Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 4

‘And even the miserable lives we lead are not allowed to reach their natural span.

• And: Used to introduce an additional point or continuation of a thought. [‘‘and]
• even: Used to emphasize something surprising or extreme. [ˈivɪn]
• the miserable lives: Referring to lives filled with unhappiness and suffering. [ðə ˈmɪzərəbəl lɪvz]
• we lead: The lives that we, as animals, experience. [wi lɛd]
• are not allowed: Indicates a lack of permission or opportunity. [ər nɑt əˈlaʊd]
• to reach: To arrive at or attain. [tɪ riʧ]
• their natural span: The normal or expected length of their lives. [ðɛr ˈnæʧərəl spæn]

For myself I do not grumble, for I am one of the lucky ones.

• For myself: Speaking personally or from one's own perspective. [fər ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• I do not grumble: I do not complain or express dissatisfaction. [aɪ du nɑt ˈgrəmbəl]
• for: Because or since. [fər]
• I am one of the lucky ones: I consider myself fortunate compared to others. [aɪ æm wən əv ðə ˈləki wənz]

I am twelve years old and have had over four hundred children.

• I am twelve years old: Stating the speaker's age. [aɪ æm twɛlv jɪrz oʊld]
• and: Used to connect two related statements. [ənd]
• have had: To have experienced or given birth to. [hæv hæd]
• over four hundred children: An exaggerated number of offspring, highlighting the pig's reproductive capacity. [ˈoʊvər fɔr ˈhənərd ˈʧɪldrən]

Such is the natural life of a pig.

• Such is: This is how it is. [səʧ ɪz]
• the natural life: The typical or expected existence. [ðə ˈnæʧərəl laɪf]
• of a pig: Referring to the life of a pig. [əv ə pɪg]

But no animal escapes the cruel knife in the end.

• But: However; introduces a contrasting statement. [bət]
• no animal: Not a single animal. [noʊ ˈænəməl]
• escapes: Avoids or gets away from. [ɪˈskeɪps]
• the cruel knife: Referring to the violent act of slaughter. [ðə kruəl naɪf]
• in the end: Eventually; ultimately. [ɪn ðə ɛnd]

You young porkers who are sitting in front of me, every one of you will scream your lives out at the block within a year.

• You young porkers: Referring to the young pigs present. [ju jəŋ ˈpɔrkərz]
• who are sitting: Those who are currently seated. [hu ər ˈsɪtɪŋ]
• in front of me: Located in the speaker's view. [ɪn frənt əv mi]
• every one of you: Each and every one of you. [ˈɛvəri wən əv ju]
• will scream: Will cry out loudly in fear or pain. [wɪl skrim]
• your lives out: Until the end of your lives. [jʊr lɪvz aʊt]
• at the block: The place where animals are slaughtered. [æt ðə blɑk]
• within a year: Before a year has passed. [wɪˈθɪn ə jɪr]

To that horror we all must come – cows, pigs, hens, sheep, everyone.

• To that horror: Referring to the terrifying prospect of slaughter. [tɪ ðət ˈhɔrər]
• we all must come: We will all inevitably face this fate. [wi ɔl məst kəm]
• cows, pigs, hens, sheep, everyone: Listing various animals, emphasizing that all are subject to the same fate. [kaʊz pɪgz hɛnz ʃip ˈɛvriˌwən]

Even the horses and the dogs have no better fate.

• Even: Used to emphasize that something is surprising or unexpected. [ˈivɪn]
• the horses and the dogs: Referring to horses and dogs. [ðə ˈhɔrsɪz ənd ðə dɔgz]
• have no better fate: Will not experience a more favorable outcome. [hæv noʊ ˈbɛtər feɪt]

You, Boxer, the very day that those great muscles of yours lose their power, Jones will sell you to the knacker, who will cut your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds.

• You, Boxer: Addressing Boxer directly. [ju ˈbɑksər]
• the very day: The precise day. [ðə ˈvɛri deɪ]
• that those great muscles: Referring to Boxer's strong muscles. [ðət ðoʊz greɪt ˈməsəlz]
• of yours: Belonging to you. [əv jʊrz]
• lose their power: Become weak or ineffective. [luz ðɛr paʊər]
• Jones: Referring to the owner of the farm. [ʤoʊnz]
• will sell you: Will sell Boxer. [wɪl sɛl ju]
• to the knacker: A person who slaughters old or injured animals for their meat or hides. [tɪ ðə knacker]
• who will cut your throat: Who will kill you by cutting your throat. [hu wɪl kət jʊr θroʊt]
• and boil you down: And render your body to extract fat and other products. [ənd bɔɪl ju daʊn]
• for the foxhounds: To feed the hunting dogs. [fər ðə foxhounds]

As for the dogs, when they grow old and toothless, Jones ties a brick round their necks and drowns them in the nearest pond.

