Animal Farm by George Orwell- page 64

There were many more creatures on the farm now, though the increase was not so great as had been expected in earlier years.

• There were: Indicates existence or presence in the past [ðɛr wər]
• many more: A greater number of [ˈmɛni mɔr]
• creatures: Living beings; animals [ˈkriʧərz]
• on the farm: Located at the farm [ɔn ðə fɑrm]
• now: At the present time [naʊ]
• though: Despite the fact that [ðoʊ]
• the increase: The growth or addition in number [ðə ˌɪnˈkris]
• was not so great: Wasn't as large or significant [wɑz nɑt soʊ greɪt]
• as had been expected: Compared to what was anticipated [ɛz hæd bɪn ɪkˈspɛktɪd]
• in earlier years: In previous years [ɪn ˈərliər jɪrz]

Many animals had been born to whom the Rebellion was only a dim tradition, passed on by word of mouth, and others had been bought who had never heard mention of such a thing before their arrival.

• Many animals: A large number of animals [ˈmɛni ˈænəməlz]
• had been born: Were brought into existence through birth [hæd bɪn bɔrn]
• to whom: Referring to the animals [tɪ hum]
• the Rebellion: A revolt or uprising against authority [ðə rɪˈbɛljən]
• was only: Was merely or simply [wɑz ˈoʊnli]
• a dim tradition: A faint or unclear custom or belief passed down through generations [ə dɪm trəˈdɪʃən]
• passed on: Transmitted or conveyed [pæst ɔn]
• by word of mouth: Orally; through spoken communication [baɪ wərd əv maʊθ]
• and: Connecting two related ideas [ənd]
• others: Additional animals [ˈəðərz]
• had been bought: Were purchased [hæd bɪn bɔt]
• who had never heard: That had no prior knowledge [hu hæd ˈnɛvər hərd]
• mention of: Reference to [ˈmɛnʃən əv]
• such a thing: The Rebellion [səʧ ə θɪŋ]
• before their arrival: Prior to coming to the farm [ˌbiˈfɔr ðɛr ərˈaɪvəl]

The farm possessed three horses now besides Clover.

• The farm: The agricultural land and its associated buildings [ðə fɑrm]
• possessed: Owned or had [pəˈzɛst]
• three horses: A number of horses, specifically three [θri ˈhɔrsɪz]
• now: At the present time [naʊ]
• besides: In addition to [ˌbiˈsaɪdz]
• Clover: Name of a specific horse [ˈkloʊvər]

They were fine upstanding beasts, willing workers and good comrades, but very stupid.

• They were: Referring to the three horses [ðeɪ wər]
• fine upstanding beasts: Magnificent, well-built animals [faɪn ˈəpˌstændɪŋ bists]
• willing workers: Animals that were eager to work [ˈwɪlɪŋ ˈwərkərz]
• and: Connecting two positive attributes [ənd]
• good comrades: Reliable and friendly companions [gʊd ˈkɑmˌrædz]
• but: Introducing a contrasting idea [bət]
• very stupid: Lacking intelligence [ˈvɛri ˈstupɪd]

None of them proved able to learn the alphabet beyond the letter B.

• None of them: Not one of the horses [nən əv ðɛm]
• proved able: Showed the ability [pruvd ˈeɪbəl]
• to learn: To acquire knowledge of [tɪ lərn]
• the alphabet: The set of letters used in writing [ðə ˈælfəˌbɛt]
• beyond the letter B: Past the second letter of the alphabet [bɪɔnd ðə ˈlɛtər bi]

They accepted everything that they were told about the Rebellion and the principles of Animalism, especially from Clover, for whom they had an almost filial respect; but it was doubtful whether they understood very much of it.

• They accepted: They believed or agreed with [ðeɪ ækˈsɛptɪd]
• everything: All the information [ˈɛvriˌθɪŋ]
• that they were told: That was communicated to them [ðət ðeɪ wər toʊld]
• about the Rebellion: Concerning the revolt [əˈbaʊt ðə rɪˈbɛljən]
• and: Connecting two related topics [ənd]
• the principles of Animalism: The core beliefs of the animal-led system [ðə ˈprɪnsəpəlz əv animalism]
• especially: Particularly [əˈspɛʃəli]
• from Clover: From the horse named Clover [frəm ˈkloʊvər]
• for whom: In relation to Clover [fər hum]
• they had: The other horses possessed [ðeɪ hæd]
• an almost filial respect: A level of respect close to that of a child for a parent [ən ˈɔlˌmoʊst ˈfɪliəl rɪˈspɛkt]
• but: Introducing a contrasting idea [bət]
• it was doubtful: It was uncertain [ɪt wɑz ˈdaʊtfəl]
• whether: If [ˈwɛðər]
• they understood: The horses comprehended [ðeɪ ˌəndərˈstʊd]
• very much of it: A significant portion of the information [ˈvɛri məʧ əv ɪt]

The farm was more prosperous now, and better organised; it had even been enlarged by two fields which had been bought from Mr Pilkington.

