Plot events
What animal gives the speech that inspires the animals to rebel against Mr Jones?
Who is Old Major
Who are the leader's of the animals after the Rebellion?
Napoleon and Snowball
What do the pigs primarily represent in the novel?
Those who gain political power and become a ruling elite. They use this power in corrupt ways.
What does the windmill initially represent to the animals?
Hope for a better and easier future.
What was the first commandment?
“Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.”
What happens to Mr Jones and his men during the Rebellion?
They are driven off the farm.
Which animal is known for saying, “I will work harder”?
Boxer
What does Boxer represent?
The loyal, uneducated and hardworking working class.
What does the whip symbolise?
The commandment “No animal shall kill any other animal” is changed to what?
“…without cause.”
What does Boxer do after the windmill collapses?
He immediately begins helping to rebuild it.
Which character is responsible for spreading Napoleon's propaganda?
Squealer
What does Mr Jones represent?
An oppressive ruling class or dictator who exploits those beneath him. Czar Nicholas I
Why is it significant that the pigs eventually walk on two legs?
It symbolises the pigs becoming indistinguishable from the humans they originally opposed.
What is the final version of the commandments?
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Why does Napoleon order the animals to confess their supposed crimes?
He uses fear and executions to eliminate opposition and strengthen his control.
Which character is intelligent enough to understand what is happening but chooses not to challenge Napoleon?
Benjamin
What do the sheep represent through their constant repetition of slogans?
Unquestioning followers who can be easily manipulated by propaganda.
What does the Windmill represent later in the novella?
It represents the oppression and corruption of Napoleon's rule.
What does the change from “No animal shall sleep in a bed” to?
with sheets
How does the ending of the novel demonstrate that the animals' original revolution has failed?
The pigs become indistinguishable from the humans, showing that the new rulers have become just as oppressive as the old ones.
Which character changes the most dramatically from the beginning to the end of the novel, and what does this change represent?
Napoleon; his transformation into a human-like ruler represents the corruption of leaders and the abuse of power.
Who does Moses represent?
The Russian Orthodox Church
What does the whisky/alcohol symbolise in Animal Farm?
Greed and corruption
Which commandment is changed after the pigs begin trading with humans?
“Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend” replaces the original wording.