Animal Farm SynopsisGeorge Orwell’s Animal Farm is a fable that criticizes the Soviet Union’s unfair treatment of its people. Written in 1945, the novel is an allegory, or parable, that shows what happens when wicked leaders take advantage of people. The animals on Manor Farm feel that the farm owner has unrealistic dreams. They see him as a bully, so they weaken the farmer and gain control of the farm. Now the animals are in control; however, the power begins to corrupt them as well. The weakest animals are in danger of being unfairly used by the more powerful animals. The characters represent historical figures who behaved the same way, which makes the tale even more interesting. Even though the Soviet Union has collapsed, the lessons of Animal Farm are still applicable today. The novel teaches us about the dangers of abusive leaders as well as how to interact with our neighbors.
Character ListOld Major: An elderly pig. He is the first to suggest revolution to the animals of Manor Farm. Historically, he is compared to the man whose ideas and treatises led to the Communist Revolution.
Snowball: An intelligent and thoughtful pig. At the start of the Revolution, he partners with Napoleon in an undefined, loose leadership role. Though he is not always practical, he has great faith in the animals and high hopes for their success.
Napoleon: Forceful, conniving, and self-possessed. Along with Snowball he leads the animals on Manor Farm at the beginning of the novel. He is compared to the historical figure, Napoleon Bonaparte of France.
Squealer: A young pig that serves as the mouthpiece for Napoleon. He symbolizes the mechanism by which propaganda is used historically in a totalitarian government.
Boxer: A carthorse who is untiring in his devotion to the Revolution, its leaders, and its mission. Regardless of Napoleon’s behavior, Boxer stands by and supports him. He is symbolic of the oppressed peoples who are taken advantage of and abused by those in power, the leaders who improve their own lives and destroy the lives of the people they rule.
Mollie: A young mare. She leaves Manor Farm because she does not want to do without the pleasure she derives from material goods such as colored ribbons and sugar lumps. Some of the animals feel that her desertion is treachery. Her character symbolizes the nobles who, following the Revolution, fled Russia as their loyalties were easily swayed.
Benjamin: A donkey whose mood is somber and glum. He is a cynic who is neither for nor against the Revolution. He is symbolic of people’s propensity for apathy, cynicism, and the assumption that things will never improve regardless of people’s efforts.
Moses: A raven full of marvelous stories about Sugarcandy Mountain, a fantastic place where work is obsolete. He is lucky, as he can come and go as he pleases. He represents organized religion in general, and, more specifically, the Russian Orthodox Church.
Farmer Jones: The owner of Manor Farm. He is emblematic of those governments whose corruption and flaws puts their peoples in a Revolutionary mindset.
Muriel: A goat. Her reading skills far surpass the majority of the animals on the farm, so she is often the one who reads the altered Commandments to the other animals. She does not always fully comprehend what she reads, but, symbolically, she is still seen as a revelatory figure.
Clover: A mare. Much like Boxer, she is loyal and committed to the Revolution and its mission.
Pilkington: Owns the farm that neighbors Manor Farm. He is indifferent and unconcerned about what is going on at Animal Farm. This is a commentary on some British gentlemen characterized by both their decadence and lack of political interest.
Frederick: The other farmer in the negotiations to buy timber from the animals. He is wicked and malevolent. He is rumored to cruelly and strangely torture the animals on his farm. He is symbolic of Nazi Germany’s treatment of the Jewish people and others condemned by them to the concentration camps.
Whymper: Trades with the animals of Animal Farm through Napoleon. He is only interested in making money and cares nothing for the animals and their treatment. His activities symbolize countries that did business with communist regimes despite their behavior.
Vocabulary Definition ListThe following list provides definitions for some of the more difficult words in the text.
Chapter 1scullery: back kitchen.ensconced: settled.confinements: periods of childbirth.falter: to waver.enmity: hostility.tyrannise: unmercifully rule over, the British spelling of “tyrannize.”
Chapter 2preeminent: most excellent.vivacious: lively.expounded: explained.counteract: offset.gamboled: playfully skipped; frolicked.reproached: shamed or expressed disapproval of.
Chapter 4tractable: easily managed or controlled; governable.contemptible: disgraceful.irrepressible: unmanageable; can’t be held back.alighted: landed.ignominious: humiliating.posthumously: after one’s death.
Chapter 5pretext: alleged reason.blithely: casually.publican: inn keeper or tax collector.manifestly: noticeably.liable: likely.faction: group.
Chapter 6vain: ineffective.superintendence: supervision or direction.reconciled: brought (oneself) to accept.repose: rest.malignity: persistent, intense ill will.indignation: righteous anger.
