Animal Farm Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis: Hard Work, Broken Promises and Corruption

November 3, 2025

Animal Farm Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis: Hard Work, Broken Promises and Corruption

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What Happens in Chapter 6 of Animal Farm?

Chapter 6 shows Orwell’s turning point from hope to hardship and hypocrisy. The animals, once inspired by equality, now work harder than ever, often longer hours and with less food.

Napoleon orders the animals to rebuild the windmill that Snowball designed, despite his earlier opposition. Orwell’s irony is sharp here: what began as Snowball’s dream of progress becomes Napoleon’s tool of oppression.

Key events include:

The animals are told that working on Sundays is voluntary, but those who refuse lose food rations.
Napoleon begins trading with humans through Mr. Whymper, despite the commandments forbidding it.
The pigs move into the farmhouse, sleep in beds and subtly alter the commandments to justify their privilege.
The windmill collapses during a storm, but Napoleon blames Snowball, deepening his campaign of fear and manipulation.

Orwell uses these events to show how leaders rewrite truth to protect their own power.

Animal Farm GCSE Study Hub: Orwell’s Vision, Themes and Context

How Does Orwell Show Corruption in Chapter 6?

Orwell uses irony and hypocrisy to expose corruption: the animals work tirelessly for the good of all, but their leaders exploit them.

Napoleon’s decision to trade with humans symbolises the betrayal of Animalist principles; the very things the rebellion stood against. Squealer manipulates the animals by insisting no rule was ever broken.

“Surely, comrades, you do not imagine that leadership is a pleasure?”

This quote captures Orwell’s satire perfectly: those in power claim to suffer for the good of others while enjoying every luxury.

GCSE Insight: Students should link this to Orwell’s critique of totalitarian regimes; power always corrupts when unchecked.

What Is the Importance of the Windmill in Chapter 6?

The windmill becomes the central symbol of the animals’ exploitation. It represents both false hope and endless labour.

Originally, it promised progress and freedom. Now, it is a mechanism of control; a reason to work harder while living worse. Orwell uses the windmill’s destruction to show how lies and scapegoats maintain tyranny.

Exam Tip: In essays, analyse the symbolism of the windmill; it reflects the futility of idealism under corrupt systems.

How Does Orwell Show Manipulation Through Language?

Squealer’s manipulation grows stronger. Orwell shows how language becomes a weapon:

Commandments are quietly altered (e.g. “No animal shall sleep in a bed” becomes “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets”).
Squealer uses repetition and guilt to silence doubt.
The animals’ memories weaken, allowing history to be rewritten.

This illustrates Orwell’s message that truth can be reshaped by those in power, a theme that anticipates 1984.

GCSE Tip: For high marks, focus on Orwell’s use of euphemism and rhetorical language to show deceit.

How Does Chapter 6 Show the Theme of Exploitation?

Boxer, the loyal worker, becomes a tragic symbol of exploitation. His motto,“I will work harder,” now reflects obedience rather than hope.

Orwell portrays the working class’s blind faith as both admirable and dangerous. Boxer’s strength sustains the farm, but his unquestioning trust in Napoleon enables tyranny.

Exam Insight: In essays, discuss how Orwell uses Boxer to represent how governments exploit loyalty and ignorance to maintain power.

What Historical Events Does Chapter 6 Reflect?

Chapter 6 mirrors Stalin’s industrialisation and Five-Year Plans in the Soviet Union.

The animals’ relentless labour represents workers under forced collectivisation.
The rewriting of rules echoes Stalin’s manipulation of Marxist ideals.
The windmill’s failure parallels early industrial disasters blamed on “enemies of the state.”

Context Point: Orwell shows how revolutions collapse into dictatorship when leaders prioritise power over people.

“Chapter 6 is where Orwell shows the quiet tragedy of revolution; not through war, but through work. The animals believe they are building a better future, but in reality, they are building a system that exploits them. For GCSE students, this chapter is a masterclass in irony and political commentary; understanding it means seeing how power rewrites truth.”

Matt
Founder, Apollo Scholars

What Happens Next in Animal Farm?

In Chapter 7, the story turns darker. As life worsens on the farm, Napoleon uses fear, lies and violence to crush dissent. The animals face purges, executions and betrayal, echoing Stalin’s Great Terror.

👉 Next Blog: Animal Farm Chapter 7: Betrayal and Terror on Animal Farm
⬅️ Previous Blog: Animal Farm Chapter 5: Power, Propaganda, and the Rise of Napoleon