Plot & Events
Who owns the farm at the beginning of the novel?
Mr. Jones.
Who represents the working class with his motto “I will work harder”?
Boxer
What do the pigs’ gradual adoption of human habits symbolize?
The corruption of revolutionary ideals and the emergence of a new oppressive class.
Finish the line: “Four legs good, _____.”
“Two legs bad.”
Who does Mr. Jones represent in history?
Russian Tsar/leader (pre-Stalin)
Which event sparks the animals’ rebellion?
Mr. Jones neglects to feed the animals, leading them to drive him out.
Which character is the cynical donkey who rarely speaks?
Benjamin
What is the windmill a symbol of?
Empty promises of progress and manipulation of the working class.
Who says, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”?
The pigs (through Squealer).
Which real-world figure is represented by Napoleon?
Joseph Stalin.
What happens to the windmill the first time it’s built?
It is destroyed in a storm, though Napoleon blames Snowball.
What role do the dogs play for Napoleon?
They are his enforcers, protecting his rule through fear and violence.
How does Animalism relate to communism?
It represents communism’s ideal of equality, which becomes corrupted by power.
What tone does Squealer use when he insists, “Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?”
Fear
Which historical figure does Snowball most closely resemble?
Leon Trotsky.
Why is the Battle of the Cowshed important?
It secures the animals’ control of the farm and shows Snowball’s leadership.
How does Squealer manipulate the animals with his speeches?
He twists language, uses fear, appeals to loyalty, and spreads lies to justify Napoleon’s actions.
How do the changing commandments reflect the novel’s theme?
They show how those in power alter rules to serve themselves, highlighting corruption and betrayal.
How does Orwell use irony in the statement, “Napoleon is always right”?
It’s ironic because Napoleon is often wrong, but the animals are brainwashed to believe otherwise.
What do Pinchfield Farm and Mr. Frederick represent?
Germany and Hitler
How does Napoleon consolidate his power after Snowball is chased away?
He uses the dogs to enforce fear, spreads propaganda through Squealer, and eliminates rivals.
What happens to Boxer, and what does this symbolize about Stalin’s regime?
He is sold to the knacker instead of being retired; this symbolizes the betrayal of loyal workers by a corrupt leadership.
What does the final scene—pigs and humans indistinguishable—reveal about power and corruption?
What does the final scene—pigs and humans indistinguishable—reveal about power and corruption?
Explain how propaganda is shown through one key speech or slogan.
Example: “Four legs good, two legs bad” simplifies complex issues into slogans to control thought.
How does Orwell use Animal Farm as an allegory for the Russian Revolution and its aftermath?
The novel symbolizes the rise of communism, the corruption of ideals, and the shift from revolution to dictatorship.