Animal Farm Dialectical Journal

In the days following the encounter with the human farmers, the animals attempted to continue work as usual. Rations were low and conditions were harsh, but they found comfort in each other. Things were almost seeming to look up, until one day tragedy struck. Squealer had called the animals together in the main barn for some announcements, one of which was that a few animals were having their rations reduced yet again. Everyone was outraged, and it was clear that this was the breaking point for some of the animals who had previously remained silent about their mistreatment. Muriel and Clover who had become close over the years, took this reduction as their time to speak against the pigs. They were beloved by all the other animals on the farm, so it was clear that whatever they said would be supported. As soon as they both expressed the unfairness of the rations, Napoleon’s loyal dogs who had come along with Squealer were on their feet. Hair standing up and teeth showing, they were a familiar sight reminding the animals to obey. At this, gentle Clover backed away and quieted with a whimper. Muriel though, being more confident and also more outraged at the actions of the pigs, did not back down. In fact, she picked up the intensity of her speech. She called out the hypocrisy of the pigs in the past few years as well as their corruption, and the other animals began calling out words of agreement. Squealer was confused and panicked, as he was about to have a revolt on his hands. With a quick word that was really more of a grunt, he commanded the attack of the three dogs that were with him. Muriel kicked and bit at the dogs, injuring one and stunning another, but nevertheless it was over quickly. Muriel’s lifeless and injured body collapsed into the dirt, and Clover rushed to her side with an agonized cry. There was nothing to be done though, and Squealer whisked himself and the murderous dogs away with no words other than a reminder of the ration reductions. The animals were heartbroken, outraged, and helpless. They …show more content…
He moved slowly to the center of the barn, looking down at the ground. He then looked up, and began to talk. “Comrades.” he began in a soft but confident voice. “It has been too long, much has changed since my exile.” he took time to look each animal in the eye, making his way around the room to show he was speaking to them all. “Napoleon and his minions are beyond corrupt comrades, this is not what we worked so hard for. This is not Animal Farm.” Animals began to nod in agreement, unsure of what was going on, but hopeful in hearing a pig speak against their corrupt and tyrannical leader. Clover, with a scratchy grief torn voice, whispered out “They killed Muriel.” Snowball looked down in sadness. “They have killed many, Comrades. But no longer, it is time we remember the words Old Major spoke to us those many years ago. It is time we rebel and begin Animal Farm again as it should’ve been.” One of the animals, no one was ever sure who, began quietly singing the Beasts of England, and being careful not to wake any of their cruel leaders, they all joined