Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 45

At last, feeling this to be in some way a substitute for the words she was unable to find, she began to sing ‘Beasts of England’. The other animals sitting round her took it up, and they sang it three times over-very tunefully, but slowly and mournfully, in a way they had never sung it before.

• At last: Finally; after some delay or difficulty [æt læst]
• feeling: experiencing an emotion or sensation [ˈfilɪŋ]
• this: referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ðɪs]
• to be: to exist or occur [tɪ bi]
• in some way: in a certain manner or to a certain extent [ɪn səm weɪ]
• a substitute: something that replaces or stands in for something else [ə ˈsəbstəˌtut]
• for: in place of; representing [fər]
• the words: spoken or written expressions [ðə wərdz]
• she was unable to find: she couldn't discover or produce the appropriate words [ʃi wɑz əˈneɪbəl tɪ faɪnd]
• she began to sing: she started to vocalize a song [ʃi bɪˈgæn tɪ sɪŋ]
• Beasts of England: the title of a song [‘‘beasts əv ˈɪŋglənd]
• The other animals: the remaining creatures [ðə ˈəðər ˈænəməlz]
• sitting round her: positioned in a circle or area surrounding her [ˈsɪtɪŋ raʊnd hər]
• took it up: joined in; started singing the same song [tʊk ɪt əp]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• they sang it: the animals vocalized the song [ðeɪ sæŋ ɪt]
• three times over: repeatedly, a total of three times [θri taɪmz ˈoʊvər]
• very tunefully: in a melodious and harmonious manner [ˈvɛri tunefully]
• but: conjunction used to introduce a contrasting element [bət]
• slowly: at a reduced pace or speed [sˈloʊli]
• and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
• mournfully: in a sad and sorrowful way [mournfully]
• in a way: in a particular manner or style [ɪn ə weɪ]
• they had never sung it before: they had not previously performed the song in that manner [ðeɪ hæd ˈnɛvər səŋ ɪt ˌbiˈfɔr]

They had just finished singing it for the third time when Squealer, attended by two dogs, approached them with the air of having something important to say.

• They had just finished singing it: They had recently completed the act of singing the song [ðeɪ hæd ʤɪst ˈfɪnɪʃt ˈsɪŋɪŋ ɪt]
• for the third time: having sung it three times in total [fər ðə θərd taɪm]
• when: at the moment that; as soon as [wɪn]
• Squealer: name of a character [squealer]
• attended by two dogs: accompanied by two canines [əˈtɛndəd baɪ tu dɔgz]
• approached them: came near to the other animals [əˈproʊʧt ðɛm]
• with the air of: seeming to have; giving the impression of [wɪθ ðə ɛr əv]
• having something important to say: possessing information or a message of significance to deliver [ˈhævɪŋ ˈsəmθɪŋ ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt tɪ seɪ]

He announced that, by a special decree of Comrade Napoleon, ‘Beasts of England’ had been abolished.

• He announced: He declared or proclaimed [hi əˈnaʊnst]
• that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• by a special decree: through an official order or command [baɪ ə ˈspɛʃəl dɪˈkri]
• of Comrade Napoleon: issued by a specific character named Comrade Napoleon [əv ˈkɑmˌræd nəˈpoʊljən]
• Beasts of England: the title of a song [‘‘beasts əv ˈɪŋglənd]
• had been abolished: had been officially ended or banned [hæd bɪn əˈbɑlɪʃt]

From now onwards it was forbidden to sing it.

• From now onwards: Starting from this point forward [frəm naʊ ˈɑnwərdz]
• it was forbidden: it was prohibited or not allowed [ɪt wɑz ˈfɔrbɪdən]
• to sing it: to perform the song [tɪ sɪŋ ɪt]

The animals were taken aback.

• The animals: Referring to a group of non-human creatures [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• were taken aback: were surprised and confused; shocked [wər ˈteɪkən əˈbæk]

‘Why?’ cried Muriel.

• Why: An expression of inquiry or surprise [‘‘why]
• cried: exclaimed loudly [kraɪd]
• Muriel: A proper noun, likely a character's name [mˈjʊriəl]

‘It is no longer needed, comrade,’ said Squealer stiffly. ‘“Beasts of England” was the song of the Rebellion.

