Animal Farm Unit test Definitions

Gaslighting

The practice of manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity.

Satire

use of humor, exaggeration, or irony to expose with intent to promote social change, criticize something.

Dystopia

An imagined place or state in which everything is bad, typically a totalitarian or environment.

Utopia

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

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 as useful moral or generally represent people “types”.

Fairytale

Its 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. Socialists have always claimed to stand, above all, for the values of equality individual freedom and happiness.

Totalitarianism

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

Is a Utopian society achievable?

Is certainly impossible because humans naturally have different desires, beliefs, and personalities. People disagree, resources are limited. 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 and greater rights and freedoms. While a flawless utopia is unrealistic, steady improvement is very possible.

Is a revolution or rebellion worthwhile?

Depends on the situation and the outcome it creates. In some cases, people rebel because their government is abusive 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 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?

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 allowing bad behavior to grow unchecked.

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 can create unequal experiences in real life. However, societies can work toward fairness. While perfect equality is impossible, societies can still strive to reduce unfair advantages.

Discus the real world example of scapegoating?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people unfairly blamed Asian communities for the spread of the virus. Instead of examining the 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.

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

Yes, individual freedom can exist in a peaceful society, but only when people are allowed to think for themselves and question authority. In Animal Farm, the character who best represents this idea is Benjamin the donkey. He is an allegorical representation of modern-day independent thinkers or whistleblowers—people who see the truth but often stay quiet because they know speaking up can be dangerous. A real example of this today is Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who exposed how the company’s practices harmed users. Like Benjamin, she understood what was happening behind the scenes and finally chose to speak out when no one else would. Benjamin shows that individual freedom depends on people being aware, informed, and willing to question what’s happening around them. When individuals like him—and people like Haugen—speak up, they help protect society’s peace by preventing lies and manipulation from taking over.

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. 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 power can be corrupted and 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 without using their own judgment, they are easy to manipulate and can support harmful actions without realizing it. Blind loyalty allows those in power to gain much control, since they face no criticism or resistance.

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

My favorite character in Animal Farm is Boxer because his loyalty and hard work make him the most genuine and caring animal on the farm. Boxer teaches me that having a strong work ethic is important, but it also shows me that working hard is not enough if you never speak up for yourself. In the world around me he reminds me that good people can be taken advantage of when they trust the wrong leaders or stay silent even when something feels unfair. Boxer represents all the people who give everything they have but don’t always get the respect or protection they deserve.

Chapter 1

Summary

• Old Major gathers the animals and gives a speech about the unfairness of humans.

• He introduces the idea of rebellion.

• Teaches them “Beasts of England,” a revolutionary song.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Old Major’s speech → introduces the ideology (Animalism).

• The song “Beasts of England” → unites the animals; becomes their revolutionary anthem.

Why it’s important:
This chapter plants the seeds of rebellion and shows the animals’ desire for a utopia.

Chapter 2

Summary

• Old Major dies.

• The pigs (Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer) take leadership.

• The animals overthrow Mr. Jones.

• Seven Commandments of Animalism are created.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Rebellion happens quicker than expected → shows the animals’ power when united.

• The pigs become the leaders → foreshadows later corruption.

• Seven Commandments → foundation of their new society.

Why it’s important:
Already, the pigs begin to act superior, hinting that the utopia won’t last.

Chapter 3

Summary

• Animals work hard; harvest is successful.

• The pigs take the milk and apples for themselves.

• Squealer justifies it using propaganda.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Milk and apples stolen by pigs → the first sign of inequality.

• Squealer’s lies (“for your sake”) → propaganda begins.

Why it’s important:
This is the first small betrayal that leads to bigger corruption.

Chapter 4

Summary

• News of the rebellion spreads.

• Humans attempt to retake the farm.

• Battle of the Cowshed: Snowball leads the animals to victory.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Snowball’s heroism → earns trust and shows he’s a better leader.

• The farm protects itself → the revolution seems strong.

Why it’s important:
This victory raises the animals’ confidence—but also sets up Napoleon’s jealousy.

Chapter 5

Summary

• Mollie leaves: she prefers humans and ribbons.

• Snowball develops plans for the windmill.

