Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 37

VII

• VII: Roman numeral for the number 7 [vii]

It was a bitter winter.

• It was: referring to a specific time or period [ɪt wɑz]
• a bitter winter: a harsh and unpleasant winter season [ə ˈbɪtər ˈwɪntər]

The stormy weather was followed by sleet and snow, and then by a hard frost which did not break till well into February.

• The stormy weather: weather characterized by storms [ðə ˈstɔrmi ˈwɛðər]
• was followed: came after [wɑz ˈfɑloʊd]
• by sleet and snow: precipitation consisting of ice pellets and frozen water [baɪ slit ənd snoʊ]
• and: connecting two related events [ ənd]
• then: after that [ðɛn]
• by a hard frost: a severe freezing condition [baɪ ə hɑrd frɔst]
• which did not break: that did not thaw or end [wɪʧ dɪd nɑt breɪk]
• till: until [tɪl]
• well into February: deep into the month of February [wɛl ˈɪntu ˈfɛbruˌɛri]

The animals carried on as best they could with the rebuilding of the windmill, well knowing that the outside world was watching them and that the envious human beings would rejoice and triumph if the mill were not finished on time.

• The animals: referring to the animals on the farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• carried on: continued [ˈkɛrid ɔn]
• as best they could: to the best of their ability [ɛz bɛst ðeɪ kʊd]
• with the rebuilding: the act of reconstructing [wɪθ ðə riˈbɪldɪŋ]
• of the windmill: the structure they were rebuilding [əv ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• well knowing: being fully aware [ wɛl noʊɪŋ]
• that: introducing a clause explaining what they knew [ðət]
• the outside world: the world beyond their farm [ðə ˈaʊtˈsaɪd wərld]
• was watching them: was observing their actions [wɑz ˈwɑʧɪŋ ðɛm]
• and: connecting two related ideas [ənd]
• that: introducing a clause explaining what else they knew [ðət]
• the envious human beings: humans who were jealous of them [ðə ˈɛnviəs ˈjumən biɪŋz]
• would rejoice: would be very happy [wʊd rɪˈʤɔɪs]
• and triumph: and celebrate victory [ənd traɪəmf]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• the mill: short for windmill [ðə mɪl]
• were not finished: was not completed [wər nɑt ˈfɪnɪʃt]
• on time: by the scheduled deadline [ɔn taɪm]

Out of spite, the human beings pretended not to believe that it was Snowball who had destroyed the windmill: they said that it had fallen down because the walls were too thin.

• Out of spite: motivated by malice or a desire to annoy or frustrate someone [aʊt əv spaɪt]
• the human beings: people; in this context, referring to the farmers or owners of the farm [ðə ˈjumən biɪŋz]
• pretended: gave the appearance of; behaved as if something were true when it was not [priˈtɛndɪd]
• not to believe: to refuse to accept as true or real [nɑt tɪ bɪˈliv]
• that it was Snowball: referring to a specific character named Snowball, implying blame or accusation [ðət ɪt wɑz sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• who had destroyed the windmill: the one responsible for the destruction of the windmill, a key structure on the farm [hu hæd dɪˈstrɔɪd ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• they said: the human beings stated or claimed [ðeɪ sɛd]
• that it had fallen down: referring to the windmill collapsing or collapsing [ðət ɪt hæd ˈfɑlən daʊn]
• because the walls were too thin: the reason given for the windmill's collapse; suggesting a structural flaw [bɪˈkəz ðə wɔlz wər tu θɪn]

The animals knew that this was not the case.

• The animals knew: The other creatures on the farm were aware [ðə ˈænəməlz nu]
• that this was not the case: that the human's explanation was not true [ðət ðɪs wɑz nɑt ðə keɪs]

Still, it had been decided to build the walls three feet thick this time instead of eighteen inches as before, which meant collecting much larger quantities of stone.

• Still: Nevertheless; despite what has just been said [stɪl]
• it had been decided: a decision was made [ɪt hæd bɪn ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd]
• to build the walls three feet thick: the new specification for the windmill walls; indicating a thicker, stronger structure [tɪ bɪld ðə wɔlz θri fit θɪk]
• this time: on this occasion; in the rebuilding effort [ðɪs taɪm]
• instead of eighteen inches: the original thickness of the walls; highlighting the change in construction [ˌɪnˈstɛd əv ˈeɪˈtin ˈɪnʧɪz]
• as before: previously; in the past [ɛz ˌbiˈfɔr]
• which meant: implying a consequence or result [wɪʧ mɛnt]
• collecting much larger quantities of stone: the necessary action to build the thicker walls; a significant increase in effort [kəˈlɛktɪŋ məʧ ˈlɑrʤər kˈwɑntətiz əv stoʊn]

For a long time the quarry was full of snowdrifts and nothing could be done.