• It is: A statement of fact or explanation [‘‘it ɪz]
• no longer needed: not required anymore; unnecessary [noʊ ˈlɔŋgər ˈnidɪd]
• comrade: a term of address suggesting solidarity or fellowship, often used in socialist or communist contexts [ˈkɑmˌræd]
• said: stated or uttered [sɛd]
• Squealer: A proper noun, likely a character's name [squealer]
• stiffly: in a formal or rigid manner [ˈstɪfli]
• Beasts of England: Title of a song [‘‘beasts əv ˈɪŋglənd]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
• the song: a musical composition with lyrics [ðə sɔŋ]
• of: indicating belonging or association [əv]
• the Rebellion: an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler [ðə rɪˈbɛljən]

But the Rebellion is now completed.

• But: a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• the Rebellion: an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler [ðə rɪˈbɛljən]
• is now completed: has finished; has come to an end [ɪz naʊ kəmˈplitɪd]

The execution of the traitors this afternoon was the final act.

• The execution: the carrying out of a sentence of death on a condemned person [ðə ˌɛksəˈkjuʃən]
• of: indicating belonging or association [əv]
• the traitors: people who betray a trust or are disloyal [ðə ˈtreɪtərz]
• this afternoon: the period of time between noon and evening on the current day [ðɪs ˌæftərˈnun]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
• the final act: the last action or event in a series [ðə ˈfaɪnəl ækt]

The enemy both external and internal has been defeated.

• The enemy: a person or group that is hostile to someone or something [ðə ˈɛnəmi]
• both: used to refer to two things or people, regarded together [boʊθ]
• external: belonging to or forming the outer surface or structure [ɪkˈstərnəl]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• internal: situated or existing inside something [ˌɪnˈtərnəl]
• has been defeated: has been overcome; has lost a battle or contest [həz bɪn dɪˈfitɪd]

In “Beasts of England” we expressed our longing for a better society in days to come.

• In: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• Beasts of England: Title of a song [bists əv ˈɪŋglənd]
• we: used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people considered together [wi]
• expressed: conveyed a thought or feeling in words or by gestures and conduct [ɪkˈsprɛst]
• our longing: a strong desire or craving [ɑr ˈlɔŋɪŋ]
• for: expressing the reason or purpose of something [fər]
• a better society: an improved community or social structure [ə ˈbɛtər soʊˈsaɪɪti]
• in days to come: in the future [ɪn deɪz tɪ kəm]

But that society has now been established.

• But: a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• that society: the community or social structure previously mentioned [ðət soʊˈsaɪɪti]
• has now been established: has been created or set up [həz naʊ bɪn ɪˈstæblɪʃt]

Frightened though they were, some of the animals might possibly have protested, but at this moment the sheep set up their usual bleating of ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’, which went on for several minutes and put an end to the discussion.

• Frightened: feeling or showing fear [ˈfraɪtənd]
• though: despite the fact that [ðoʊ]
• they were: past tense of 'they are', referring to the animals [ðeɪ wər]
• some of the animals: a portion of the group of animals [səm əv ðə ˈænəməlz]
• might possibly: indicating a chance or possibility [maɪt ˈpɑsəbli]
• have protested: expressed an objection or disapproval [hæv ˈproʊˌtɛstəd]
• but: a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• at this moment: at the present time; right now [æt ðɪs ˈmoʊmənt]
• the sheep: plural of sheep, referring to a group of animals [ðə ʃip]
• set up: started; began [sɛt əp]
• their usual bleating: the typical sound made by sheep [ðɛr ˈjuʒəwəl bleating]
• of: indicating the content or subject of something [əv]
• Four legs good, two legs bad: a slogan or motto [‘‘four lɛgz gʊd tu lɛgz bæd]
• which: referring to the bleating [wɪʧ]
• went on: continued [wɛnt ɔn]
• for several minutes: lasting a period of multiple minutes [fər ˈsɛvərəl ˈmɪnəts]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• put an end to: stopped; terminated [pʊt ən ɛnd tɪ]
• the discussion: a conversation or debate about a specific topic [ðə dɪˈskəʃən]

So ‘Beasts of England’ was heard no more.

