Thursday, August 25, 2016

Animal Farm -- Study Questions

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.


No comments:

Post a Comment