• Napoleon uses the dogs to chase Snowball away.

• Napoleon announces he’ll build the windmill after all.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Snowball exiled by dogs → Napoleon becomes a dictator.

• Windmill plan stolen → Napoleon takes credit for ideas that aren't his.

Why it’s important:
This chapter marks the death of democracy at Animal Farm.

Chapter 6

Summary

• Animals work like slaves building the windmill.

• Pigs break more rules: trade with humans, move into farmhouse.

• Windmill is destroyed in a storm; Napoleon blames Snowball.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Working conditions worsen → dystopia begins.

• Trade with humans + farmhouse → direct violation of Commandments.

• Snowball scapegoated → useful enemy for Napoleon.

Why it’s important:
The commandments start getting twisted, and the animals begin to doubt reality.

Chapter 7

Summary

• Hard winter: food shortages.

• Hens rebel; Napoleon starves them into obedience.

• Public confessions and executions take place.

• “Beasts of England” is banned.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Executions → terror replaces freedom.

• Hens punished → Napoleon is fully tyrannical.

• Song banned → the revolution’s spirit is officially dead.

Why it’s important:
This chapter shows how fear is used to control a population.

Chapter 8

Summary

• Napoleon rewrites history and praises himself constantly.

• Windmill is rebuilt.

• Frederick pays Napoleon with fake money.

• Humans attack and blow up the windmill.

• Many animals die.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Fake money → shows Napoleon isn’t smart, just power-hungry.

• Windmill destroyed again → symbolizes crushed hopes.

• Napoleon's self-glorification → dictatorship strengthens.

Why it’s important:
This exposes Napoleon’s incompetence and the collapse of the animals’ dreams.

Chapter 9

Summary

• The animals are exhausted and starving.

• Boxer is badly injured.

• Pigs sell Boxer to a glue factory.

• Squealer lies and says Boxer died peacefully.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Boxer sold → ultimate betrayal of the loyal working class.

• Squealer’s lie → propaganda disguises cruelty.

• Pigs get whiskey with Boxer’s money → corruption is complete.

Why it’s important:
The death of Boxer is the emotional climax and proves Napoleon’s cruelty.

Chapter 10

Summary

• Years pass; many animals die.

• Pigs become more human-like (walking on two legs).

• Commandments change to “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

• Humans visit; pigs and humans become friends.

• Animals look in the window and can’t tell pigs from humans.

Major Moments & Why They Matter

• Pigs walk on two legs → the final betrayal of Animalism.

• New final commandment → hypocrisy of dictatorship.

• Pigs and humans indistinguishable → revolution ends exactly where it started.

Why it’s important:
The story comes full circle and reveals Orwell’s main message:
Power corrupts, and without education or accountability, revolutions fail.

Gaslighting animal farm

In Animal Farm, the pigs—especially Squealer—constantly gaslight the other animals. For example:

• They change the commandments and pretend they were always that way.

• They claim the pigs need extra milk and apples “for everyone’s sake.”

• When things go wrong, they insist the animals are “misremembering.”

This makes the animals confused and easier to control.

Satire animal farm

Satire uses humor, exaggeration, or irony to criticize something.
Animal Farm is a satire of:

• The Russian Revolution

• Totalitarian governments

• Corrupt leaders and blind followers

Orwell uses a farm and talking animals to expose real political problems in a way that’s easier to understand but still powerful.

Dystopia animal farm

A dystopia is a society that becomes miserable, oppressive, or corrupt.

The farm starts with hope but slowly becomes a dystopia as:

• The pigs take all the power

• Napoleon becomes a dictator

• The animals starve, work endlessly, and lose their rights

By the end, Animal Farm is worse than when Jones ruled.

Utopia animal farm

A utopia is a perfect society.
At the beginning, Old Major describes a utopia:

• No humans

• Equality for all animals

• Everyone sharing the work and rewards

This dream motivates the rebellion.

Allegory animal farm

An allegory is a story where characters and events symbolize real people and events.
Animal Farm is an allegory of Soviet history:

• Napoleon = Joseph Stalin

• Snowball = Leon Trotsky

• Old Major = Karl Marx / Lenin

• The dogs = secret police

• Boxer = the working class

• Farmer Jones = Tsar Nicholas II

The story on the farm represents real historical events.