• As for the dogs: Regarding the dogs. [ɛz fər ðə dɔgz]
• when they grow old: When they become elderly. [wɪn ðeɪ groʊ oʊld]
• and toothless: And lose their teeth. [ənd ˈtuθləs]
• Jones: Referring to the owner of the farm. [ʤoʊnz]
• ties a brick: Attaches a brick. [taɪz ə brɪk]
• round their necks: Around their necks. [raʊnd ðɛr nɛks]
• and drowns them: And kills them by submerging them in water. [ənd draʊnz ðɛm]
• in the nearest pond: In the closest body of still water. [ɪn ðə ˈnɪrəst pɑnd]

‘Is it not crystal clear, then, comrades, that all the evils of this life of ours spring from the tyranny of human beings?

• Is it not crystal clear: A rhetorical question emphasizing that something should be very obvious and easy to understand [‘‘is ɪt nɑt ˈkrɪstəl klɪr]
• then: at that time; as a consequence [ðɛn]
• comrades: a term used to address fellow members of a group or movement, often with a sense of solidarity and shared purpose [ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• that all the evils of this life of ours: referring to all the negative aspects and suffering experienced in their current existence [ðət ɔl ðə ˈivəlz əv ðɪs laɪf əv ɑrz]
• spring from: originate or arise from [spərɪŋ frəm]
• the tyranny of human beings: oppressive and unjust rule or control by humans [ðə ˈtɪrəni əv ˈjumən biɪŋz]

Only get rid of Man, and the produce of our labour would be our own.

• Only get rid of Man: the only solution is to eliminate humans [ˈoʊnli gɪt rɪd əv mæn]
• and the produce of our labour: the results or products of our work and effort [ənd ðə ˈproʊdus əv ɑr ˈleɪbər]
• would be our own: would belong to them, not taken by others [wʊd bi ɑr oʊn]

Almost overnight we could become rich and free.

• Almost overnight: very quickly; in a short period of time [ˈɔlˌmoʊst ˈoʊvərˈnaɪt]
• we could become rich and free: they would achieve prosperity and independence [wi kʊd bɪˈkəm rɪʧ ənd fri]

What then must we do?

• What then must we do: asking what action should be taken [wət ðɛn məst wi du]

Why, work night and day, body and soul, for the overthrow of the human race!

• Why: used to express mild surprise or to introduce a reason [waɪ]
• work night and day: work continuously, without stopping [wərk naɪt ənd deɪ]
• body and soul: with all their physical and emotional energy [ˈbɑdi ənd soʊl]
• for the overthrow of the human race: to defeat and remove humans from power [fər ðə ˈoʊvərθˌroʊ əv ðə ˈjumən reɪs]

That is my message to you, comrades: Rebellion!

• That is my message to you: the speaker's main point or instruction [ðət ɪz maɪ ˈmɛsɪʤ tɪ ju]
• comrades: fellow members [ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• Rebellion: an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler [rɪˈbɛljən]

I do not know when that Rebellion will come, it might be in a week or in a hundred years, but I know, as surely as I see this straw beneath my feet, that sooner or later justice will be done.

• I do not know when that Rebellion will come: the speaker is uncertain about the timing of the uprising [aɪ du nɑt noʊ wɪn ðət rɪˈbɛljən wɪl kəm]
• it might be in a week or in a hundred years: indicating a wide range of possible times for the rebellion [ɪt maɪt bi ɪn ə wik ər ɪn ə ˈhənərd jɪrz]
• but I know: the speaker is certain about the following statement [bət aɪ noʊ]
• as surely as I see this straw beneath my feet: a simile emphasizing the certainty of the speaker's knowledge [ɛz ˈʃʊrli ɛz aɪ si ðɪs strɔ bɪˈniθ maɪ fit]
• that sooner or later justice will be done: eventually, fairness and righteousness will prevail [ðət ˈsunər ər ˈleɪtər ˈʤəstɪs wɪl bi dən]

Fix your eyes on that, comrades, throughout the short remainder of your lives!

• Fix your eyes on that: focus your attention on that goal [fɪks jʊr aɪz ɔn ðət]
• comrades: fellow members [ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• throughout the short remainder of your lives: for the rest of their lives, which are implied to be limited [θruaʊt ðə ʃɔrt rɪˈmeɪndər əv jʊr lɪvz]

And above all, pass on this message of mine to those who come after you, so that future generations shall carry on the struggle until it is victorious.

