Thought Questions 1. I think that the animals were not encouraged to run away with Moses because, though his Sugar Candy Mountain seemed wonderful, it may have also seemed far-fetched. They also may have planned to go there one day anyway, so weren't in any hurry. 2. It represented hope for the animals and it was the fuel for the Rebellion. It also represented Utopia. 3. Their resentment vanished because their conditions were improving in other ways. They also had been brainwashed by the pigs, so they thought that work wasn't so bad because they thought they were free. 4. He is against it because it is Snowball's idea. But after he expels Snowball, he likes the windmill idea, so he uses it as his own. I think he liked the idea all along. 5. The fight between Snowball and the dogs was because Napoleon decided he was done with Snowball, so told the dogs to take care of him. When Snowball was giving a speech, Napoleon whistled for his dogs. The animals did nothing to break up the fight because they were too scared of the dogs and what Napoleon would do to them. 6. This philosophy played a part in the animals' life in that Squealer was saying that they couldn't think for themselves and so the pigs would "think" for them. 7. I believe that that a leader should not make all the decisions. There should be a democracy, where the people (or animals) have a vote and make decisions.If the leader made all the decisions, it would be biased and unjust. All people have opinions, and it is unfair not to consult them. 8. The other animals cannot read well, and the pigs changed the commandments on the wall, which allowed the pigs special privileges. The animals did not know this because they couldn't really read. Then when they questioned the updated commandments, the pigs convinced them that that's the way they had always been. 9. The pigs always had their dogs to back them up, and everyone thought that the pigs were smarter than everyone else. 10. I think Napoleon lied that Snowball destroyed the windmill. He claimed to have seen Snowball's tracks. 11. Clover has been convinced by the pigs that life is better. She also couldn't remember Jone's time very well. 12. All Boxer really liked to do was work. That's all he knew how to do and he thought everything could be solved by working harder. 13. The song, Beasts of England, tells of a Utopia. But when it was abolished, it showed Orwell's belief that utopia is virtually impossible.
Character/Event/Thing
What it symbolized for Orwell
What it symbolizes for me
Mollie
To Orwell, Mollie represents Russia's upper class. These were the people who resisted the changes and . They just wanted their nice things (like Mollie's sugar and apples). Though Mollie wasn't as significant of a character, what she symbolized played an important role.
think that Mollie is a lot like our society's upper class, like including celebrities. Like Mollie, they often don't pay much attention to the government or don't have much interest in it. They are very concerned with having nice things and maintaining a high social status, much like Mollie.
The Rebellion
In Orwell's mind, the Rebellion represented the Russian Revolution, the battle that formed the Soviet Union (Animal Farm).
I think that the rebellion represents the recent uprising in Egypt and many other countries. I think that they way the animals overthrew Jones is exactly like how the citizens of these countries overthrew their leaders.
Farm's Flag
Animal Farm FlagU.S.S.R FlagTo Orwell, the flag of Animal Farm represents the Former U.S.S.R. flag. They look strangely similar, don't they?
To me, Animal Farm's flag signifies the hopes that many societies have for a utopia. The original meaning of the horn, hoof, and green background was to show unity among the animals and the fields of England in which they lived. I believe that most societies hope to achieve this.
Moses
To Orwell, Moses represents the Russian Orthodox Church. He is always talking about Sugar Candy Mountain, which is Orwell's version of Heaven. Though Moses isn't mentioned much, the church he represents is one side of a big separation of churches during the Russian Revolution.
To me, Moses represents today's churches and priests. They like to share their beliefs with others and convince others to believe what they believe.
Animal Farm
Animal Farm represents Orwell's belief that a leader will always become power-hungry and abuse his power. He also thinks that all societies will eventually separate into two classes:
Timeline
<-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Under Jones, the farm was much like a dictatorship.There was one ruler, some basic rules, and the animals didn't have much freedom. When Snowball and Napoleon both ruled, the farm was as close to a democracy it ever came. Now that Napoleon alone rules the farm, it is much like a combination of a dictatorship and a Totalitarian state.