Chapter 7infanticide: murder of babies.procure: obtain.
clutches: complete set of eggs produced at one time.capitulated: gave up.pervading: spread throughout; all encompassing.tumult: uproar.
machinations: crafty schemes; devious plots.dejectedly: dismally.lamentation: expression of grief.
Chapter 9poultices: hot, soft, moist masses applied to a sore or inflamed body part.superannuated: retired with a pension due to old age or infirmity.precincts: grounds.complicity: involvement in a wrongful act.stratagem: trick.contemptuously: disdainfully.
Chapter 10inebriates’: drunkards’.taciturn: reticent.filial: as befits a son or daughter.insoluble: impossible to be solved.incumbent: part of one’s duty or obligation.intimated: hinted or implied.
Pre-Reading Questions
Pre-reading questions help you explore your own views in order to uncover important themes in the novel.
Directions: Write down your response to each of the questions below.You will need it after you finish reading the novel.
1. What do you think would happen if your class “overthrew” your teacher? Who would be in charge? Do you think the class would be better or worse? Why?
2. Who should decide who is in charge? How should this be done?
3. Animals are personified throughout this novel. What are your thoughts on the use of such a device? Negative? Positive? Indifferent? Why?
4. What do you know about Soviet Communism? Communism in general? Where did you get your information?
5. What are your feelings towards animals? How do you feel about eating meat? How do you feel about hunting? Should animals be used for our entertainment? How do you feel about farm animals? Why?
Novel QuestionsThese questions help you stay on track with the plot of the story, as well as build your reading comprehension.Chapter 11. Who first introduces the idea of the revolution to the animals?2. What word does Major use to address the animals?3. What song does Major introduce to the animals?4. Why does Major sing Beasts of England to the animals? What purpose does he want it to serve?
Chapter 21. Why do the animals succeed in the revolution?2. What does Mrs. Jones do as the rebellion begins?3. What things capture Mollie’s attention?4. Why do you think the pigs teach themselves to read and write?5. What are the seven commandments?
6. What disappears at the end of the chapter?7. Why do you think Orwell includes this detail, particularly at the end of a chapter?
Chapter 31. What colors and symbols are on the flag that the animals raise?2. What maxim do the animals adopt?3. What purpose does the maxim serve? Do you predict it will have a positive or negative effect as the novel continues?
4. What animals does Napoleon take to rear separately from the others?5. Why do you think Napoleon isolates these animals?
Chapter 41. Where does Mr. Jones spend his time after being expelled from the farm?2. What are the names of the two neighboring farmers?3. What are some of the negative rumors that are spread about Animal Farm?4. What do the animals name the battle that occurs in this chapter?5. Why are the animals, once again, successful against the humans in battle?
Chapter 51. Who is accused of having contact with a human?2. How does Napoleon use the sheep to achieve his goals?3. What benefit does Snowball propose the windmill will provide?4. What are the arguments against building the windmill? Why does it prompt such a heated discussion?5. Why does Napoleon resort to running Snowball off in a violent manner? In what other ways might Napoleon have handled the situation?6. What does Napoleon’s use of the dogs suggest about the direction in which the operation of Animal Farm is moving?
7. What are Boxer’s two slogans?8. What does Squealer mean when he explains that the reason Napoleon opposed the windmill at first was “Tactics, comrades, tactics!”?
Chapter 61. What does Napoleon say must be done for the farm to survive?2. Why does Napoleon decide that trade with humans is a necessary evil? How does he explain that to the animals? What is their reaction? How does he ultimately win them over?
3. What does Orwell imply when he writes that people finally began referring to the farm as Animal Farm instead of continuing to call it Manor Farm?
4. What happens to the windmill?5. Whom does Napoleon accuse of destroying the windmill?6. What is the benefit of making Snowball a scapegoat? How does it advance Napoleon’s purposes? How does it appease the other animals?
Chapter 71. Which two animals have not yet “lost heart”?2. What do the chickens have to surrender? Why?3. According to reports, what is Snowball secretly doing?4. List two specific accusations made in this chapter against Snowball.5. What happens when various animals confess to crimes?6. Why is Beasts of England banned?
Chapter 81. What words are added (without the animals’ knowledge) to the commandment “No animal shall kill any other animal”?
2. What is the purpose of Napoleon’s self-imposed sequestering and ceremonial appearances?
3. What is Napoleon’s purpose for inscribing the poem and the portrait of himself on the wall? Is it possible that his purpose might backfire?