• The farm: Refers to the specific farm being discussed in the narrative. [ðə fɑrm]
• was: Past tense of the verb 'to be', indicating a state of being in the past. [wɑz]
• more prosperous: Indicates an increase in wealth, success, or good fortune. [mɔr ˈprɑspərəs]
• now: Indicates the present time or a time relatively close to the present. [naʊ]
• and: A conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. [ənd]
• better organised: Indicates an improved state of arrangement, efficiency, and structure. [ˈbɛtər organised]
• it: Refers back to 'the farm'. [ɪt]
• had: Auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense. [hæd]
• even: Used to emphasize something surprising or unexpected. [ˈivɪn]
• been: Past participle of the verb 'to be', used in perfect tenses. [bɪn]
• enlarged: Made larger in size or extent. [ˌɛnˈlɑrʤd]
• by: Indicates the means or agent by which something is done. [baɪ]
• two fields: Specific areas of land used for agriculture. [tu fildz]
• which: A relative pronoun referring back to 'two fields'. [wɪʧ]
• had been bought: Past perfect passive voice, indicating that the fields were purchased at some point before the current time. [hæd bɪn bɔt]
• from: Indicates the source or origin of something. [frəm]
• Mr Pilkington: A proper noun, likely a character's name. [ˈmɪstər ˈpɪlkɪŋtən]

The windmill had been successfully completed at last, and the farm possessed a threshing machine and a hay elevator of its own, and various new buildings had been added to it.

• The windmill: A structure with vanes or sails that are turned by the wind to generate power or grind grain. [ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• had been: Past perfect tense of 'to be'. [hæd bɪn]
• successfully completed: Finished or accomplished with a positive outcome. [səkˈsɛsfəli kəmˈplitɪd]
• at last: Finally, after a long delay or difficulty. [æt læst]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• the farm: Referring to the specific farm. [ðə fɑrm]
• possessed: Owned or had as a possession. [pəˈzɛst]
• a threshing machine: A machine for separating grain from straw. [ə threshing məˈʃin]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• a hay elevator: A machine for lifting hay to a higher level. [ə heɪ ˈɛləˌveɪtər]
• of its own: Belonging to the farm itself. [əv ɪts oʊn]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• various new buildings: Several newly constructed structures. [ˈvɛriəs nu ˈbɪldɪŋz]
• had been added: Past perfect passive voice, indicating that the buildings were added at some point before the current time. [hæd bɪn ˈædɪd]
• to it: Added to the farm. [tɪ ɪt]

Whymper had bought himself a dogcart.

• Whymper: A proper noun, likely a character's name. [whymper]
• had bought: Past perfect tense of 'to buy'. [hæd bɔt]
• himself: Reflexive pronoun, indicating that Whymper bought something for himself. [hɪmˈsɛlf]
• a dogcart: A light, two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a dog or dogs. [ə dogcart]

The windmill, however, had not after all been used for generating electrical power.

• The windmill: Referring to the specific windmill. [ðə ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• however: A transitional word indicating a contrast or change in direction. [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]
• had not: Contraction of 'had not', used to form the negative past perfect tense. [hæd nɑt]
• after all: Despite what was previously expected or planned. [ˈæftər ɔl]
• been used: Past perfect passive voice, indicating that the windmill was not used for a specific purpose. [bɪn juzd]
• for generating electrical power: To produce electricity. [fər ˈʤɛnərˌeɪtɪŋ ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl paʊər]

It was used for milling corn, and brought in a handsome money profit.

• It: Refers to the windmill. [ɪt]
• was used: Past tense passive voice, indicating the purpose for which the windmill was used. [wɑz juzd]
• for milling corn: To grind corn into flour or meal. [fər ˈmɪlɪŋ kɔrn]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• brought in: Generated or earned. [brɔt ɪn]
• a handsome money profit: A significant financial gain. [ə ˈhænsəm ˈməni ˈprɑfɪt]

The animals were hard at work building yet another windmill: when that one was finished, so it was said, the dynamos would be installed.

