Allegories
The Rebellion
The Russian Revolution
What were the two main revolutions that took place in Russia in 1917?
The February Revolution and October Revolution
What happens to the animals' memories of the Rebellion over time?
The animals gradually forget the original ideals of the Rebellion, and many can’t even recall life before Napoleon’s rule.
Why does Mollie leave the farm?
Mollie prefers human attention and luxury, so she runs away to be cared for by humans.
What is the name of the battle that takes place in this chapter?
The Battle of the Cowshed is the name of the battle.
Napoleon
Stalin
What role did the Bolsheviks play in the October Revolution?
The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, organized the October Revolution, overthrew the Provisional Government, and established a socialist state.
How does Napoleon change the farm’s policies in the final chapter?
Napoleon embraces human customs—trading with humans, using whips, and changing the farm’s name back to Manor Farm.
What leads to Snowball’s expulsion from Animal Farm?
Napoleon uses his trained dogs to chase Snowball away just before the vote on the windmill.
How do the animals prepare for the humans' attack?
The animals follow Snowball’s strategic plan, ambushing the humans in stages.
Mollie
The Russian Aristocracy
How did World War I contribute to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the success of the Russian Revolution?
World War I caused economic collapse, military defeats, political instability, and social unrest, making revolution inevitable.
What is the significance of the pigs walking on two legs?
The pigs walking on two legs symbolizes their complete transformation into the oppressive rulers they once opposed.
How does Napoleon consolidate his power after Snowball is gone?
Napoleon eliminates democracy, bans debates, and rules through fear with his loyal dogs.
What role does Snowball play in the battle?
Snowball leads the charge, fighting bravely and getting wounded, proving himself a hero.
Germany
Compare the ideologies and goals of the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. How did their differences impact the outcome of the revolution?
Mensheviks wanted gradual socialism and democracy; Bolsheviks pushed for immediate revolution and one-party rule. Bolsheviks’ radical approach led to their victory.
How does Orwell use irony in the final scene where the pigs and humans are indistinguishable?
Orwell uses irony by showing how the revolution ends with the same oppression it sought to overthrow—pigs and humans are indistinguishable.
How does Squealer manipulate the other animals into accepting Napoleon’s rule?
Squealer convinces the animals that Napoleon’s actions are necessary, rewriting history and using fear of Jones’ return.
How do the events of the battle reinforce the theme of propaganda in the novel?
Napoleon later rewrites history, falsely claiming Snowball was a traitor, showing how propaganda distorts truth.
It was discovered that Mr. Frederick payed with forged notes
Germany invades Russia
To what extent did Lenin’s policies during and after the revolution reflect Marxist ideology, and in what ways did they diverge from it?
Lenin followed Marxism by nationalizing land and industry but diverged by skipping capitalism, enforcing one-party rule, and introducing the NEP (limited capitalism).
In what ways does the ending of Animal Farm reflect the failures of revolutionary ideals in real-world history?
The ending reflects how revolutions, like the Russian Revolution, often replace one oppressive regime with another, rather than achieving true equality.
How does Chapter 5 illustrate Orwell’s critique of authoritarianism?
The chapter mirrors how dictators seize power—using propaganda, fear, and force to eliminate opposition and control the masses.
How does Orwell use this chapter to comment on the spread and resistance to revolutionary ideas?
The chapter reflects how revolutions spread (other farms hear about Animal Farm) but also face violent resistance from those in power.