Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 57

But if there were hardships to be borne, they were partly offset by the fact that life nowadays had a greater dignity than it had had before.

• But: conjunction indicating a contrast or exception to what has been said [bət]
• if: conjunction introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]
• there: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense of 'to be', used in the conditional clause [wər]
• hardships: difficulties or sufferings that are hard to bear [ˈhɑrdʃɪps]
• to be borne: to be endured or tolerated [tɪ bi bɔrn]
• they: referring to the hardships [ðeɪ]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state or condition [wər]
• partly: to some extent; not completely [ˈpɑrtli]
• offset: counteract or compensate for [ˈɔfˌsɛt]
• by: indicating the means or agent [baɪ]
• the fact: the reality or truth [ðə fækt]
• that: introducing a subordinate clause [ðət]
• life: existence or way of living [laɪf]
• nowadays: at the present time; in the current era [ˈnaʊəˌdeɪz]
• had: past tense of 'to have', indicating possession or experience [hæd]
• a greater dignity: more honor, respect, or worthiness [ə ˈgreɪtər ˈdɪgnəti]
• than: used for comparison [ðən]
• it: referring to life [ɪt]
• had had: past perfect tense of 'to have', indicating a prior state [hæd hæd]
• before: previously; in the past [ˌbiˈfɔr]

There were more songs, more speeches, more processions.

• There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating existence [wər]
• more songs: a greater number of songs [mɔr sɔŋz]
• more speeches: a greater number of speeches [mɔr ˈspiʧɪz]
• more processions: a greater number of organized marches or parades [mɔr proʊˈsɛʃənz]

Napoleon had commanded that once a week there should be held something called a Spontaneous Demonstration, the object of which was to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm.

• Napoleon: referring to the leader of Animal Farm, a pig [nəˈpoʊljən]
• had commanded: had ordered or instructed [hæd kəˈmændɪd]
• that: introducing a clause stating the command [ðət]
• once a week: happening one time each week [wəns ə wik]
• there: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• should be held: should be organized or conducted [ʃʊd bi hɛld]
• something: an unspecified thing [ˈsəmθɪŋ]
• called: named or known as [kɔld]
• a Spontaneous Demonstration: an event organized suddenly and without planning, though in this context, it is ironically planned [ə spɑnˈteɪniəs ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən]
• the object: the purpose or aim [ðə ˈɑbʤɛkt]
• of which: referring to the Spontaneous Demonstration [əv wɪʧ]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating purpose [wɑz]
• to celebrate: to honor or praise publicly [tɪ ˈsɛləˌbreɪt]
• the struggles: the efforts or fights against difficulties [ðə ˈstrəgəlz]
• and: conjunction connecting two related things [ənd]
• triumphs: victories or successes [traɪəmfs]
• of Animal Farm: the name of the farm [əv ˈænəməl fɑrm]

At the appointed time the animals would leave their work and march round the precincts of the farm in military formation, with the pigs leading, then the horses, then the cows, then the sheep, and then the poultry.

• At: indicating a specific time [æt]
• the appointed time: the designated or scheduled time [ðə əˈpɔɪntɪd taɪm]
• the animals: the inhabitants of Animal Farm, referring to the farm animals [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• would leave: used to describe a habitual action in the past; would depart from [wʊd liv]
• their work: their tasks or duties [ðɛr wərk]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• march: walk in a formal, organized way [mɑrʧ]
• round: around [raʊnd]
• the precincts: the area or boundaries [ðə ˈpriˌsɪŋkts]
• of the farm: the area belonging to the farm [əv ðə fɑrm]
• in military formation: arranged in rows and columns like soldiers [ɪn ˈmɪlɪˌtɛri fɔrˈmeɪʃən]
• with: indicating accompaniment or arrangement [wɪθ]
• the pigs: the leading animals on the farm [ðə pɪgz]
• leading: going in front [ˈlidɪŋ]
• then: after that [ðɛn]
• the horses: the animals following the pigs [ðə ˈhɔrsɪz]
• then: after that [ðɛn]
• the cows: the animals following the horses [ðə kaʊz]
• then: after that [ðɛn]
• the sheep: the animals following the cows [ðə ʃip]
• and: conjunction connecting two groups [ənd]
• then: after that [ðɛn]
• the poultry: the domestic fowl, such as chickens [ðə ˈpoʊltri]

The dogs flanked the procession and at the head of all marched Napoleon's black cockerel.

