Rhetorical Devices
Why does Old Major repeatedly call the animals “comrade” when speaking to them?
Old Major calls the animals “comrade” to show that he considers himself equal to them and to build solidarity.
What does the destruction of Mr. Jones’s tools and whips symbolize about the animals’ feelings toward human control?
Destroying Mr. Jones’s tools and whips symbolizes the animals’ rejection of human oppression and the end of their suffering under man.
What is dramatic irony, and how is it shown when animals believe Snowball is to blame for problems they did not cause?
Dramatic irony occurs because readers know Snowball is not responsible for the problems, but the animals wrongly blame him.
What does the animals’ difficulty learning to read reveal about their condition on the farm?
The animals’ struggle to learn to read shows their lack of resources and education, keeping them oppressed and less able to challenge the pigs.
What do the pigs’ self-education efforts suggest about their understanding of power?
The pigs see education as a way to gain and maintain control, knowing that literacy will give them power over the other animals.
How does Old Major’s use of repeated questions about milk, eggs, and foals stir emotions in the animals?
Old Major’s repeated questions emphasize the animals’ exploitation and make them feel anger and injustice.
How does burying Old Major’s skull symbolize the changing ideals of the Rebellion?
Burying Old Major’s skull symbolizes the pigs’ abandonment of the original goals and ideals of the Rebellion as they change the farm’s direction.
How does the reader know the truth about the pigs’ secret purchase of whiskey before the other animals do?
The reader knows the pigs secretly bought whiskey with farm money, but the other animals remain unaware, creating dramatic irony.
How does the animals’ attitude about the rebellion show some are indifferent or confused?
Some animals are indifferent or confused about the rebellion, showing a lack of understanding or motivation to participate fully.
How do Napoleon’s actions with the dogs reveal his true goals for controlling the farm?
Napoleon uses the dogs to enforce his will and controls the young to create loyal supporters, showing his desire for absolute power.
How do Squealer’s speeches differ from Snowball’s in persuading the animals?
Squealer’s speeches focus on creating a positive impression of Napoleon and justifying actions, while Snowball’s speeches focus on inspiring work and the revolution’s ideals.
What does the song “Beasts of England” symbolize for the animals and their rebellion?
The song “Beasts of England” symbolizes hope, unity, and the spirit of rebellion among the animals.
Why is it ironic that the pigs learn to read and write but use their knowledge to control others?
It is ironic that pigs learn to read and write to gain power over others instead of sharing education equally.
How does blaming Snowball help the pigs keep the animals unaware of the true problems on the farm?
Blaming Snowball lets the pigs avoid responsibility for failures and keeps the animals distracted and obedient.
How do the animals’ motivations to keep working reflect their feelings about their new leadership?
The animals keep working because they believe they are working for themselves, hoping for a better future under the pigs’ leadership.
What is the effect of Boxer’s personal motto “I will work harder” on his character and the story?
Boxer’s motto “I will work harder” shows his dedication and belief that effort will improve their lives, highlighting his simple, loyal character.
How does the phrase “Four legs good, two legs better” symbolize the pigs’ changing role on the farm?
The phrase “Four legs good, two legs better” symbolizes the pigs’ shift toward behaving like humans and betraying the original principles of Animal Farm.
How does the phrase “irrepressible” describe the song “Beasts of England,” and why is this ironic given the animals’ situation?
The song is described as “irrepressible” because it spreads despite attempts to stop it, which is ironic since the animals are supposed to be controlled and powerless.
Why was it important for Squealer to teach the sheep the phrase “Four legs good, two legs better” before revealing the pigs’ walking on two legs?
Teaching the sheep the phrase first prepares them to blindly accept the pigs’ transformation and helps suppress dissent through simple propaganda.
How do the contrasting reactions of Boxer and Snowball to violence reveal their different ideas about leadership and power?
Boxer’s refusal to accept violence contrasts with Snowball’s willingness to fight, showing Boxer’s loyalty and idealism versus Snowball’s pragmatism and leadership style.
What type of appeal is Old major primarily using in his speech?
Ethos, Pathos, Logos.
Pathos.
What does the windmill symbolize?
The industrialization of Russia.
What points is Orwell trying to emphasize by using irony throughout the novella?
Orwell uses irony in Animal Farm to show how the pigs betray the animals’ hopes for equality by manipulating them through propaganda, blaming Snowball unfairly, and twisting Old Major’s ideals, revealing how power corrupts and ignorance keeps the animals oppressed.
Why is it easy for Napoleon to blame Snowball for everything that goes wrong on Animal Farm?
He is not there to defend himself and the other animals lack the critical thinking capacity to formulate effective arguments against the pigs.
What is one method Napoleon uses to maintain power on the farm?
Public executions of animals that oppose him.