• The animals: Referring to the animals on the farm. [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• were: Past tense of the verb 'to be', plural form. [wər]
• hard at work: Working diligently and with great effort. [hɑrd æt wərk]
• building: Constructing. [ˈbɪldɪŋ]
• yet another windmill: One more windmill in addition to the existing one. [jɛt əˈnəðər ˈwɪndˌmɪl]
• when: A conjunction indicating a time or condition. [wɪn]
• that one: Referring to the windmill being built. [ðət wən]
• was finished: Completed. [wɑz ˈfɪnɪʃt]
• so: In the manner described. [soʊ]
• it was said: According to what people were saying. [ɪt wɑz sɛd]
• the dynamos: Electrical generators. [ðə dynamos]
• would be installed: Future passive voice, indicating that the dynamos would be put in place. [wʊd bi ˌɪnˈstɔld]

But the luxuries of which Snowball had once taught the animals to dream, the stalls with electric light and hot and cold water, and the three-day week, were no longer talked about.

• But: A conjunction indicating a contrast. [bət]
• the luxuries: Things that are pleasant or desirable but not essential. [ðə ˈləgʒəriz]
• of which: Referring back to 'the luxuries'. [əv wɪʧ]
• Snowball: A proper noun, likely a character's name. [sˈnoʊˌbɔl]
• had once: At some time in the past. [hæd wəns]
• taught: Past tense of 'to teach'. [tɔt]
• the animals: Referring to the animals on the farm. [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• to dream: To imagine or envision something desirable. [tɪ drim]
• the stalls: Individual compartments for animals. [ðə stɔlz]
• with electric light: Equipped with electric lighting. [wɪθ ɪˈlɛktrɪk laɪt]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• hot and cold water: Running water at different temperatures. [hɑt ənd koʊld ˈwɔtər]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• the three-day week: A work week consisting of only three days. [ðə three-day wik]
• were no longer: Not anymore. [wər noʊ ˈlɔŋgər]
• talked about: Discussed or mentioned. [tɔkt əˈbaʊt]

Napoleon had denounced such ideas as contrary to the spirit of Animalism.

• Napoleon: A proper noun, likely a character's name. [nəˈpoʊljən]
• had denounced: Publicly declared to be wrong or evil. [hæd dɪˈnaʊnst]
• such ideas: Referring to the ideas of luxuries and a three-day week. [səʧ aɪˈdiəz]
• as: Used to introduce a description or classification. [ɛz]
• contrary to: Opposite to or in conflict with. [ˈkɑntrɛri tɪ]
• the spirit of Animalism: The fundamental principles or beliefs of Animalism. [ðə ˈspɪrɪt əv animalism]

The truest happiness, he said, lay in working hard and living frugally.

• The truest happiness: The most genuine or authentic form of happiness. [ðə truɪst ˈhæpinəs]
• he said: Attribution to Napoleon. [hi sɛd]
• lay in: Consisted of or was found in. [leɪ ɪn]
• working hard: Putting in a lot of effort in one's work. [ˈwərkɪŋ hɑrd]
• and: A conjunction. [ənd]
• living frugally: Living in a thrifty or economical manner. [ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈfrugəli]

Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer -except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.

• Somehow: in some way; by some means, but the way is not known or specified [ˈsəmˌhaʊ]
• it: refers to the situation or the general state of affairs [ɪt]
• seemed: gave the impression of being or appearing to be [simd]
• as though: as if; in a way that suggests [ɛz ðoʊ]
• the farm: an area of land and its buildings used for growing crops and rearing animals [ðə fɑrm]
• had grown: past perfect tense of 'grow', indicating an increase in size, number, or degree over a period of time [hæd groʊn]
• richer: having more money or valuable possessions [ˈrɪʧər]
• without: not having or doing something [wɪˈθaʊt]
• making: causing to become [ˈmeɪkɪŋ]
• the animals: living creatures that are not human, especially those kept on a farm [ðə ˈænəməlz]
• themselves: used to emphasize who is performing an action [ðɛmˈsɛlvz]
• any richer: to any degree more wealthy [ˈɛni ˈrɪʧər]
• except: not including; but excluding [-ɪkˈsɛpt]
• of course: as might be expected; naturally [əv kɔrs]
• for the pigs: referring to the group of animals known as pigs [fər ðə pɪgz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the dogs: referring to the group of animals known as dogs [ðə dɔgz]

Perhaps this was partly because there were so many pigs and so many dogs.

• Perhaps: possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]
• this: referring to the situation described previously [ðɪs]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• partly: to some extent; in some part [ˈpɑrtli]
• because: for the reason that [bɪˈkəz]
• there were: there existed [ðɛr wər]
• so many: a large number of [soʊ ˈmɛni]
• pigs: farm animals with snouts and thick bodies [pɪgz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• so many: a large number of [soʊ ˈmɛni]
• dogs: domesticated carnivorous mammals [dɔgz]

It was not that these creatures did not work, after their fashion.