4. Why do the animals initially dislike Frederick?
5. What turnaround occurs regarding Pilkington & Frederick? What do the animals think of each of them?
6. How does Frederick trick the animals?
7. What is the irony in the scene where the animals celebrate after the windmill has been blown up? What purpose does this use of irony serve?
8. For what purpose is the plot of ground that Napoleon has readied for the planting of barley originally intended?
9. What words are added (without the animals’ knowledge) to the commandment “No animal shall drink alcohol”?10. What does the unexplainable incident that occurs at the very end of Chapter 8
confirm for readers? Do any of the animals “get it”?
11. Throughout the novel, the animals believe or are led to believe one thing and then are later convinced of another. Why is that and how is that achieved? What does it say about the animals? About Animal Farm? About society? About Orwell’s beliefs about Soviet Communism?
12. Have your attitudes as a reader changed throughout your reading of the novel? About the pigs? About various other animals? About Communism? Society?
Chapter 91. What injury does Boxer sustain?2. How does the use of “figures” operate throughout the novel?
3. Why are the young pigs born piebald?4. What message is sent when bricks are bought and a schoolhouse is built for Napoleon’s offspring?
5. What is producing the wonderful smell coming from the farmhouse?6. How is Napoleon served his half gallon of beer every day?
7. Orwell says that “life nowadays had a greater dignity than it had had before.” In what ways does that appear to be true? In what ways is that, in actuality, false?
8. What does Napoleon’s treatment of Boxer reveal? Why do the animals believe Squealer when he explains that Boxer was not sent to the knacker?
9. What do the pigs buy with the money that they receive from the knacker?
10. How do you think Orwell wants readers to react to the line, “From somewhere or other the pigs had acquired the money to buy themselves another case of whisky”?Chapter 101. Where is Jones when he dies?
2. When the first windmill is finally completed, how is it used?
3. What is the irony of Napoleon’s statement, “The truest happiness…lay in working hard and living frugally”?
4. What mysterious things do the pigs supposedly spend their time working on?
5. What human behavior do the pigs take on in the last chapter of the novel that goes against the first and most sacred commandment of Animalism?
6. Why don’t the animals organize a rebellion of their own to overthrow the pigs? What do you think would be the short term and the long term results if such a rebellion were to succeed?
7. What causes the fight between the humans and the pigs at the conclusion of the novel?
8. What makes the final scene in the farmhouse so powerful?
9. In Chapters 9 and 10, the farmhouse becomes as much a part of the setting as the rest of the farm itself. Why? What purpose does that serve?
10. Examine Orwell’s choices of names for the various characters. What meanings can you find?
CharacterizationChapter 1
Characterization is the method used by a writer to develop how the character looks, acts, and thinks. This exercise helps you begin to understand the importance of character development in a novel.Directions: The characters from the novel are listed on the chart below. Next to their names, list their traits; under Symbol, list the character’s purpose and what he/she symbolizes.
Character Traits SymbolOld Major Example: Visionary, Leader Example: Marx/Lenin
Snowball
Napoleon
Squealer
Boxer
Mollie
Benjamin
Moses
Farmer Jones
Muriel
Clover
Pilkington
Frederick
Whymper
ZoomorphismChapter 1
Personification is the literary term used to describe the process of giving human characteristics to objects, animals, or ideas: for example, a “weeping tree” and “Death’s knock on your door.” Orwell personifies animals in Animal Farm by employing a device referred to as zoomorphism. This exercise helps you understand how zoomorphism is used and what effect it has in a novel.
Directions: Look for the specific ways in which the author gives “humanness” to
each animal. Use the space below.
Foreshadowing Chapter 2
Foreshadowing is a technique authors use to drop hints about future events in a novel. This exercise helps you begin to understand how foreshadowing works in a novel.
Directions: Take note of anything you read that you believe foreshadows a future event in the novel. Keep track of these incidents throughout your reading on the chart below.
Foreshadowing Evidence of Event Coming to Fruition
Example: Old Major dreams of a land run by animals and not humans.
Example: The animals take over the farm andrun it themselves.
Theme Chapter 3
Group Activity
A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to
help you think of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .” This exercise helps you begin to understand how to determine and track theme(s) in a novel.
Directions: In groups of three, create a theme statement that lays out what you see as the novel’s theme at this point. Use specifics from the text to support your statement. Then each group needs to present its statement aloud to the rest of the class.
Theme Statement:
Text Support:
Literary Device: Irony Chapter 4
Irony is a literary device that shows a contrast between appearance and reality, expectation and result, or meaning and intention. This activity explains and reinforces the concept of irony, and helps you understand its use. It also provides an opportunity to apply your knowledge in other areas.
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences, using examples from the text.
