Animal Farm Unit test Definitions

Gaslighting

The practice of psychologically manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity, memory, or powers of reasoning.

Satire

is the use of humor, exaggeration, ridicule, sarcasm, irony, and/or a number of other literary devices to expose and criticize foolishness, corruption, or general social problems with the intent to promote social change.

Dystopia

An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one

Utopia

An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect

Allegory

An allegory is a story that includes characters, setting, etc. that have both literal and figurative (symbolic) meaning(s).

Propaganda

The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person

Scapegoating

The act of transferring responsibility (or blaming) one’s failures or frustrations onto a vulnerable group.

Fable

Is a short story, typically involving animals, intended to convey a useful moral or truth. The animals in fables generally represent people “types”.

Fairytale

A fairytale is usually written for children about magical or fantastic events that are not true.

Socialism

Democratic socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically-- to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few (economic decisions should be made by those whom they affect most).  Socialists have always claimed to stand, above all, for the values of equality, social justice, cooperation, progress, and individual freedom and happiness.

Totalitarianism

A form of government with strong central rule that tries to control individual freedoms.

Is a Utopian society achievable?

A truly perfect utopian society—one with no conflict, no suffering, no inequality, and total happiness—is almost certainly impossible because humans naturally have different desires, beliefs, and personalities. People disagree, resources are limited, and emotions like jealousy, fear, and ambition will always exist. No system can make everyone behave perfectly or eliminate every form of conflict. However, a better society is absolutely achievable. Throughout history, humans have made real progress: longer lifespans, better healthcare, less violence, more education, and greater rights and freedoms. While a flawless utopia is unrealistic, steady improvement is very possible. In this sense, utopia works more as an ongoing direction to strive toward rather than a final, perfect destination.

Is a revolution or rebellion worthwhile?

Whether a revolution or rebellion is worthwhile depends on the situation and the outcome it creates. In some cases, people rebel because their government is abusive, unfair, or refuses to give them basic rights, and peaceful methods no longer work. When a rebellion leads to greater freedom, equality, and improvements in people’s lives, it can be seen as worthwhile. However, revolutions also involve violence, risk, and instability, and they sometimes create new problems or even worse governments than before. Because of this, a rebellion is only truly worthwhile when the injustice is severe, other solutions have failed, and the change that follows genuinely makes society better.

How does power corrupt individuals?

Power can corrupt individuals because it changes the way they see themselves, others, and the rules around them. When people gain power, they often feel more important and start to believe they deserve special treatment or are above consequences. This can make them ignore moral boundaries, become less empathetic, and focus more on their own interests instead of the needs of others. Power can also isolate people, since those around them may stop challenging their decisions out of fear or respect, allowing bad behavior to grow unchecked. Over time, even a well-intentioned person can become selfish, abusive, or controlling when they hold too much power without limits or accountability.

Can any society truly offer citizens equality?

No society can offer its citizens complete equality, because people naturally have different backgrounds, abilities, and opportunities. Even if laws promise equal treatment, factors like wealth, education, culture, and personal connections can create unequal experiences in real life. However, societies can work toward fairness by protecting human rights, preventing discrimination, and giving everyone access to basic needs such as education, safety, and healthcare. While perfect equality is impossible, societies can still strive to reduce unfair advantages and create systems where people have a more equal chance to succeed.

Discus the real world example of scapegoating?

A real-world example of scapegoating can be seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people unfairly blamed Asian communities for the spread of the virus. Instead of examining the complex scientific and global factors behind the outbreak, some individuals and groups chose an easy target to blame. This led to discrimination, violence, and fear toward innocent people who had nothing to do with the disease. Scapegoating happens when a society, leader, or group shifts responsibility away from themselves by placing blame on someone else, often a minority or vulnerable community. This example shows how dangerous scapegoating can be because it spreads misinformation, creates prejudice, and harms people who are already at risk.

Can individual freedom exist in a peaceful society? Choose one Character and explain how they could be allegorical representation of a modern day figure.

Individual freedom can exist in a peaceful society, but only when the government allows people to make choices without fear while still maintaining fairness and safety. In Animal Farm, Snowball can be seen as an allegorical representation of a modern-day political reformer—someone who wants to improve society through education, technology, and democratic ideas. Like many real leaders who push for progress, Snowball is eventually blamed for problems he didn’t cause, showing how those in power can limit freedom by attacking people who disagree with them. His experience reflects how modern governments sometimes suppress innovative thinkers to maintain control, proving that a society can only be peaceful if it protects individuals’ rights to speak, create, and participate in decision-making.

What can readers learn from this book?

Readers can learn that power can easily be abused when it is not questioned, and that people must stay aware and informed to prevent corruption. Animal Farm shows how leaders can twist language, spread misinformation, and use fear to control others, which warns readers to think critically about what they are told. The book also teaches how ordinary individuals can lose their rights when they stop paying attention or blindly trust authority. Overall, the story reminds readers that freedom, fairness, and equality require active participation, honesty, and the courage to challenge injustice—otherwise history can repeat itself.

Why is blind devotion to anyone or any concept destructive?