Propaganda animal farm

Propaganda is biased or misleading information used to control opinions.
Squealer spreads propaganda constantly:

• “Napoleon is always right.”

• Fake statistics showing production is increasing

• Blaming Snowball for every disaster

• Glorifying Napoleon as a hero

This keeps the animals loyal and ignorant.

Scapegoating animal farm

Scapegoating means blaming someone else for problems so people don’t blame the real cause.

Snowball becomes the scapegoat for:

• The windmill falling

• Poor harvests

• Sabotage that didn’t happen

• Anything bad that occurs on the farm

By blaming Snowball, Napoleon distracts the animals from his own failures.

Mr. Jones

• Tsar Nicholas II, the last Russian czar

• The corrupt, careless ruling class
  He represents the oppressive human government the animals rebel against.

Old Major

• Karl Marx (who created communist ideology)

• Vladimir Lenin (who inspired the revolution)
  His speech is the ideological spark of the rebellion—like Marx’s ideas or Lenin’s leadership.

Bluebell, Jessie, Pincher (the dogs)

The Secret Police (NKVD/KGB) under Stalin
Napoleon takes their puppies and trains them to be vicious enforcers who intimidate the animals.

Boxer

• The working class / proletariat

• Loyal, hardworking laborers betrayed by totalitarian governments
  His mottoes (“I will work harder,” “Napoleon is always right”) show blind loyalty.

Clover

• The working-class women

• Those who sense something is wrong but feel powerless to rebel
  She doubts the pigs but lacks the education to challenge them.

Muriel (the goat)

• The literate minority who try to understand and question things
  She reads the commandments but doesn’t have the power to act.

Benjamin

• he cynical intellectuals, or people who see corruption but do nothing

• Those who believe things will never improve
  He understands everything but refuses to get involved until it’s too late.

Mollie

• The bourgeoisie (upper class / vain, materialistic people)

• Those who fled Russia after the revolution
  She cares more about sugar and ribbons than freedom.

Moses (the raven)

• The Russian Orthodox Church

• Religion used to control and comfort the oppressed
  He spreads stories of Sugarcandy Mountain to distract the animals from their suffering.

Snowball

• Leon Trotsky

• A leader of the revolution who is later exiled
  He is intelligent, visionary, and scapegoated by Napoleon.

Napoleon

• Joseph Stalin

• A dictator who uses fear, lies, violence, and propaganda
  He slowly takes total control of Animal Farm.

Squealer

• Government propaganda

• The Soviet press (Pravda)
  He twists the truth, rewrites history, and convinces the animals to accept lies.

Why the Book Is Relevant?

Even though Animal Farm is about the Russian Revolution, its message still applies to modern society because:

• Power can corrupt anyone, not just leaders from the past.

• Propaganda and misinformation are still used to manipulate people today.

• Ordinary people can be exploited if they aren’t educated or if they don’t question authority.

• Revolutions often begin with good intentions but can fall apart when leaders gain too much control.

• History repeats itself when societies don’t learn from past mistakes.

These ideas show that the book is not just about animals—it’s about all human societies.

Orwell’s Main Message (Author’s Purpose)

The danger of power

When one group (like the pigs) gains too much power, and another group (like Boxer and the other animals) doesn’t question authority, corruption becomes inevitable.

How easily truth can be twisted

Squealer’s propaganda shows how language can be used to rewrite history, manipulate emotions, and hide the truth.

So Why Does It Matter to Us?

Because we see these patterns everywhere:

• Governments lying to citizens

• People believing misinformation

• Charismatic leaders gaining total control

• Groups being scapegoated

• Citizens accepting unfairness because they feel powerless

The book helps readers understand how social power structures work.

I agree

I agree with Orwell’s message that power corrupts when it isn’t challenged. The pigs slowly take advantage of the animals and no one questions them or demands evidence. I think this still connects to our world today, where people in authority can become dangerous if others do not speak up, think critically, or stay informed. Animal Farm shows that when everyone participates and refuses to accept lies then they cannot be controlled. Orwell is right to warn readers to pay attention in are real world today when this happens.