• It: refers to the situation [ɪt]
• was not: was not the case [wɑz nɑt]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• these creatures: referring to the pigs and dogs [ðiz ˈkriʧərz]
• did not work: past tense negative form of 'work', meaning they performed tasks [dɪd nɑt wərk]
• after their fashion: in their own way; according to their own style or method [ˈæftər ðɛr ˈfæʃən]

There was, as Squealer was never tired of explaining, endless work in the supervision and organisation of the farm.

• There was: there existed [ðɛr wɑz]
• as: in the way that [ɛz]
• Squealer: name of a character [squealer]
• was never tired of: always willing to; never bored of [wɑz ˈnɛvər taɪərd əv]
• explaining: making something clear by describing it in more detail [ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ]
• endless work: work that never finishes [ˈɛndləs wərk]
• in: indicating inclusion or position within limits [ɪn]
• the supervision: the act of overseeing or directing [ðə ˌsupərˈvɪʒən]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• organisation: the arrangement of elements [ˌɔrgənɪˈzeɪʃən]
• of the farm: belonging to the farm [əv ðə fɑrm]

Much of this work was of a kind that the other animals were too ignorant to understand.

• Much: a large amount of [məʧ]
• of this work: referring to the work of supervision and organisation [əv ðɪs wərk]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• of a kind: of a particular type [əv ə kaɪnd]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• the other animals: animals other than the pigs and dogs [ðə ˈəðər ˈænəməlz]
• were: past tense plural of 'be' [wər]
• too ignorant: lacking knowledge or awareness to an excessive degree [tu ˈɪgnərənt]
• to understand: to grasp the meaning of something [tɪ ˌəndərˈstænd]

For example.

• For example: used to introduce an illustration or specific instance [fər ɪgˈzæmpəl]

Squealer told them that the pigs had to expend enormous labours every day upon mysterious things called ‘files’, ‘reports’, ‘minutes’ and ‘memoranda’. These were large sheets of paper which had to be closely covered with writing, and as soon as they were so covered they were burnt in the furnace.

• Squealer: name of a character [squealer]
• told: past tense of 'tell', meaning to communicate information [toʊld]
• them: referring to the other animals [ðɛm]
• that: used to introduce a clause [ðət]
• the pigs: referring to the group of animals known as pigs [ðə pɪgz]
• had to expend: were required to use up [hæd tɪ ɪkˈspɛnd]
• enormous labours: a great amount of effort [ɪˈnɔrmɪs labours]
• every day: each day [ˈɛvəri deɪ]
• upon: on [əˈpɑn]
• mysterious things: things that are difficult or impossible to understand [mɪˈstɪriəs θɪŋz]
• called: named [kɔld]
• files: documents or records [‘‘files]
• reports: detailed accounts of something [‘‘reports]
• minutes: official records of meetings [‘‘minutes]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• memoranda: written records or communications [‘‘memoranda]
• These: referring to the files, reports, minutes, and memoranda [ðiz]
• were: past tense plural of 'be' [wər]
• large sheets of paper: big pieces of paper [lɑrʤ ʃits əv ˈpeɪpər]
• which: used to introduce a relative clause [wɪʧ]
• had to be: were required to be [hæd tɪ bi]
• closely covered: completely filled [ˈkloʊsli ˈkəvərd]
• with writing: written text [wɪθ ˈraɪtɪŋ]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• as soon as: immediately after [ɛz sun ɛz]
• they: referring to the large sheets of paper [ðeɪ]
• were so covered: were completely filled with writing [wər soʊ ˈkəvərd]
• they were burnt: they were destroyed by fire [ðeɪ wər bərnt]
• in the furnace: in a container for burning fuel [ɪn ðə ˈfərnəs]

This was of the highest importance for the welfare of the farm, Squealer said.

• This: referring to the burning of the documents [ðɪs]
• was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
• of the highest importance: extremely important [əv ðə haɪəst ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]
• for the welfare: for the well-being or good health [fər ðə ˈwɛlˌfɛr]
• of the farm: belonging to the farm [əv ðə fɑrm]
• Squealer: name of a character [squealer]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]

But still, neither pigs nor dogs produced any food by their own labour; and there were very many of them, and their appetites were always good.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• still: nevertheless; despite that [stɪl]
• neither pigs nor dogs: not the pigs and not the dogs [ˈniðər pɪgz nɔr dɔgz]
• produced: created or made [prəˈdust]
• any food: any amount of food [ˈɛni fud]
• by their own labour: through their own work [baɪ ðɛr oʊn ˈleɪbər]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• there were: there existed [ðɛr wər]
• very many: a large number [ˈvɛri ˈmɛni]
• of them: referring to the pigs and dogs [əv ðɛm]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• their appetites: their desires for food [ðɛr ˈæpəˌtaɪts]
• were: past tense plural of 'be' [wər]
• always good: consistently large [ˈɔlˌweɪz gʊd]