9/29/11 Chapter 1 & 2 Answers 1. The animals are behaving like animals in that they moo, oink, and make animal noises. They also do a lot of work for people. They don't wear clothes, sleep in beds, or act in any way like humans. They do behave like humans when they talk, show emotion, argue, and make plans among themselves. 2. Old Major's speech told the other animals to rebel against the humans. The animals looked at life with a whole new perspective after hearing what he had to say. 3. This statement reflects that the animals assume that all men are bad and all animals are good. 4. The animals were so easily lead because they think of the pigs as intelligent. They see them as teachers. The animals are easily persuaded to participate in the rebellion. The pigs were very manipulative, as well. 5. Snowball says this to Mollie because ribbons are something of human creation, and the animals are completely against humans and anything affiliated with them. By wearing the ribbons that she had won for the humans, Mollie seems to be their slave. 6. After the rebellion, the animals are kind of in shock, but they also feel much bolder and feel much freer. They are not being controlled by humans any longer, so they are going to govern themselves and make their own decisions. 7. The statement implicit in the 7 commandments is that humans are not to be tolerated. Not their clothing, not their houses. According to the animals, humans are bad and should be steered away from. Only animals should be treated well. 8. Marxism is where the government dictates most everything, and (supposedly) all men are equal, which they really aren't. Animalism is similar. The animals are supposed to have lots of rights. But it turns out that they do not. 9. The farm could have been an ideal place for utopia if the farmer hadn't been so mean in the first place. He is what caused the animals to hate humans. If he had been good to them and treated them well, the farm would have been nearly without conflict. That, and if the animals got along perfectly, and were always happy, the farm would have been like utopia.
10/2/11 Chapter 3 and 4 1. The farm is becoming more liked a civilized society in that they are working together to achieve their goals and becoming educated (learning to read). They all meet to discuss issues, like a council. 2. The flag for the farm was green, representing the fields of England. On it were a hoof and a horn, representing the future when humans had been overthrown. This flag symbolizes the animals' hopes and is a reminder of what they have already accomplished. 3. A clue that Napoleon and Snowball are going into a power struggle are that they are each trying to take control of the farm in a different way. For example, when Snowball starts all the different committees, Napoleon took no interest in the committees, probably because they were Snowball's idea. Napoleon said that the education of the young was more important than committees. The author suggests that the two do not get along when he says that "even Snowball and Napoleon agreed." 4. This new slogan is a good propaganda technique because it is easy for all of the less intelligent animals to remember. So they have drilled into their minds that four legs are good and two legs are bad. Because of this, the animals will not be open to any other views. 5. The pigs set themselves up to be elite on the farm in that they convince the others that they need all the apples and milk in order to function properly. They also use propaganda, implying that their way is the only way. At first, they were the only ones who knew how to read and write, so they used that to their advantage. 6. Squealer plays a huge role in the brainwashing of the animals. He uses his speaking ability to convince and persuade the animals. 7. The Battle of the Cowshed is different from the Rebellion because the Rebellion was brought on by the angry animals. The Battle of the Cowshed was brought on by the angry humans, as revenge. The rebellion wasn't as violent, and no one died. A sheep was killed in The Battle of the Cowshed. 8. Snowball and Boxers' emotions concerning the battle they were given were very different.Boxer felt very guilty because he thought he killed a human. Snowball disagreed, saying the only good human is a dead human. 9.This is ironic because the pigs have manipulated the other animals, making them believe that they all held the power, when in reality, the pigs are the dictators, and they know it.
10/4/11 Chapters 5 & 6 Questions
1. Mollie is rejected because she was still loyal to the humans and went back to them. The other animals were very angry about this. 2. Snowball makes big plans for a new windmill, which Napoleon does not approve of. So, to prove his point to Snowball, Napoleon pees on Snowball's drawings. 3. The rules of Farmer Jones and Napoleon are similar in that they both treat the animals harshly. But Farmer Jones treated them harshly by hitting and killing them. Napoleon treats them harshly by hugely misleading them and lying to them. Both leaders cause the animals to be frightened in some way or another. 4. Napoleon now says that obedience and loyalty are more important than bravery. He made Snowball an example of this. He uses his dogs to enforce this new policy. 5. Squealer completely convinces the animals that Napoleon is so great and that he is always right. He even goes to say that the windmill idea was Napoleon's and Snowball had stolen it. 6. Boxer's motto ("I will work harder") shapes his character in that he will never quit and will always try as hard as he can. But this also says that Boxer will work hard for Napoleon. 7. Napoleon says that the windmill was entirely his idea. He claims that the idea was stolen from Snowball, then takes credit for it. 8. A law Napoleon changes to suit his own needs is that animals must never sleep in beds is changed to beds with sheets. He changed this and many others. The other animals are forced to accept these changes because Napoleon has his dogs to back him up if need be. He also threatens that Jones will come back if they don't obey his rules.