• For a long time: over an extended period [fər ə lɔŋ taɪm]
• the quarry: a place where stone is excavated [ðə kˈwɔri]
• was full of snowdrifts: covered in large accumulations of snow [wɑz fʊl əv snowdrifts]
• and nothing could be done: no progress was possible due to the weather conditions [ənd ˈnəθɪŋ kʊd bi dən]

Some progress was made in the dry frosty weather that followed, but it was cruel work, and the animals could not feel so hopeful about it as they had felt before.

• Some progress was made: a certain amount of advancement was achieved [səm ˈprɑˌgrɛs wɑz meɪd]
• in the dry frosty weather: during weather that was cold and dry [ɪn ðə draɪ ˈfrɔsti ˈwɛðər]
• that followed: that came after the period of snow [ðət ˈfɑloʊd]
• but it was cruel work: the labor was harsh and difficult [bət ɪt wɑz kruəl wərk]
• and the animals could not feel so hopeful: the animals were less optimistic [ənd ðə ˈænəməlz kʊd nɑt fil soʊ ˈhoʊpfəl]
• about it: about the work [əˈbaʊt ɪt]
• as they had felt before: compared to their previous feelings [ɛz ðeɪ hæd fɛlt ˌbiˈfɔr]

They were always cold, and usually hungry as well.

• They were always cold: they constantly felt the sensation of cold [ðeɪ wər ˈɔlˌweɪz koʊld]
• and usually hungry as well: and they were also often lacking food [ənd ˈjuʒəwəli ˈhəŋgri ɛz wɛl]

Only Boxer and Clover never lost heart.

• Only Boxer and Clover: referring to specific characters named Boxer and Clover [ˈoʊnli ˈbɑksər ənd ˈkloʊvər]
• never lost heart: remained optimistic and determined [ˈnɛvər lɔst hɑrt]

In January food fell short.

• In January: Referring to the month of January [ɪn ˈʤænjuˌɛri]
• food: Edible sustenance; what is eaten [fud]
• fell short: Was insufficient; did not meet the required amount or standard [fɛl ʃɔrt]

The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it.

• The corn ration: A fixed amount of corn allocated to each individual or animal [ðə kɔrn ˈræʃən]
• was drastically reduced: Was significantly decreased; reduced by a large amount [wɑz ˈdræstɪkli rɪˈdust]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses or phrases [ənd]
• it was announced: A formal statement was made public [ɪt wɑz əˈnaʊnst]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• an extra potato ration: An additional amount of potatoes allocated [ən ˈɛkstrə pəˈteɪˌtoʊ ˈræʃən]
• would be issued: Would be distributed or provided [wʊd bi ˈɪʃud]
• to make up for it: To compensate for the deficiency in corn; to compensate for the reduction of corn ration [tɪ meɪk əp fər ɪt]

Then it was discovered that the greater part of the potato crop had been frosted in the clamps, which had not been covered thickly enough.

• Then: Adverb indicating sequence or time [ðɛn]
• it was discovered: It was found out; it became known [ɪt wɑz dɪˈskəvərd]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• the greater part: The majority; the largest portion [ðə ˈgreɪtər pɑrt]
• of the potato crop: The total yield of potatoes [əv ðə pəˈteɪˌtoʊ krɑp]
• had been frosted: Had been damaged by frost; had suffered frost damage [hæd bɪn ˈfrɔstɪd]
• in the clamps: In mounds or heaps where potatoes are stored for preservation [ɪn ðə klæmps]
• which: Relative pronoun referring to the clamps [wɪʧ]
• had not been covered: Had not been protected [hæd nɑt bɪn ˈkəvərd]
• thickly enough: With sufficient thickness or insulation [ˈθɪkli ɪˈnəf]

The potatoes had become soft and discoloured, and only a few were edible.

