Vocabulary
What does it mean to "toil"?
To work extremely hard.
Identify the type of propaganda: "Almost overnight we could become rich and free," (Orwell 9).
Glittering generalities.
What character from the story can be described as dour and intelligent?
T/F: The animals are, to some extent, aware of the unfairness, and speak up because they are stuck on the farm.
False.
Which persuasive technique does Squealer use in his speech about Boxer’s death to keep the animals from questioning the pigs’ actions?
A. Logical reasoning: he gives clear facts and evidence about Boxer’s final moments.
B. Emotional appeal: he makes the animals feel proud and sad by describing Boxer’s loyalty.
C. Ethical appeal: he reminds the animals that Napoleon is a fair and honest leader.
D. Fear appeal: he warns the animals that Mr. Jones will return if they complain.
B. Emotional appeal
T/F: "Rations" always refers to food. If false, what else could "rations" refer to?
False. Any necessity such as gasoline or clothing can be rationed during a shortage.
T/F: Old Major inspires fear in the animals through his propaganda, while Squealer stirs up hope in the animals.
False.
What kind of character is Boxer (round or flat)? Give one of his character traits.
He is a flat character. He is strong.
Name this type of conflict: Boxer pushes himself to work harder despite exhaustion.
Character v. self.
How does Old Major make every animal feel included in the idea of the Rebellion, regardless of their size or strength?
Old Major repeatedly calls all of the animals "Comrades" throughout his speech.
What character "shirks" in the story, and what do they "shirk"?
Mollie shirks work.
What is the effect of the animals singing "The Beasts of England" repeatedly throughout the story?
T/F: Mollie is a round character who does not want to work on the farm.
False.
Which type of conflict is most clearly shown when the pigs begin changing the rules and the other animals are unsure whether to speak up? Why?
Character v. self. The animals struggle internally to decide if they should question the pigs.
Why does Squealer use words like "science", "management", and "organization" when convincing the other animals that the pigs should have the apples and milk (Orwell 36)?
He uses words they do not understand to confuse them and prevent them from asking questions. Also, if the animals feel like they have intelligent leaders, they are more likely to trust them.
There are several "preeminent" characters in the story. What does it mean to be "preeminent", and who does this describe?
Being "preeminent" means being distinguished or the best in some way. Snowball and Napoleon are "preeminent" among the pigs.
What is the purpose of having the sheep chant "Four legs good, two legs better" in chapter 10 (Orwell 134)?
The sheep chanting this new phrase sets up the new standard that will become normalized at the farm. It also stops any animals from voicing their criticisms aloud.
Describe Napoleon's character development throughout the story (beginning, middle, ending).
In the beginning of the story, Napoleon followed the Rebellion, then began to subtly take more control, and by the end of the story he is a full-blown tyrant.
Name a character v. nature conflict from the story.
The hard work of the animals is undone when a storm knocks the windmill down.
Why did the pigs give alcohol to Moses the raven and allow him to tells stories about Sugarcandy Mountain?
His stories of Sugarcandy Mountain and its wonderful luxuries allowed the animals to feel a little bit of hope.
Name a character in the story who would be considered "tractable", and explain why they can be described this way.
Why do the pigs eventually outlaw the song "Beasts of England"?
The pigs get rid of “Beasts of England” because the song inspires hope, unity, and rebellion. They ban it to stop the animals from thinking about freedom or change and to keep the animals focused on obeying Napoleon.
Why does Napoleon execute the hens despite needing their eggs? What does this example show about his character?
Napoleon kills the hens to make an example out them and so that no other animals try to rise up against him. This example shows that he cares about power over anything else.
Describe the main conflict that exists between Napoleon and Snowball.
Napoleon wants total rule over the farm while Snowball advocates for the betterment of the farm and the animals.
What is the purpose of the weekly Spontaneous Demonstrations (celebrations of the "struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm") (Orwell 115).
These demonstrations allow the animals to have some hope and excitement and a distraction from the hard work.