• The dogs: the animals responsible for security [ðə dɔgz]
• flanked: were positioned on the sides of [flæŋkt]
• the procession: the organized march [ðə prəˈsɛʃən]
• and: conjunction connecting two actions [ənd]
• at the head: at the front [æt ðə hɛd]
• of all: of everyone [əv ɔl]
• marched: walked in a formal way [mɑrʧt]
• Napoleon's: belonging to Napoleon [nəˈpoʊliənz]
• black cockerel: a male chicken with black feathers [blæk cockerel]

Boxer and Clover always carried between them a green banner marked with the hoof and the horn and the caption, ‘Long live Comrade Napoleon!’ Afterwards there were recitations of poems composed in Napoleon's honour, and a speech by Squealer giving particulars of the latest increases in the production of foodstuffs, and on occasion a shot was fired from the gun.

• Boxer: a strong and loyal horse [ˈbɑksər]
• and: conjunction connecting two characters [ənd]
• Clover: a motherly mare [ˈkloʊvər]
• always: on every occasion; invariably [ˈɔlˌweɪz]
• carried: held and transported [ˈkɛrid]
• between them: together, with each holding one side [bɪtˈwin ðɛm]
• a green banner: a flag with a green background [ə grin ˈbænər]
• marked: decorated or inscribed [mɑrkt]
• with: indicating what the banner was decorated with [wɪθ]
• the hoof: the foot of an ungulate animal, like a horse or pig [ðə huf]
• and: conjunction connecting two symbols [ənd]
• the horn: a pointed projection on the head of an animal, like a cow or goat [ðə hɔrn]
• and: conjunction connecting two elements [ənd]
• the caption: the title or heading [ðə ˈkæpʃən]
• Long live Comrade Napoleon: a slogan expressing support and admiration for Napoleon [‘‘long lɪv ˈkɑmˌræd nəˈpoʊljən]
• Afterwards: after the march [ˈæftərwərdz]
• there: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating existence [wər]
• recitations: the act of reading aloud from memory [ˌrɛsɪˈteɪʃənz]
• of poems: poems being read aloud [əv poʊəmz]
• composed: written or created [kəmˈpoʊzd]
• in Napoleon's honour: to celebrate or praise Napoleon [ɪn nəˈpoʊliənz ˈɑnər]
• and: conjunction connecting two events [ənd]
• a speech: a formal address [ə spiʧ]
• by Squealer: a pig known for his persuasive speeches [baɪ squealer]
• giving particulars: providing specific details [ˈgɪvɪŋ pərˈtɪkjələrz]
• of: indicating the subject of the details [əv]
• the latest increases: the most recent rises [ðə ˈleɪtəst ˌɪnˈkrisɪz]
• in the production: in the amount produced [ɪn ðə pərˈdəkʃən]
• of foodstuffs: food and agricultural products [əv ˈfudˌstəfs]
• and: conjunction connecting two events [ənd]
• on occasion: sometimes; occasionally [ɔn əˈkeɪʒən]
• a shot: the firing of a gun [ə ʃɑt]
• was fired: was discharged [wɑz faɪərd]
• from the gun: from the firearm [frəm ðə gən]

The sheep were the greatest devotees of the Spontaneous Demonstrations, and if anyone complained (as a few animals sometimes did, when no pigs or dogs were near) that they wasted time and meant a lot of standing about in the cold, the sheep were sure to silence him with a tremendous bleating of ‘Four legs good, two legs bad!’ But by and large the animals enjoyed these celebrations.