• The potatoes: The harvested potatoes [ðə pəˈteɪtoʊz]
• had become: Had turned into; had changed to [hæd bɪˈkəm]
• soft: Lacking firmness; easily yielding to pressure [sɔft]
• and: Conjunction used to connect adjectives [ənd]
• discoloured: Having lost its original color; stained or faded [discoloured]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• only a few: Just a small number [ˈoʊnli ə fju]
• were edible: Were suitable for eating; safe to be eaten [wər ˈɛdəbəl]

For days at a time the animals had nothing to eat but chaff and mangels.

• For days at a time: For extended periods; for several consecutive days [fər deɪz æt ə taɪm]
• the animals: The farm animals [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• had nothing to eat: Had no food available [hæd ˈnəθɪŋ tɪ it]
• but: Except; only [bət]
• chaff: The husks of grains separated during threshing [ʧæf]
• and: Conjunction used to connect nouns [ənd]
• mangels: A type of beet used as animal feed [ˈmeɪŋgəlz]

Starvation seemed to stare them in the face.

• Starvation: The state of extreme hunger; suffering from lack of food [stɑrˈveɪʃən]
• seemed: Appeared; gave the impression [simd]
• to stare them in the face: To be an imminent and unavoidable threat [tɪ stɛr ðɛm ɪn ðə feɪs]

It was vitally necessary to conceal this fact from the outside world.

• It was: Referring to the situation [ɪt wɑz]
• vitally necessary: Extremely important; absolutely essential [ˈvaɪtəli ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]
• to conceal: To hide; to keep secret [tɪ kənˈsil]
• this fact: The fact that food was scarce [ðɪs fækt]
• from the outside world: From people not on the farm; from those external to the situation [frəm ðə ˈaʊtˈsaɪd wərld]

Emboldened by the collapse of the windmill, the human beings were inventing fresh lies about Animal Farm.

• Emboldened: Given courage or confidence [ɛmˈboʊldənd]
• by the collapse: Due to the failure [baɪ ðə kəˈlæps]
• of the windmill: The structure used to generate power [əv ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• the human beings: The people [ðə ˈjumən biɪŋz]
• were inventing: Were creating; were making up [wər ˌɪnˈvɛntɪŋ]
• fresh lies: New falsehoods; new untrue statements [frɛʃ laɪz]
• about Animal Farm: Regarding the farm [əˈbaʊt ˈænəməl fɑrm]

Once again it was being put about that all the animals were dying of famine and disease, and that they were continually fighting among themselves and had resorted to cannibalism and infanticide.

• Once again: Yet again; repeatedly [wəns əˈgɛn]
• it was being put about: Rumors were being spread; it was being circulated [ɪt wɑz biɪŋ pʊt əˈbaʊt]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• all the animals: Every animal [ɔl ðə ˈænəməlz]
• were dying: Were in the process of dying [wər daɪɪŋ]
• of famine: Due to extreme scarcity of food [əv ˈfæmən]
• and: Conjunction used to connect nouns [ənd]
• disease: Illness; sickness [dɪˈziz]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• they were continually: They were constantly; they were always [ðeɪ wər kənˈtɪnjuəli]
• fighting: Engaging in physical or verbal conflict [ˈfaɪtɪŋ]
• among themselves: With each other [əˈməŋ ðɛmˈsɛlvz]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• had resorted to: Had turned to; had started using [hæd rɪˈzɔrtɪd tɪ]
• cannibalism: The practice of eating members of one's own species [ˈkænəbəˌlɪzəm]
• and: Conjunction used to connect nouns [ənd]
• infanticide: The killing of infants [ˌɪnˈfæntəˌsaɪd]

Napoleon was well aware of the bad results that might follow if the real facts of the food situation were known, and he decided to make use of Mr Whymper to spread a contrary impression.

