animal farm revision

What type of story is animal farm?

A fable

Summarise chapter 1

Old Major gives a speech encouraging the animals to rebel against human oppression. He introduces the idea that animals should live freely and equally

Summarise chapter 2

After Old Major dies, the pigs develop Animalism. When Mr Jones neglects to feed the animals, they rebel and drive the humans off the farm. The animals rename it Animal Farm and establish the Seven Commandments.

Summarise chapter 3

The animals work together to harvest the crops. Boxer demonstrates exceptional strength and dedication, while the pigs organise and supervise the work. The pigs take the milk and apples for themselves, revealing the beginnings of inequality

Describe the philosophy of Animalism

Animalism promotes equality, cooperation and freedom from human exploitation, based on communist ideas developed by Karl Marx.

Outline the characteristics of a novella/short story

A short narrative with a limited number of main characters, a central conflict and theme, a focused plot and setting, and a meaningful message or ending.

Define animalism

The animals' philosophy of equality and freedom from human control.

Define comrade

A fellow member of a group who shares the same goals.

Define Manor Farm

The farm owned by Mr Jones before the rebellion.

Define Sugarcandy Mountain

The paradise Moses describes where animals supposedly go after death.

Define Propaganda

Information used to influence people's beliefs, often in a misleading way.

Who does Old Major represent?

Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin

Who does Napoleon represent?

Joseph Stalin

Who does Snowball represent?

Leon Trotsky

Who does Squealer represent?

Soviet propaganda and manipulation

Moses: Who is he, and what does he talk about?

Moses is a tame raven who tells the animals about Sugarcandy Mountain, a paradise where animals go after death.
It represents the promise of a better afterlife and the comfort religion can provide.
His stories may distract the animals from their present suffering

Define verbal irony

Saying something that means the opposite of what is expected.

Define situational irony

When the outcome is unexpected.

Define dramatic irony

When readers know something characters don't

Which animal is most open to exploitation by the pigs?

Boxer because he is hardworking, loyal and trusts the pigs, as shown by his mottos, “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.”

Signs of inequality

The pigs keep the milk and apples for themselves for their health and intelligence and supervise the other animals' hard work while enjoying special privileges

Who is Major?

An old, respected boar who inspires the animals to rebel against human oppression.

Outline major’s actions

Old Major inspires rebellion through his speech on equality and teaches the animals “Beasts of England.” He dies three nights later.

Recall The Russian Revolution

Revolt → Tsar falls → Lenin takes over → Civil War → Stalin rises → Stalin controls.

Outline Napoleans character

Helps establish Animalism, takes a leadership role and claims the puppies for himself to make them his protecters

Outline Squealer

Persuades the animals to accept the pigs' decisions, including keeping the milk for themselves

What sparks the rebellion?

Mr Jones becomes neglectful and fails to feed the animals

Recall the 7 commandments in order

• Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

• Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

• No animal shall wear clothes.

• No animal shall sleep in a bed.

• No animal shall drink alcohol.

• No animal shall kill any other animal.

• All animals are equal.

Make a note on the meetings

The animals meet every Sunday to discuss work and vote on decisions. Snowball and Napoleon often disagree, especially about Snowball’s windmill proposal.

What is the purpose of the sheep’s slogan?

“Four legs good, two legs bad” simplifies Animalism and discourages independent thinking through repetition

How do the animals react during the harvest?

The animals work hard together, with Boxer showing great strength and dedication while Clover cares for others. The pigs supervise the work, and the successful harvest gives the animals hope for independence.

Outline the animals ability to read

Snowball, Napoleon and Squealer read well, while Benjamin reads as well as the pigs but rarely helps others. Boxer, Clover and the sheep struggle with reading.