• So: Therefore; as a result [soʊ]
• Beasts of England: Title of the revolutionary song [‘‘beasts əv ˈɪŋglənd]
• was heard: past tense of 'to hear', meaning to perceive with the ear [wɑz hərd]
• no more: not anymore; no longer [noʊ mɔr]

Animal Farm, Animal Farm, Never through me shalt thou come to harm!

• Animal Farm: The name of the farm and the title of the book [ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• Animal Farm: The name of the farm and the title of the book [ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• Never: At no time; not ever [ˈnɛvər]
• through: By means of; because of [θru]
• me: Pronoun, referring to the speaker [mi]
• shalt: Archaic form of 'shall', used to express a command or strong intention, especially in older texts [ʃælt]
• thou: Archaic form of 'you', the second person singular pronoun [ðaʊ]
• come: To arrive or reach a specified condition [kəm]
• to harm: To cause damage or injury [tɪ hɑrm]

and this was sung every Sunday morning after the hoisting of the flag.

• and: conjunction connecting clauses [ənd]
• this: pronoun referring to the song [ðɪs]
• was sung: past passive tense of 'to sing', meaning to be performed vocally [wɑz səŋ]
• every: adjective meaning each or all without exception [ˈɛvəri]
• Sunday: a day of the week [ˈsənˌdi]
• morning: the early part of the day [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• after: preposition indicating following in time or sequence [ˈæftər]
• the hoisting: the act of raising or lifting something, often a flag [ðə ˈhɔɪstɪŋ]
• of: preposition indicating belonging or association [əv]
• the flag: a piece of cloth with a design, used as a symbol [ðə flæg]

VIII

• VIII: Roman numeral for 8 [viii]

A few days later, when the terror caused by the executions had died down, some of the animals remembered – or thought they remembered – that the Sixth Commandment decreed: ‘No animal shall kill any other animal.’ And though no one cared to mention it in the hearing of the pigs or the dogs, it was felt that the killings which had taken place did not square with this.

• A few days later: Some days after a specific event [ə fju deɪz ˈleɪtər]
• when: conjunction introducing a time clause [wɪn]
• the terror: extreme fear [ðə ˈtɛrər]
• caused: past participle of 'to cause', meaning to bring about [kɔzd]
• by: preposition indicating the agent of an action [baɪ]
• the executions: the act of putting someone to death as a legal punishment [ðə ˌɛksəˈkjuʃənz]
• had died down: phrasal verb meaning to become less intense or subside [hæd daɪd daʊn]
• some: an unspecified number or quantity of [səm]
• of the animals: referring to the animals on the farm [əv ðə ˈænəməlz]
• remembered: past tense of 'to remember', meaning to recall to the mind [rɪˈmɛmbərd]
• or thought they remembered: Indicates uncertainty about the accuracy of their memory [–* ər θɔt ðeɪ rɪˈmɛmbərd –*]
• that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the Sixth Commandment: one of the rules of Animalism [ðə sɪksθ kəˈmændmənt]
• decreed: past tense of 'to decree', meaning to order or decide authoritatively [dɪˈkrid]
• No animal shall kill any other animal: The original Sixth Commandment [‘‘no ˈænəməl ʃæl kɪl ˈɛni ˈəðər ˈænəməl]
• And: conjunction connecting clauses [ənd]
• though: conjunction introducing a contrast [ðoʊ]
• no one: not a single person [noʊ wən]
• cared: past tense of 'to care', meaning to be concerned or interested [kɛrd]
• to mention: to speak about something [tɪ ˈmɛnʃən]
• it: pronoun referring to the discrepancy between the killings and the commandment [ɪt]
• in the hearing of: within earshot of [ɪn ðə ˈhirɪŋ əv]
• the pigs: referring to the pigs on the farm, who are the leaders [ðə pɪgz]
• or: conjunction introducing an alternative [ər]
• the dogs: referring to the dogs on the farm, who serve as enforcers [ðə dɔgz]
• it: pronoun referring to the discrepancy between the killings and the commandment [ɪt]
• was felt: passive voice of 'to feel', meaning to be perceived or sensed [wɑz fɛlt]
• that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the killings: the act of causing death [ðə ˈkɪlɪŋz]
• which had taken place: that had occurred [wɪʧ hæd ˈteɪkən pleɪs]
• did not square with: did not agree with or conform to [dɪd nɑt skwɛr wɪθ]
• this: pronoun referring to the Sixth Commandment [ðɪs]

