Old Major's Speech
What is the main message of Old Major's speech?
The main message is that animals are oppressed by humans and must unite to overthrow them.
Who is Old Major, and why is he important?
Old Major is the wise, elderly boar who inspires the animals to rebel with his vision of equality and freedom.
What does Animal Farm represent in relation to the Russian Revolution?
Animal Farm represents the Russian Revolution and the rise of the Soviet Union.
What is the first commandment that Old Major establishes?
The first commandment is "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy."
Which vocabulary word means immature or inexperienced?
Callow
Which animals are specifically mentioned as oppressors in Old Major's speech?
Humans, specifically Mr. Jones, are mentioned as oppressors.
Describe the character of Napoleon.
Napoleon is one of the leading pigs, who is cunning, manipulative, and power-hungry.
How do the pigs symbolize the ruling class in the allegory?
The pigs symbolize the ruling class, particularly the Bolshevik leaders, who seize control and manipulate the ideology of the revolution for their own gain.
What do the Seven Commandments represent?
They represent the basic principles of Animalism, the ideology of the animals' rebellion.
Which vocabulary word means distrustful or skeptical?
Cynical
What does Old Major say about the relationship between animals and humans?
Old Major says that humans exploit animals, taking everything they produce while giving little in return.
What role does Snowball play on the farm?
Snowball is an intelligent and passionate pig who responsible for writing the Seven Commandments on the barn wall
How are the concept of "Animalism" and communism similar?
"Animalism" is similar to communism, as both advocate for equality and the common ownership of resources.
How many commandments are there?
Seven
Which vocabulary word means basic or simple in nature?
Rudimentary
How does Old Major propose the animals should react to their oppression?
Old Major proposes that the animals should rebel against humans and establish their own society where all animals are equal.
Who is Boxer, and what are his key traits?
Boxer is a strong, hardworking horse who is incredibly loyal and has the motto, "I will work harder."
What historical events are mirrored by the rebellion of the animals?
The animals' rebellion mirrors the Russian Revolution of 1917, when the oppressed overthrew the ruling class.
What is the final commandment that emphasizes equality?
"All animals are equal."
Which vocabulary word means to admit as true.
Concede
What is the significance of Old Major's dream, and how does it inspire the other animals?
Old Major's dream is a vision of a utopian society where animals are free from human oppression, inspiring the other animals to pursue rebellion.
How does Squealer manipulate the other animals?
Squealer explains that the pigs need the milk and apples to stay healthy, and threatens that if they aren't healthy, Mr. Jones might come back. The animals agree that the pigs should keep taking the milk and apples.
Discuss the role of propaganda in the story and its historical implications.
Propaganda in Animal Farm, particularly through Squealer, represents the manipulation of information by Soviet leaders to control the population and maintain power.
What does this commandment mean: "Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend"
The commandment "Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend" means that all animals, whether they walk on four legs or have wings (birds), are considered allies and equals in the new animal society. It reflects the ideology of Animalism in Animal Farm, where animals unite against their common oppressor, humans. This commandment aims to promote solidarity among the animals by emphasizing their shared status and interests, contrasting them with humans, who are seen as the enemy.
Which vocabulary word means to regard with great respect?
Venerate