10/9/11 Chapters 7 & 8
1. To make it seem like everything is fine, Napoleon has sheep casually say to Mr. Whymper that rations have been increased. By making Mr. Whymper believe that there is no shortage of food, that assumption will be passed on to all the humans.
2. When the hens threaten to thwart Napoleon, he cut their rations, which killed nine of them. The hens gave up their rebellious efforts after this.
3. Napoleon makes Snowball seem like a huge criminal, and this scares the animals.They don't want to be outcast like Snowball, so they stay in line.
4.The execution of the many animals, not only the pigs, shows that Napoleon is ruthless and will not stop at anything to be in power. This elevates him even higher from a power standpoint. He now is feared immensely by the other animals.
5. This reveals that Clover wants better for Animal Farm. And she still believes in the perfect world the animals set out to achieve in the beginning.
6. Napoleon says that he has abolished Beasts of England because it was the song of the Rebellion and is no longer necessary. Really, he thinks that the song will make animals fight back against him.
7. Some evidence that Napoleon is systematically lying to the animals is that he has changed nearly every one of the seven commandments, but none of the other animals realize this. He also treats them with so little respect, and he allows himself to do things that were forbidden by the commandments.
8. The poem Comrade Napoleon portrays Napoleon as kind, and good-willed, neither of which he is.
9. The battles were both animals versus people. But the Battle of the Windmill was even more violent.
10/11/1o Chapter 9 & 1o Questions 1. Napoleon stated that the purpose of the Spontaneous Demonstration was to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm. Really, it was to enforce the rule that "Napoleon is always right" and that they have to obey him. 2. My guess as to why Napoleon allows Moses back on the farm is that he wants to show that he cares about the other animals. This says that, even though he has been very cruel and dislikes Moses, he will allow him to reside on the farm. 3. Boxer is admired for his great work ethic and willingness to push himself. Napoleon and Squealer convince the animals that he died peacefully at the hospital. Really, he was taken to be killed by a horse slaughterer. Squealer uses his amazing speaking ability to convince them otherwise. 4. I believe the Knacker represents that the pigs are just as mean as the humans. I think that when Boxer began to show signs of old age, the pigs called the knacker to take Boxer away. If this is the case, it proves that the pigs are no better than the humans. 5. The two classes that form are the upper class and the working class. The upper class consists of the pigs and dogs. They are considered to be elite on Animal Farm. The lower class is made of all the other animals. These classes formed because the pigs were so overpowering and made themselves have a higher social status than the rest.
Reading Chp. 3 & 4
Key Words
Irony, Fable, Animalism, Marxism, Propaganda, Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad, Propaganda
Feelings
My feelings while reading Animal Farm are happiness when the animals achieve their goals, amusement at the irony of this story, and disappointment when the other animals don't stand up to the pigs. The feelings of the animals throughout this story have been confusion, relief, freedom, and pride.
Main Idea
The main idea of this book so far is that the concept of Utopia is impossible or nearly impossible. The animals hope to create a perfect world. This proves to be harder than expected, thanks to the pigs.
Structure
This book is a combination of a fable and a satire. A fable consists of impossible events, such as talking animals. The book has lots of the aspects of a fable. A satire is sarcastic and ironic. Animal Farm has lots of sarcasm that is difficult to recognize at first. George Orwell portrays many people and events very sarcastically. It also is an allegory, because every little detail represents something else.
Images/Symbols
I am intrigued by the way Orwell has hidden all kinds of real-life symbols in the text. On the surface, the feeling of this book is much like a real fairy tale, but if you dig deeper you can see that these were actually events that happened, in one way or another. For example, the pig Squealer, represents the Russian media and the way they only let the people see one side of the story.
VOCAB
7.seclusion-
the state of being private and away from other people
8.pretext-
something put forward to conceal a true meaning or object
9.aloof-
not friendly or forthcoming, cool and distant
10.sordid
-involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.
Navigation Bar
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Thought Questions
1. I think that the animals were not encouraged to run away with Moses because, though his Sugar Candy Mountain seemed wonderful, it may have also seemed far-fetched. They also may have planned to go there one day anyway, so weren't in any hurry.
2. It represented hope for the animals and it was the fuel for the Rebellion. It also represented Utopia.
3. Their resentment vanished because their conditions were improving in other ways. They also had been brainwashed by the pigs, so they thought that work wasn't so bad because they thought they were free.
