Animal Farm Study Guide

Below is the study guide for the book we're studying in Writing 1 this semester.  You can also download and print a copy from the Dropbox site.

Animal Farm

Study Questions

Before Reading

Discussion:

·        Literary terms:  allegory, irony, fable, characterization

·        George Orwell, the Russian Revolution, communism and socialism

Short writing exercises:

·        What makes a good leader?

·        When should a government be overthrown?

Chapter I & II

Discussion:

·        Give the reasons for the animals’ rebellion.

·        What was the last straw for the animals?

·        Describe the “Beasts of England” song – imagery, message, emotions, dreams/hopes.

·        How is Moses, the raven, and his story of Sugar Candy Mountain significant?

·        Describe the reaction by the animals to the house.

Short Writing Exercises:

·        List the commandments and the vices/faults they reveal.

·        Who will be the leaders of the animals?  Why?  Will they be good leaders?

Chapter III & IV

Before reading

·        What do you speculate the future of the animals and farm will be?

Discussion:

·        What is Squealer’s role and communication style?

·        Describe the difference between the pigs and the other animals.

Short Writing Exercises:

·        Describe the Battle of the Cowshed and the roles that Snowball and Napoleon

Chapter V & VI

Discussion:

·        How would Snowball run the farm differently?

·        List the changes that have occurred at the farm.

·        What are Molly’s reasons for running away?

·        Describe the windmill controversy from Snowball’s point of view; from Napoleon’s point of view.

·        Explain the issue of trading with other farms.

Short Writing Exercises:

·        Describe the animals’ work situation.

Chapter VII & VIII

Discussion:

·        How does the destruction and rebuilding of the windmill occur?

·        Describe the lies told about Snowball.

·        Explain the reasons for the animals not singing the hymn.

·        Describe the situation with the traitors.

Short Writing Exercises:

·        Describe Napoleon as a leader.  Is he a dictator?

Chapter  IX & X

Discussion:

·        Explain the return of Moses.

·        Describe the whiskey incident.  Why is it humorous?  Compare the animals to humans.

·        What is happening to Boxer?  Why?

·        Explain the social order for the animals.

·        How does Orwell make fun of bureaucracy?

Short Writing Exercises:

·        List the changes to the farm.

·        Describe the changes to the commandments.

·        Describe the changes in the appearance of the pigs.

Conclusion

Discussion & Activities

·        Explain how Animal Farm is a “fairy story.”

·        Describe the roles and activities of the sheep.

·        Give examples of peer pressure.

·        Compare your initial list of leadership skills with the animals at the end of the book.

·        Discuss the importance of education in the story.  Compare education with indoctrination.

·        Brainstorm a sequel.

·        Trace the defamation of Snowball’s character.

·        Why did Orwell chose the names?  How do they fit?

·        Develop a news story interview.

·        Set up a puppet show illustrating a dialogue between 2 characters.

·        Write a timeline of events in the book.