• The sheep: a group of animals on the farm [ðə ʃip]
• were: past tense of 'to be', indicating a state [wər]
• the greatest devotees: the most enthusiastic followers [ðə ˈgreɪtəst ˈdɛvəˈtiz]
• of the Spontaneous Demonstrations: of the organized events [əv ðə spɑnˈteɪniəs ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃənz]
• and: conjunction introducing a conditional clause [ənd]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• anyone: any person [ˈɛniˌwən]
• complained: expressed dissatisfaction [kəmˈpleɪnd]
• as: introducing an example [(ɛz]
• a few animals: some of the animals [ə fju ˈænəməlz]
• sometimes: occasionally [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
• did: complained [dɪd]
• when: at a time when [wɪn]
• no pigs or dogs: when the pigs or dogs were not present [noʊ pɪgz ər dɔgz]
• were near: were close by [wər nɪr]
• that: introducing the content of the complaint [ðət]
• they: referring to the Spontaneous Demonstrations [ðeɪ]
• wasted time: used time inefficiently [ˈweɪstɪd taɪm]
• and: conjunction connecting two consequences [ənd]
• meant: involved or required [mɛnt]
• a lot of: a large amount of [ə lɔt əv]
• standing about: standing idly or without purpose [ˈstændɪŋ əˈbaʊt]
• in the cold: in cold weather [ɪn ðə koʊld]
• the sheep: the animals known for their simple-mindedness [ðə ʃip]
• were sure: were certain [wər ʃʊr]
• to silence him: to stop him from speaking [tɪ ˈsaɪləns ɪm]
• with: by means of [wɪθ]
• a tremendous bleating: a loud and forceful sound made by sheep [ə trɪˈmɛndəs bleating]
• of: indicating the content of the bleating [əv]
• Four legs good, two legs bad: a slogan used by the sheep to suppress dissent [‘‘four lɛgz gʊd tu lɛgz bæd]
• But: conjunction introducing a contrast [bət]
• by and large: in general; on the whole [baɪ ənd lɑrʤ]
• the animals: the inhabitants of Animal Farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• enjoyed: found pleasure in [ˌɛnˈʤɔɪd]
• these celebrations: the Spontaneous Demonstrations [ðiz ˌsɛləˈbreɪʃənz]

They found it comforting to be reminded that, after all, they were truly their own masters and that the work they did was for their own benefit.

• They: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• found it: they considered it [faʊnd ɪt]
• comforting: reassuring or pleasant [ˈkəmfərtɪŋ]
• to be reminded: to have it brought to their attention again [tɪ bi riˈmaɪndɪd]
• that: introducing the content of the reminder [ðət]
• after all: in spite of everything; considering everything [ˈæftər ɔl]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• were truly: were genuinely [wər ˈtruli]
• their own masters: in control of themselves and their lives [ðɛr oʊn ˈmæstərz]
• and: conjunction connecting two facts [ənd]
• that: introducing another fact [ðət]
• the work: the labor or effort [ðə wərk]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• did: performed [dɪd]
• was: past tense of 'to be', indicating purpose [wɑz]
• for their own benefit: for their own good or advantage [fər ðɛr oʊn ˈbɛnəfɪt]

So that what with the songs, the processions, Squealer's lists of figures, the thunder of the gun, the crowing of the cockerel and the fluttering of the flag, they were able to forget that their bellies were empty, at least part of the time.

• So: therefore; as a result [soʊ]
• that: introducing a consequence [ðət]
• what with: because of; owing to [wət wɪθ]
• the songs: the musical pieces [ðə sɔŋz]
• the processions: the organized marches [ðə proʊˈsɛʃənz]
• Squealer's: belonging to Squealer [squealers]
• lists of figures: enumerations of statistics [lɪsts əv ˈfɪgjərz]
• the thunder: the loud noise [ðə ˈθəndər]
• of the gun: from the firearm [əv ðə gən]
• the crowing: the loud cry [ðə kroʊɪŋ]
• of the cockerel: from the male chicken [əv ðə cockerel]
• and: conjunction connecting two sounds [ənd]
• the fluttering: the waving or flapping [ðə ˈflətərɪŋ]
• of the flag: of the banner [əv ðə flæg]
• they: referring to the animals [ðeɪ]
• were able: had the ability [wər ˈeɪbəl]
• to forget: to not remember [tɪ fərˈgɛt]
• that: introducing the thing they forgot [ðət]
• their bellies: their stomachs [ðɛr ˈbɛliz]
• were empty: were not full of food [wər ˈɛmti]
• at least: at the minimum [æt list]
• part of the time: some of the time; not all the time [pɑrt əv ðə taɪm]

In April Animal Farm was proclaimed a Republic, and it became necessary to elect a President.

