Animal Farm Study Guide

Animal Farm

Study Questions

Before Reading Animal Farm

·         Read the handout “Introduction to Animal Farm.”

·         Watch the Introduction Slide presentation

·         Discuss George Orwell, the Russian Revolution, communism and socialism

Short writing exercises:

·         What makes a good leader?

o   Discuss character qualities and abilities that a good leader in any situation should have. Give specific examples.  How might you distinguish a good leader from a bad leader?

·         When should a government be overthrown?

·         Write definitions for satire, allegory, and irony.

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.

·         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.

·         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.

·         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.

·         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?

·         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 in the context of the book.

·         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.

·         Write a timeline of events in the book.