• Napoleon: The leader of the animals [nəˈpoʊljən]
• was well aware: Was fully conscious; knew very well [wɑz wɛl əˈwɛr]
• of the bad results: Of the negative consequences [əv ðə bæd rɪˈzəlts]
• that: Relative pronoun referring to the results [ðət]
• might follow: Could occur; could happen [maɪt ˈfɑloʊ]
• if: Conditional conjunction [ɪf]
• the real facts: The actual truth [ðə ril fækts]
• of the food situation: Regarding the food supply [əv ðə fud ˌsɪʧuˈeɪʃən]
• were known: Became public; were revealed [wər noʊn]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• he decided: He made a decision [hi ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd]
• to make use of: To utilize; to employ [tɪ meɪk juz əv]
• Mr Whymper: A human character who acts as an intermediary between Animal Farm and the outside world [ˈmɪstər whymper]
• to spread: To disseminate; to circulate [tɪ sprɛd]
• a contrary impression: An opposite idea; a different perception [ə ˈkɑntrɛri ˌɪmˈprɛʃən]

Hitherto the animals had had little or no contact with Whymper on his weekly visits: now, however, a few selected animals, mostly sheep, were instructed to remark casually in his hearing that rations had been increased.

• Hitherto: Until this time; previously [ˈhɪˌðərˈtu]
• the animals: The farm animals [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• had had: Had experienced; had possessed [hæd hæd]
• little or no contact: Very limited or no interaction [ˈlɪtəl ər noʊ ˈkɑnˌtækt]
• with Whymper: With the character Mr. Whymper [wɪθ whymper]
• on his weekly visits: During his regular visits each week [ɔn hɪz ˈwikli ˈvɪzɪts]
• now: At the present time [naʊ]
• however: Nevertheless; despite this [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• a few selected animals: A small number of chosen animals [ə fju səˈlɛktɪd ˈænəməlz]
• mostly sheep: Primarily sheep [ˈmoʊstli ʃip]
• were instructed: Were told; were ordered [wər ˌɪnˈstrəktɪd]
• to remark casually: To say something in a relaxed and informal manner [tɪ rɪˈmɑrk ˈkæʒəwəli]
• in his hearing: Within earshot; where he could overhear [ɪn hɪz ˈhirɪŋ]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• rations: Fixed amounts of food [ˈræʃənz]
• had been increased: Had been made larger; had been augmented [hæd bɪn ˌɪnˈkrist]

In addition.

• In addition: Furthermore; also [ɪn əˈdɪʃən]

Napoleon ordered the almost empty bins in the store-shed to be filled nearly to the brim with sand, which was then covered up with what remained of the grain and meal.

• Napoleon: The leader of the animals [nəˈpoʊljən]
• ordered: Commanded; instructed [ˈɔrdərd]
• the almost empty bins: The containers that were nearly devoid of contents [ðə ˈɔlˌmoʊst ˈɛmti bɪnz]
• in the store-shed: In the building used for storage [ɪn ðə store-shed]
• to be filled: To be loaded; to be packed [tɪ bi fɪld]
• nearly to the brim: Almost to the top edge [ˈnɪrli tɪ ðə brɪm]
• with sand: With granular material [wɪθ sænd]
• which: Relative pronoun referring to the sand [wɪʧ]
• was then covered up: Was subsequently concealed [wɑz ðɛn ˈkəvərd əp]
• with what remained: With the remaining portion [wɪθ wət rɪˈmeɪnd]
• of the grain and meal: Of the harvested crop and ground food [əv ðə greɪn ənd mil]

On some suitable pretext Whymper was led through the store-shed and allowed to catch a glimpse of the bins.

• On some suitable pretext: Using a convenient excuse or reason [ɔn səm ˈsutəbəl ˈpriˌtɛkst]
• Whymper: The character Mr. Whymper [whymper]
• was led: Was guided; was taken [wɑz lɛd]
• through the store-shed: Through the storage building [θru ðə store-shed]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• allowed: Permitted; given the opportunity [əˈlaʊd]
• to catch a glimpse: To see briefly; to get a quick look [tɪ kæʧ ə glɪmps]
• of the bins: Of the containers [əv ðə bɪnz]

He was deceived, and continued to report to the outside world that there was no food shortage on Animal Farm.

• He was deceived: He was tricked; he was misled [hi wɑz dɪˈsivd]
• and: Conjunction used to connect clauses [ənd]
• continued: Kept on; persisted [kənˈtɪnjud]
• to report: To give information; to communicate [tɪ rɪˈpɔrt]
• to the outside world: To people not on the farm [tɪ ðə ˈaʊtˈsaɪd wərld]
• that: Subordinating conjunction introducing a clause [ðət]
• there was no food shortage: There was an adequate supply of food [ðɛr wɑz noʊ fud ˈʃɔrtɪʤ]
• on Animal Farm: On the farm [ɔn ˈænəməl fɑrm]