4. He is against it because it is Snowball's idea. But after he expels Snowball, he likes the windmill idea, so he uses it as his own. I think he liked the idea all along.
5. The fight between Snowball and the dogs was because Napoleon decided he was done with Snowball, so told the dogs to take care of him. When Snowball was giving a speech, Napoleon whistled for his dogs. The animals did nothing to break up the fight because they were too scared of the dogs and what Napoleon would do to them.
6. This philosophy played a part in the animals' life in that Squealer was saying that they couldn't think for themselves and so the pigs would "think" for them.
7. I believe that that a leader should not make all the decisions. There should be a democracy, where the people (or animals) have a vote and make decisions.If the leader made all the decisions, it would be biased and unjust. All people have opinions, and it is unfair not to consult them.
8. The other animals cannot read well, and the pigs changed the commandments on the wall, which allowed the pigs special privileges. The animals did not know this because they couldn't really read. Then when they questioned the updated commandments, the pigs convinced them that that's the way they had always been.
9. The pigs always had their dogs to back them up, and everyone thought that the pigs were smarter than everyone else.
10. I think Napoleon lied that Snowball destroyed the windmill. He claimed to have seen Snowball's tracks.
11. Clover has been convinced by the pigs that life is better. She also couldn't remember Jone's time very well.
12. All Boxer really liked to do was work. That's all he knew how to do and he thought everything could be solved by working harder.
13. The song, Beasts of England, tells of a Utopia. But when it was abolished, it showed Orwell's belief that utopia is virtually impossible.
Timeline
<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Under Jones, the farm was much like a dictatorship.There was one ruler, some basic rules, and the animals didn't have much freedom.
When Snowball and Napoleon both ruled, the farm was as close to a democracy it ever came.
Now that Napoleon alone rules the farm, it is much like a combination of a dictatorship and a Totalitarian state.
9/29/11 Chapter 1 & 2 Answers
1. The animals are behaving like animals in that they moo, oink, and make animal noises. They also do a lot of work for people. They don't wear clothes, sleep in beds, or act in any way like humans. They do behave like humans when they talk, show emotion, argue, and make plans among themselves.
2. Old Major's speech told the other animals to rebel against the humans. The animals looked at life with a whole new perspective after hearing what he had to say.
3. This statement reflects that the animals assume that all men are bad and all animals are good.
4. The animals were so easily lead because they think of the pigs as intelligent. They see them as teachers. The animals are easily persuaded to participate in the rebellion. The pigs were very manipulative, as well.
5. Snowball says this to Mollie because ribbons are something of human creation, and the animals are completely against humans and anything affiliated with them. By wearing the ribbons that she had won for the humans, Mollie seems to be their slave.
6. After the rebellion, the animals are kind of in shock, but they also feel much bolder and feel much freer. They are not being controlled by humans any longer, so they are going to govern themselves and make their own decisions.
7. The statement implicit in the 7 commandments is that humans are not to be tolerated. Not their clothing, not their houses. According to the animals, humans are bad and should be steered away from. Only animals should be treated well.
8. Marxism is where the government dictates most everything, and (supposedly) all men are equal, which they really aren't. Animalism is similar. The animals are supposed to have lots of rights. But it turns out that they do not.
9. The farm could have been an ideal place for utopia if the farmer hadn't been so mean in the first place. He is what caused the animals to hate humans. If he had been good to them and treated them well, the farm would have been nearly without conflict. That, and if the animals got along perfectly, and were always happy, the farm would have been like utopia.
10/2/11 Chapter 3 and 4
1. The farm is becoming more liked a civilized society in that they are working together to achieve their goals and becoming educated (learning to read). They all meet to discuss issues, like a council.
2. The flag for the farm was green, representing the fields of England. On it were a hoof and a horn, representing the future when humans had been overthrown. This flag symbolizes the animals' hopes and is a reminder of what they have already accomplished.
3. A clue that Napoleon and Snowball are going into a power struggle are that they are each trying to take control of the farm in a different way. For example, when Snowball starts all the different committees, Napoleon took no interest in the committees, probably because they were Snowball's idea. Napoleon said that the education of the young was more important than committees. The author suggests that the two do not get along when he says that "even Snowball and Napoleon agreed."
4. This new slogan is a good propaganda technique because it is easy for all of the less intelligent animals to remember. So they have drilled into their minds that four legs are good and two legs are bad. Because of this, the animals will not be open to any other views.
