʊz ˈstədi]
• of some back numbers: Of some past issues [əv səm bæk ˈnəmbərz]
• of the Farmer and Stock-breeder: A farming magazine [əv ðə ˈfɑrmər ənd stock-breeder]
• which he had found: That he had discovered [wɪʧ hi hæd faʊnd]
• in the farmhouse: In the main house on the farm [ɪn ðə ˈfɑrmˌhaʊs]
• and was full of: And was filled with [ənd wɑz fʊl əv]
• plans: Ideas; schemes [plænz]
• for innovations: For new ideas or methods [fər ˌɪnəˈveɪʃənz]
• and improvements: And enhancements [ənd ˌɪmˈpruvmənts]

He talked learnedly about field-drains, silage and basic slag, and had worked out a complicated scheme for all the animals to drop their dung directly in the fields, at a different spot every day, to save the labour of cartage.

• He talked learnedly: He spoke in an educated and knowledgeable manner [hi tɔkt learnedly]
• about field-drains: About drainage systems in fields [əˈbaʊt field-drains]
• silage: Fermented and stored green fodder [silage]
• and basic slag: A fertilizer [ənd ˈbeɪsɪk slæg]
• and had worked out: And had developed [ənd hæd wərkt aʊt]
• a complicated scheme: A complex plan [ə ˈkɑmpləˌkeɪtəd skim]
• for all the animals: For every animal on the farm [fər ɔl ðə ˈænəməlz]
• to drop their dung: To excrete their feces [tɪ drɔp ðɛr dəŋ]
• directly in the fields: Straight onto the fields [dɪˈrɛkli ɪn ðə fildz]
• at a different spot: In a different location [æt ə ˈdɪfərənt spɑt]
• every day: Each day [ˈɛvəri deɪ]
• to save the labour: To reduce the effort [tɪ seɪv ðə ˈleɪbər]
• of cartage: Of transporting manure [əv cartage]

Napoleon produced no schemes of his own, but said quietly that Snowball's would come to nothing, and seemed to be biding his time.

• Napoleon produced: Napoleon created or offered [nəˈpoʊljən prəˈdust]
• no schemes: No plans or ideas [noʊ skimz]
• of his own: That were his own [əv hɪz oʊn]
• but said quietly: But stated calmly [bət sɛd kˈwaɪətli]
• that Snowball's: That Snowball's plans [ðət sˈnoʊˌbɔlz]
• would come to nothing: Would fail; would not succeed [wʊd kəm tɪ ˈnəθɪŋ]
• and seemed: And appeared [ənd simd]
• to be biding his time: To be waiting for the right moment [tɪ bi ˈbaɪdɪŋ hɪz taɪm]

But of all their controversies, none was so bitter as the one that took place over the windmill.

• But of all: But regarding all [bət əv ɔl]
• their controversies: Their disagreements or disputes [ðɛr ˈkɑntrəˌvərsiz]
• none was so bitter: None was as intense or hostile [nən wɑz soʊ ˈbɪtər]
• as the one: As the dispute [ɛz ðə wən]
• that took place: That occurred [ðət tʊk pleɪs]
• over the windmill: Regarding the construction of a windmill [ˈoʊvər ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]