Clover asked Benjamin to read her the Sixth Commandment, and when Benjamin, as usual, said that he refused to meddle in such matters, she fetched Muriel.

• Clover: Name of a character, a mare [ˈkloʊvər]
• asked: past tense of 'to ask', meaning to request information [æst]
• Benjamin: Name of a character, a donkey [ˈbɛnʤəmən]
• to read: to look at and understand written words [tɪ rɛd]
• her: possessive pronoun referring to Clover [hər]
• the Sixth Commandment: one of the rules of Animalism [ðə sɪksθ kəˈmændmənt]
• and: conjunction connecting clauses [ənd]
• when: conjunction introducing a time clause [wɪn]
• Benjamin: Name of a character, a donkey [ˈbɛnʤəmən]
• as usual: typically; as is his habit [ɛz ˈjuʒəwəl]
• said: past tense of 'to say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• he refused: past tense of 'to refuse', meaning to decline to do something [hi rɪfˈjuzd]
• to meddle: to interfere in something that is not one's concern [tɪ ˈmɛdəl]
• in such matters: in these kinds of issues [ɪn səʧ ˈmætərz]
• she: pronoun referring to Clover [ʃi]
• fetched: past tense of 'to fetch', meaning to go and get something [fɛʧt]
• Muriel: Name of a character, a goat [mˈjʊriəl]

Muriel read the Commandment for her.

• Muriel: Name of a character, a goat [mˈjʊriəl]
• read: past tense of 'to read', meaning to look at and understand written words [rɛd]
• the Commandment: one of the rules of Animalism [ðə kəˈmændmənt]
• for her: for Clover [fər hər]

It ran: ‘No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.’ Somehow or other the last two words had slipped out of the animals’ memory.

• It ran: It read; the text was [ɪt ræn]
• No animal shall kill any other animal without cause: The altered Sixth Commandment [‘‘no ˈænəməl ʃæl kɪl ˈɛni ˈəðər ˈænəməl wɪˈθaʊt kɔz]
• Somehow or other: in some way that is not known or specified [ˈsəmˌhaʊ ər ˈəðər]
• the last two words: referring to 'without cause' [ðə læst tu wərdz]
• had slipped: past perfect tense of 'to slip', meaning to unintentionally omit or forget [hæd slɪpt]
• out of: from within [aʊt əv]
• the animals’ memory: what the animals remembered [ðə ˈænəməlz ˈmɛməri]

But they saw now that the Commandment had not been violated; for clearly there was good reason for killing the traitors who had leagued themselves with Snowball.

• But: conjunction introducing a contrast [bət]
• they: pronoun referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• saw: past tense of 'to see', meaning to understand [sɔ]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• that: conjunction introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• the Commandment: one of the rules of Animalism [ðə kəˈmændmənt]
• had not been violated: past perfect passive tense of 'to violate', meaning to not be broken or disobeyed [hæd nɑt bɪn ˈvaɪəleɪtɪd]
• for: conjunction introducing a reason [fər]
• clearly: obviously; without a doubt [ˈklɪrli]
• there was: there existed [ðɛr wɑz]
• good reason: a valid justification [gʊd ˈrizən]
• for killing: the justification for the act of killing [fər ˈkɪlɪŋ]
• the traitors: those who betray a trust or commitment [ðə ˈtreɪtərz]
• who had leagued themselves: who had allied or conspired [hu hæd leagued ðɛmˈsɛlvz]
• with: in association with [wɪθ]
• Snowball: Name of a character, a pig who is an opponent of Napoleon [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]