• And above all: most importantly [ənd əˈbəv ɔl]
• pass on this message of mine: share the speaker's message with others [pæs ɔn ðɪs ˈmɛsɪʤ əv maɪn]
• to those who come after you: to future generations [tɪ ðoʊz hu kəm ˈæftər ju]
• so that future generations shall carry on the struggle: so that future generations will continue the fight [soʊ ðət fˈjuʧər ˌʤɛnərˈeɪʃənz ʃæl ˈkɛri ɔn ðə ˈstrəgəl]
• until it is victorious: until they achieve victory [ənˈtɪl ɪt ɪz vɪkˈtɔriəs]

‘And remember, comrades, your resolution must never falter.

• And: Conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [‘‘and]
• remember: To recall to the mind; to think of again [rɪˈmɛmbər]
• comrades: Fellow members of an organization or group, especially in socialist or communist contexts [ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• your: Belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing [jʊr]
• resolution: A firm decision to do or not to do something [ˌrɛzəˈluʃən]
• must: Expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• never: At no time in the past or future; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
• falter: To hesitate or waver in action, purpose, or intent [ˈfɔltər]

No argument must lead you astray.

• No: Not any; not one [noʊ]
• argument: A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong [ˈɑrgjəmənt]
• must: Expressing necessity or obligation [məst]
• lead: To guide or direct in a course or direction [lɛd]
• you: The person or people that the speaker is addressing [ju]
• astray: Away from the correct path or direction; into error or morally questionable behaviour [əˈstreɪ]

Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest, that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others.

• Never: At no time; on no occasion [ˈnɛvər]
• listen: To give attention to someone or something in order to hear them [ˈlɪsən]
• when: At or during the time that [wɪn]
• they: Referring to people or things previously mentioned or easily identified [ðeɪ]
• tell: To communicate information to someone in spoken or written words [tɛl]
• you: The person or people that the speaker is addressing [ju]
• that: Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a statement or hypothesis [ðət]
• Man: An adult male human being; here, representing humanity [mæn]
• and: Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• animals: Living organisms that feed on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems and able to respond rapidly to stimuli [ˈænəməlz]
• have: To possess, own, or hold something [hæv]
• a common: Belonging equally to, or shared alike by, two or more or all concerned [ə ˈkɑmən]
• interest: The state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone [ˈɪntəˌrɛst]
• that: Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a statement or hypothesis [ðət]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• prosperity: The state of being successful or thriving, especially economically [prɑˈspɛrəti]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• one: Used to refer to a single person or thing [wən]
• is: Expressing the relationship between the subject and predicate of a clause [ɪz]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• prosperity: The state of being successful or thriving, especially economically [prɑˈspɛrəti]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• others: People or things that are different or distinct from those already mentioned or known about [ˈəðərz]

It is all lies.

• It: Used to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• is: Expressing the relationship between the subject and predicate of a clause [ɪz]
• all: Used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• lies: False statements made with deliberate intent to deceive [laɪz]

Man serves the interests of no creature except himself.

• Man: An adult male human being; here, representing humanity [mæn]
• serves: To perform duties or services for another person or organization [sərvz]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• interests: The state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone [ˈɪntərɪsts]
• of: Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• no: Not any; not one [noʊ]
• creature: An animal, especially a nonhuman one [ˈkriʧər]
• except: Not including; other than [ɪkˈsɛpt]
• himself: Used to refer to the male subject of the clause or sentence [hɪmˈsɛlf]

And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle.

• And: Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• among: Surrounded by; in the midst of [əˈməŋ]
• us: Used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people considered together [ˈjuˈɛs]
• animals: Living organisms that feed on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems and able to respond rapidly to stimuli [ˈænəməlz]
• let: Used to express a suggestion or proposal [lɛt]
• there: Used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• be: To exist or occur [bi]
• perfect: Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be [ˈpərˌfɪkt]
• unity: The state of being united or joined as a whole [ˈjunɪti]
• perfect: Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be [ˈpərˌfɪkt]
• comradeship: The company and friendship of others with common aims [comradeship]
• in: Expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else [ɪn]
• the: Referring to someone or something previously mentioned or easily identified [ðə]
• struggle: A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack [ˈstrəgəl]

All men are enemies.

• All: Used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of [ɔl]
• men: Adult male human beings; here, representing humanity [mɛn]
• are: Expressing the relationship between the subject and predicate of a clause [ər]
• enemies: People who are actively opposed or hostile to someone or something [ˈɛnəmiz]