• In April: Referring to the month of April [ɪn ˈeɪprəl]
• Animal Farm: The name of the farm, representing a society or country [ˈænəməl fɑrm]
• was proclaimed: officially declared or announced [wɑz proʊˈkleɪmd]
• a Republic: a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives [ə riˈpəblɪk]
• and: conjunction connecting two related statements [ənd]
• it became necessary: it was essential or required [ɪt bɪˈkeɪm ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]
• to elect: to choose someone by voting to hold public office [tɪ ɪˈlɛkt]
• a President: the highest office in a republic, the head of state [ə ˈprɛzɪdənt]

There was only one candidate.

• There was: indicates the existence of something [ðɛr wɑz]
• only one candidate: just a single person running for the position [ˈoʊnli wən ˈkænədɪt]

Napoleon, who was elected unanimously.

• Napoleon: the name of a pig, representing a leader [nəˈpoʊljən]
• who was elected: who was chosen by voting [hu wɑz ɪˈlɛktɪd]
• unanimously: with the agreement of all people involved; without any opposition [juˈnænəməsli]

On the same day it was given out that fresh documents had been discovered which revealed further details about Snowball's complicity with Jones.

• On the same day: referring to the day Napoleon was elected [ɔn ðə seɪm deɪ]
• it was given out: it was announced or made known [ɪt wɑz ˈgɪvɪn aʊt]
• that fresh documents: new papers or records [ðət frɛʃ ˈdɑkjəmənts]
• had been discovered: were found [hæd bɪn dɪˈskəvərd]
• which revealed: that showed or made known [wɪʧ rɪˈvild]
• further details: more information [ˈfərðər ˈditeɪlz]
• about Snowball's: referring to Snowball, another pig [əˈbaʊt sˈnoʊˌbɔlz]
• complicity: involvement in wrongdoing or a crime [kəmˈplɪsɪti]
• with Jones: referring to Mr. Jones, the former owner of the farm [wɪθ ʤoʊnz]

It now appeared that Snowball had not, as the animals had previously imagined, merely attempted to lose the Battle of the Cowshed by means of a stratagem, but had been openly fighting on Jones's side.

• It now appeared: it seemed or became evident [ɪt naʊ əˈpɪrd]
• that Snowball had not: Snowball did not [ðət sˈnoʊˌbɔl hæd nɑt]
• as the animals had previously imagined: as the animals had thought before [ɛz ðə ˈænəməlz hæd ˈpriviəsli ˌɪˈmæʤənd]
• merely attempted: only tried [ˈmɪrli əˈtɛmptəd]
• to lose the Battle of the Cowshed: referring to a specific battle that took place on the farm [tɪ luz ðə ˈbætəl əv ðə cowshed]
• by means of: using a method or strategy of [baɪ minz əv]
• a stratagem: a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end [ə ˈstrætəʤəm]
• but had been: but instead was [bət hæd bɪn]
• openly fighting: fighting without hiding it [ˈoʊpənli ˈfaɪtɪŋ]
• on Jones's side: supporting Jones [ɔn ˈʤoʊnzɪz saɪd]

In fact it was he who had actually been the leader of the human forces, and had charged into battle with the words ‘Long live Humanity!’ on his lips.

• In fact: in reality; actually [ɪn fækt]
• it was he: referring to Snowball [ɪt wɑz hi]
• who had actually been: who really was [hu hæd ˈæˌkʧuəli bɪn]
• the leader of the human forces: the one in charge of the humans [ðə ˈlidər əv ðə ˈjumən ˈfɔrsɪz]
• and had charged: and had rushed forward [ənd hæd ʧɑrʤd]
• into battle: into the fight [ˈɪntu ˈbætəl]
• with the words: saying the phrase [wɪθ ðə wərdz]
• Long live Humanity: a phrase expressing support for humans [‘‘long lɪv juˈmænɪti]
• on his lips: spoken by him [ɔn hɪz lɪps]

The wounds on Snowball's back, which a few of the animals still remembered to have seen, had been inflicted by Napoleon's teeth.

• The wounds: injuries [ðə wundz]
• on Snowball's back: on Snowball's posterior side [ɔn sˈnoʊˌbɔlz bæk]
• which a few of the animals: that some of the animals [wɪʧ ə fju əv ðə ˈænəməlz]
• still remembered: could still recall [stɪl rɪˈmɛmbərd]
• to have seen: that they had witnessed [tɪ hæv sin]
• had been inflicted: were caused [hæd bɪn ˌɪnˈflɪktɪd]
• by Napoleon's teeth: by Napoleon biting him [baɪ nəˈpoʊliənz tiθ]