Blind devotion to anyone or any concept is destructive because it causes people to stop thinking for themselves and accept decisions without questioning whether they are right or fair. When individuals follow a leader or idea without using their own judgment, they become vulnerable to manipulation and can support harmful actions without realizing it. Blind loyalty also allows those in power to gain too much control, since they face no criticism or resistance. This can lead to abuse, injustice, and the loss of personal freedoms. In the end, blindly obeying someone or something replaces critical thinking with obedience, which can damage both individuals and entire societies.

Who is your favorite character? what does this character teach about yourself and the world around you?

My favorite character is the Cat because she represents those who avoid responsibility and only take part when it benefits them. In Animal Farm, the Cat doesn’t help with the work on the farm but still enjoys the rewards, which teaches readers about people in the real world who try to benefit from others’ efforts without contributing themselves. Her behavior reminds me to think critically about fairness and responsibility, both in myself and in the society around me. The Cat shows that a community only succeeds when everyone participates, and that avoiding responsibility can hurt not just oneself, but everyone else.

Chapter 1

The story begins with Mr. Jones, the often-drunk owner of Manor Farm, neglecting and abusing his animals. Old Major, a respected old boar, calls the animals together to share a dream he had about a world where animals are free from human oppression. He teaches them the song “Beasts of England,” which inspires hope for rebellion. He urges the animals to unite against humans and imagine a society where animals are equal, free, and in control of their own labor.

Chapter 2

Old Major dies shortly after his speech, but his ideas inspire the younger pigs, particularly Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, to lead a revolution. Over time, they organize the animals, who eventually revolt against Mr. Jones when he neglects to feed them. They successfully take over the farm, driving out Mr. Jones and his men. The animals rename the farm Animal Farm, symbolizing their new independence. The pigs establish the Seven Commandments, including principles like “All animals are equal” and “No animal shall kill any other animal,” to guide their new society.

Chapter 3

The animals adjust to their new roles, and everyone contributes to the farm’s work. The pigs take leadership and organize the animals, teaching some basic literacy and reading skills, though not all animals can learn. Work on the farm is productive, and the animals experience the benefits of freedom, such as no human oppression and a sense of purpose. The sense of unity is strong, although the harder-working animals, like Boxer, begin to embody loyalty and dedication, repeating his motto: “I will work harder.”

Chapter 4

Word of the rebellion spreads to neighboring farms, causing fear among humans. Farmers from nearby farms attack Animal Farm to try to retake it. Snowball develops defensive strategies and leads the animals to victory, becoming a hero. The battle, later called the Battle of the Cowshed, strengthens the animals’ belief in the revolution. Snowball and Boxer receive recognition for their bravery, and the rebellion begins to inspire animals beyond the farm.

Chapter 5

Tension grows between Snowball and Napoleon over the future direction of the farm. Snowball advocates building a windmill to improve productivity, while Napoleon opposes it. The disagreement escalates, and Napoleon uses force, employing trained dogs to chase Snowball off the farm, seizing full control. He claims that Snowball was secretly working against the farm, using propaganda to manipulate the other animals. The windmill project is continued under Napoleon, but now under his authority, showing how leadership is consolidating and freedom is restricted.

Chapter 6

Life becomes increasingly difficult for the animals. They work harder than ever on building the windmill, facing long hours, harsh weather, and food shortages. Meanwhile, the pigs begin enjoying privileges like living in the farmhouse and trading with humans, which Squealer justifies with propaganda, claiming that sacrifices are necessary for the good of the farm. The animals continue to trust Napoleon despite the growing inequality and the hardships they face, demonstrating how fear and manipulation maintain control.

Chapter 7

A harsh winter brings famine and despair to the farm. Napoleon uses fear to maintain power, blaming all failures on Snowball, who is painted as a traitor. A series of public executions occurs, targeting animals accused of working with Snowball. Morale among the animals drops drastically, but propaganda convinces them that these punishments are necessary for the farm’s security. The harsh tactics highlight how totalitarian regimes manipulate fear and blame to suppress dissent and maintain control.

Chapter 8

Napoleon continues to consolidate power, and the pigs begin to adopt human habits, walking on two legs and enjoying luxuries. The animals rebuild the windmill after it is destroyed by humans, but the work is exhausting, and conditions remain harsh. Squealer constantly rewrites history and the Seven Commandments to justify the pigs’ actions. The farm’s original ideals of equality and freedom are eroded as the pigs increasingly resemble the humans they overthrew, showing how revolutions can betray their founding principles.

Chapter 9

Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse, sustains an injury while working on the windmill. Instead of receiving proper care or retirement, he is sold to the knacker to be slaughtered, though the animals are told he has gone to a veterinarian. The remaining animals are grief-stricken but powerless, illustrating the betrayal of the revolution’s values. Meanwhile, the pigs continue to indulge themselves with luxuries, and the gap between them and the other animals grows. The story demonstrates the dangers of blind loyalty and manipulation by those in power.

Chapter 10

Years later, many of the original animals have died, and a new generation has grown up on the farm, largely unaware of the rebellion’s ideals. The pigs have completely adopted human behaviors, walking on two legs, wearing clothes, and drinking alcohol. The Seven Commandments are erased or altered to suit the pigs’ actions. The animals realize that the farm is no longer free; it has simply replaced one oppressive ruler with another. The story ends with the animals unable to distinguish pigs from humans, symbolizing the corruption of revolutionary ideals and the cyclical nature of power and oppression.