What is Irony?Using a dictionary or glossary of literary terms, define irony in the space below.
Irony in the StoryDiscuss a clear example of irony in this story. Explain what is ironic about this situation.
Irony in Other PlacesThink of an example of irony that you have experienced yourself, seen in someone’s life, read in a book, or watched on film. Explain the situation below and be prepared to share your example with the class.
Journal From a Different Perspective Chapter 5
Now that you have had a chance to get to know most of the characters in the novel, you can predict how they respond in certain situations. This activity helps to reinforce the individual personalities of each character, and also gives you practice in looking for information in the novel.
Directions: Pretend that you are the parent of one of the young pigs on the farm. As the parent, you see clearly the hypocrisy of some of the pigs. What kind of advice do you give to your child? What do you teach your child about Napoleon’s actions?
Symbolism and Imagery Chapter 6
A symbol is an object or action that stands for something else. Imagery is language that stirs up one or all of the five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching. This exercise helps further your understanding of how symbolism and imagery both change and remain the same throughout a novel.
Directions: Answer the following questions, using specific examples from the text to support your ideas.
What do the beds in the farmhouse and the fact that the pigs are sleeping in them symbolize?
What other symbols have you seen emerge?
Metaphor Chapter 7
Group Activity
A metaphor is a figure of speech that imaginatively identifies one object with another, creating a relationship between the two. An example would be, “My heart
was a shattered mirror.” This exercise assists you in understanding the way metaphor function in a novel.Directions: As a class, examine the farm section by section and explain which parts of the farm serves as metaphors for things in human society. For example, the farmhouse represents the seat of power.Brainstorm ideas here:
Theme: Advertisement Chapter 8
A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to help you think of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________.” This exercise continues your study of theme and helps you understand how ads are written.
Directions: Write an advertisement for this novel using the theme as the primary selling point. Use pictures as well as words. Use the space below for your preliminary notes and rough draft. Put your final copy on a poster to be handed in separately.
Journal: An Ideal Society Chapter 9
Think about your ideal society. Would having an ethical leader and citizens be part of the foundation of your ideal society? Why? This exercise completes your exploration of society and societal structures.
Directions: Create commandments upon which your society operates. What are the benefits of this kind of society? Consider how to keep your society from falling to the fate of Animal Farm. Be sure to use specific examples. Use the space provided below. Example: All rights not given to the government belong to the individual. You may complete this exercise with a partner or alone. You must have at least 5 commandments.
Commandments for an Ideal Society:
Close Reading Chapter 10
Close reading is the process of re-examining a short passage and asking critical questions about it. The summary of the animals’ attitudes in Chapter 10 provides significant insight into their characters as well as the author’s message. This activity strengthens your opinions about the novel and creates lasting impressions to carry with you after your study of Animal Farm.
Directions: Reread the paragraph in Chapter 10 that begins, “And yet the animals never gave up hope” and ends with “All animals were equal.” Answer the questions in the chart below. Be prepared to discuss your ideas with the class.
Word/Phrase Critical Question Your Opinions
1. “sense of honor and privilege”
How do the animals feel about their association with Animal Farm?
Example: They are proud. They feel special and unique.
2. “hearts swelled with imperishable pride”
Why does the author use this image? How is their pride “imperishable”?
3. “the old heroic days” Why do they describe the past as “heroic”? Why aren’t there any heroic days in the animals’ present lives?
4. “no one would have dared to sing it aloud”
How would you describe the atmosphere of a place where no one dares to sing?
5. “if they worked hard, at least they worked for
What is the irony in this statement?
themselves”
Pre-Reading Question Review Reflect on Reading
Look at the pre-reading questions that you filled out before you read Animal Farm. Often after you study and learn, your beliefs change. They become stronger, weaker, or entirely different. It is a sign of wisdom and maturity to analyze new ideas carefully and decide which ones to add to your worldview. Therefore, you are returning to the questions you discussed before you read Animal Farm to determine what opinions the book has affected.Directions: Complete the chart below in preparation for a discussion with your classmates.
Pre-Reading Discussion Question
Answers Before
Reading
Answers After Reading Changes?
Write Yes or
No1. What do you think would happen if your class “overthrew” your teacher? Who would be in charge? Do you think the class would be better or worse? Why?2. Who should decide who is in charge? How should this be done?
3. Animals are personified throughout this novel. What are your thoughts on the use of such a device? Negative? Positive? Indifferent? Why?
4. What do you know about Soviet Communism? Communism in general?Where did you get your
information?5. What are your feelings towards animals? How do you feel about eating meat? How do you feel about hunting? Should animals be used for our entertainment? How do you feel about farm animals?Why?
