Module 8

The Modern Period encompasses the years between the 1920s and 1960s. When Animal Farm was published in 1945, the world was just seeing the end of World War II and the rise of a new power in Russia. After two devastating world wars, the affairs of foreign countries seemed more important to England than ever.

Reading Orwell's satirical novel, Animal Farm, will give insight into the apprehensions that English citizens felt as they watched the world continue to change post-war. You will see how Orwell engaged with political ideas and movements in his writing.

Learning Outcomes

In this module, you will learn vocabulary to help support your reading comprehension. The lessons in the module are designed to help you:

• Evaluate connections between the historical context and the fictional novel.

• Identify the use of allegory, symbolism, and satire in writing.

• Analyze the use of persuasive arguments and strategies in writing. 

• Use guiding questions to engage thoughtfully with the text and build connections between the text and your own life.

• Evaluate Orwell's use of fable to communicate ideas.

• Explore ideas of political satire through creative writing.

Biblical Connection

This novel explores the implications of political ideas within a culture. You can probably think of several examples where a person sought power over others. The people seeking power may have pursued it because they wanted to help. Perhaps they sought it because they wanted to hurt. Often, you have probably realized that people who seek to gain power cause more hurt than not, either by sacrificing their morals to obtain power or hurting others to keep it.

The Bible offers many examples of people who sought power or tried to usurp authority that was not given to them. Even as early as Genesis, we can read about Adam, Eve, and the serpent, all seeking to be their own authority rather than submitting to God's authority. A big difference between humans attempting to grasp some type of power and God is that God already has all the power! And while He graciously chooses to partner with humans in caring for creation and therefore has given us some measure of power, when we grasp for authority we do not have, we end up hurting creation rather than helping.

As you read Animal Farm, take time to reflect on how grasping for authority and power can hurt others. Consider the characters' choices and how they might have improved their lives by not desperately and violently seeking to steal power. Consider what it means to be a human: why do we so often desire to have more power than we do? How is the knowledge of God's ultimate power and His gracious gifts to us a source of comfort and peace? How might your life look different from your peers if you choose to accept the rest God offers rather than strive for power?