ANIMAL FARM George Orwell
Definitions to Know Fable: a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters Allegory: a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. Underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas, such as charity, greed, or envy Allegory is a story with two meanings: literal and symbolic
The Allegorical Meanings of Animals Allegories use animals to represent human characters, vices, types of people, or qualities of human nature. Human qualities for animals Examples?
The Fox and the Crow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wze5-m4rnss If it is an Allegory, what is the literal meaning and what is the symbolic meaning?
Karl Marx German intellectual who lived in the mid-1800s Marx believed that societies are divided into two segments, a working class and an owner class Working Class: creates all the products Owner Class: enjoys all the benefits of these products Class division leads to inequality and oppression of the working class His objective: to create a classless society in which the work is shared by all, for the benefit of all, and he believed revolution was the way to achieve his goal
Karl Marx Slogans: From each according to his abilities, each according to his needs Opening chapter reflects many Marxist ideas Comrades -a typical form of address in the former Soviet Union Revolutionary song he teaches the other animals
Chapter 1 Discussions Do you sympathize with the animals complaints and goals? Why or why not? How is Old Major s speech similar to any political speeches you have ever heard or studied?
Chapter 2 Important Points We are told that the pigs are more intelligent than anyone else. We get to know Boxer and Clover; they are stupid, but trusting and hard working. The Seven Commandments are designed. The pigs steal the milk from the cows.
For Tomorrow Create your own Country Commandments Think about your priorities Why? What do you value in society? Chapter 2 Review Questions
Chapter 3 Important Points Although the pigs do not attempt to educate the other animals, they are not successful. The pigs simplify the principles into the one slogan: Four legs good, two legs bad. We learn more about Mollie. She clearly enjoys the trappings of the past regime. The pigs steal the milk AND apples now
Propaganda Derogatory information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view The dissemination of such information as political strategy
Types of Narrator Narrator: person who relates the events of a story to a reader or audience It is the LENS through which we view the story and characters. Three main types First Person: The narrator is a character in a story uses the first person I to tell the story. Third Person Limited: The narrator does not participate in the action of the story relates the thoughts and feelings of only one character. Third Person Omniscient: The all knowing narrator does not participate in the action of the story, however does relate the thoughts and feelings of many different characters.
Animal Farm Third Person Omniscient POV Allows the reader to see into the minds of characters and gain a better understanding of their true opinions of the happenings of Animal Farm The story is told objectively! The reader is able to understand the true situation throughout the story, even while the animals have a limited view and/or do not understand what is happening. Neutral tone (mostly unbiased narrator) Mostly reports on events This allows readers to make their own judgments.
Chapter 4 Important Points We are introduced to Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick. Snowball s Plans The Battle and the prize
Animal Farm Characters Groups of four Each person chooses 2 characters and researches them. You MUST have your novel open, finding at least TWO quotes from each character. Make comprehension notes about each characters quotes then share with group members
Chapter 5 Important Points Mollie is in communication with the men on neighboring farms. We start to see the real differences between Snowball and Napoleon and their leadership styles. We finally find out what happens to the puppies Napoleon runs Snowball off the farm and is now in control. Squealer is used to placate the other animals. Make a list of all of the things which have changed on the farm since the animals took over. How different is the current farm, from the one in Old Major s dream?
Chapter 6 Important Points The animals work like slaves. Napoleon hires Mr. Whymper the solicitor. Squealer carries on blatantly lying to the other animals. The pigs move into the farmhouse. The windmill is blown down
What s in a Name? In pairs, fill out this worksheet. You must explain what about the character links with the symbolism of their name.
Chapter 7 The animals are really starting to feel the pressure. Squealer carries on making his excellent speeches Napoleon fools Mr. Whymper. Snowball is, once again, used as a scapegoat. The confessions The Beasts of England is banned
Chapter 8 Important Points The rules are changing Squealer carries on with his propaganda. Napoleon is definitely no longer one of the animals Songs and poems are written about Napoleon. The dealings with the neighboring farms The human attacks, the animals win and the pigs celebrate
A Close Look At Minimu s Poem We will see Orwell s satirical tone in the novel. We will understand how completely blindsided the animals are to the true purposes of the pigs.
Chapter 9 Important Points The food supplies continue to diminish Napoleon orders Spontaneous Demonstrations Napoleon becomes president of the republic Boxer is sent to the glue factory The pigs are now buying whiskey
Boxer: Mind Map Create a mind map of the character of boxer. Explore how his loyalty was shockingly betrayed and how this symbolizes the tragic downfall of the farm Be creative
Chapter 10 Important Points Years pass, and the farm seems to be doing well The pigs start walking on two legs The pigs wear clothes, listen to the radio, smoking pipes The commandments are completely changed The pigs and the human interest and socialise
Theme Posters Every single student in the group must participate. These posters must be filled in by the end of the lesson. Must have novels open and find quotations from them for your theme Be creative! Use colored pencils, draw, write in different directions these pages must be filled with ideas, thoughts, and originality.
Theme Notes Take notes on these worksheets as each group presents their findings on their theme.
Essay Topic With knowledge and education comes great power, and this can be extremely dangerous if it falls into the hands of those who are self-serving. How does Orwell display this issue in Animal Farm?