Animal FarmFinal Test English 9Name _________________________________________ Date _____________ Block __________________
The following test allows you to demonstrate how well you know the story Animal Farm, as well as the themes and literary techniques found throughout the novel.
Directions: Read all the directions and questions carefully to be sure you are answering each question correctly and completely.
Multiple Choice Directions: Circle the letter of the correct answer. (1 pt. each)
1. Foxwood is owned bya) Frederick. c) Jones.b) Pilkington. d) Willingdon.
2. Pinchfield is owned bya) Willingdon. c) Pilkington.b) Jones. d) Frederick.
3. The battle that occurs after the initial rebellion is calleda) Battle of Cowshed. c) Battle of Cattle.b) Battle of the Herd. d) Battle of Boxer.
4. Snowball tells the animals that the windmill will providea) air conditioning. c) electricity.b) money. d) heat.
5. ________is the reason Napoleon claims for feigning opposition to the windmill.a) health c) wisdomb) selfishness d) tactics
6. Napoleon takes several ______to rear himself away from all the other animals.a) puppies c) poniesb) chickens d) sheep
7. Mollie is a _______who is obsessed with_______.a) horse, ribbons c) pig, ribbonsb) horse, money d) pig, apples
8. The moment the rebellion begins, Mrs. Jonesa) takes up arms to fight. c) cries and hides.b) slips out by another way. d) calls the sheriff.
9. Frederick tricks the animals bya) stealing the timber at night. c) giving them less than they agreed upon.b) destroying the windmill. d) giving them forged bank notes.
10. The plot of ground that Napoleon has readied for the planting of barley is originally intended fora) the windmill. c) retired animals.b) planting corn. d) parades.
11. _________causes the young pigs to be born piebald.a) Having a disease c) Having one father—Snowballb) Having one father—Napoleon d) Drinking alcohol
12. The wonderful smell that comes from the farmhouse is caused bya) cooking barley. c) cooking meat.b) cooking corn. d) cooking apples.
13. Jones dies____________________.a) in a home for inebriates c) at the farmb) on a street corner d) at Foxwood
14. In the last chapter of the novel the pigs begin to ___________, which goes against thefirst and most sacred commandment of Animalism.a) wear clothes c) trade with humansb) live in the farmhouse d) walk on two legs
15. The maxim that the sheep often repeat is ___________a) animals good, humans bad. c) four legs good, two legs bad.b) Animal Farm good, d) Napoleon good, Snowball bad. Manor Farm bad.
Event SequencingDirections: Order the following events chronologically from 1 to 10. (1pt. each)
_______ a. The maxim is created._______ b. Timber is sold to Frederick._______ c. The animals learn Beasts of England._______ d. The pigs begin walking on two legs._______ e. Snowball is chased off the farm._______ f. Many of the animals are executed._______ g. Napoleon rarely leaves the farmhouse._______ h. The pigs play poker with the farmers._______ i. The windmill is destroyed for the first time._______ j. Boxer is sent to the knacker’s.
MatchingDirections: Match each word on the left with the correct definition. (1 pt. each)
_____ 1. Complicity a. as befits a son or daughter
_____ 2. Confinements b. disgraceful
_____ 3. Contemptible c. hinted or implied
_____ 4. Enmity d. hostility
_____ 5. Filial e. hot, soft, moist mass applied to hurt
body part
_____ 6. Surmounted f. humiliating
_____ 7. Gamboled g. inn keeper or tax collector
_____ 8. Ignominious h. crafty schemes; devious plots
_____ 9. Indefatigable i. involvement
_____10. Indignation j. placed above
_____11. Intimated k. periods of childbirth
_____12. Machinations l. retired with a pension due to old age or
infirmity
_____13. Poultices m. righteous anger
_____14. Publican n. skipped or frolicked
_____15. Superannuated o. untiring
EssayDirections: Write your answer to each question below. Use complete sentences. (3 pts. each)
1. What is one of the first signals that Animal Farm is not going to be a place of equals as originally proposed?
2. What is the animals’ primary reason for success in their second battle against the humans?
3. What is the irony in the scene where the animals celebrate after the windmill has been blown up? What purpose does this use of irony serve?
4. Throughout the novel, the animals believe or are led to believe one thing and then are later convinced of another. Why is that and how is that achieved? What does the fact that this happens say about the animals? about Animal Farm? about society? about Orwell’s beliefs about Soviet Communism?
5. Why don’t the animals organize a rebellion of their own to overthrow the pigs?
What do you think would be the short term and the long term results if such a rebellion were to succeed?