5. The pigs set themselves up to be elite on the farm in that they convince the others that they need all the apples and milk in order to function properly. They also use propaganda, implying that their way is the only way. At first, they were the only ones who knew how to read and write, so they used that to their advantage.
6. Squealer plays a huge role in the brainwashing of the animals. He uses his speaking ability to convince and persuade the animals.
7. The Battle of the Cowshed is different from the Rebellion because the Rebellion was brought on by the angry animals. The Battle of the Cowshed was brought on by the angry humans, as revenge. The rebellion wasn't as violent, and no one died. A sheep was killed in The Battle of the Cowshed.
8. Snowball and Boxers' emotions concerning the battle they were given were very different.Boxer felt very guilty because he thought he killed a human. Snowball disagreed, saying the only good human is a dead human.
9.This is ironic because the pigs have manipulated the other animals, making them believe that they all held the power, when in reality, the pigs are the dictators, and they know it.
10/4/11 Chapters 5 & 6 Questions
1. Mollie is rejected because she was still loyal to the humans and went back to them. The other animals were very angry about this.
2. Snowball makes big plans for a new windmill, which Napoleon does not approve of. So, to prove his point to Snowball, Napoleon pees on Snowball's drawings.
3. The rules of Farmer Jones and Napoleon are similar in that they both treat the animals harshly. But Farmer Jones treated them harshly by hitting and killing them. Napoleon treats them harshly by hugely misleading them and lying to them. Both leaders cause the animals to be frightened in some way or another.
4. Napoleon now says that obedience and loyalty are more important than bravery. He made Snowball an example of this. He uses his dogs to enforce this new policy.
5. Squealer completely convinces the animals that Napoleon is so great and that he is always right. He even goes to say that the windmill idea was Napoleon's and Snowball had stolen it.
6. Boxer's motto ("I will work harder") shapes his character in that he will never quit and will always try as hard as he can. But this also says that Boxer will work hard for Napoleon.
7. Napoleon says that the windmill was entirely his idea. He claims that the idea was stolen from Snowball, then takes credit for it.
8. A law Napoleon changes to suit his own needs is that animals must never sleep in beds is changed to beds with sheets. He changed this and many others. The other animals are forced to accept these changes because Napoleon has his dogs to back him up if need be. He also threatens that Jones will come back if they don't obey his rules.
10/9/11 Chapters 7 & 8
1. To make it seem like everything is fine, Napoleon has sheep casually say to Mr. Whymper that rations have been increased. By making Mr. Whymper believe that there is no shortage of food, that assumption will be passed on to all the humans.
2. When the hens threaten to thwart Napoleon, he cut their rations, which killed nine of them. The hens gave up their rebellious efforts after this.
3. Napoleon makes Snowball seem like a huge criminal, and this scares the animals.They don't want to be outcast like Snowball, so they stay in line.
4.The execution of the many animals, not only the pigs, shows that Napoleon is ruthless and will not stop at anything to be in power. This elevates him even higher from a power standpoint. He now is feared immensely by the other animals.
5. This reveals that Clover wants better for Animal Farm. And she still believes in the perfect world the animals set out to achieve in the beginning.
6. Napoleon says that he has abolished Beasts of England because it was the song of the Rebellion and is no longer necessary. Really, he thinks that the song will make animals fight back against him.
7. Some evidence that Napoleon is systematically lying to the animals is that he has changed nearly every one of the seven commandments, but none of the other animals realize this. He also treats them with so little respect, and he allows himself to do things that were forbidden by the commandments.
8. The poem Comrade Napoleon portrays Napoleon as kind, and good-willed, neither of which he is.
9. The battles were both animals versus people. But the Battle of the Windmill was even more violent.
10/11/1o Chapter 9 & 1o Questions
1. Napoleon stated that the purpose of the Spontaneous Demonstration was to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of Animal Farm. Really, it was to enforce the rule that "Napoleon is always right" and that they have to obey him.
2. My guess as to why Napoleon allows Moses back on the farm is that he wants to show that he cares about the other animals. This says that, even though he has been very cruel and dislikes Moses, he will allow him to reside on the farm.
3. Boxer is admired for his great work ethic and willingness to push himself. Napoleon and Squealer convince the animals that he died peacefully at the hospital. Really, he was taken to be killed by a horse slaughterer. Squealer uses his amazing speaking ability to convince them otherwise.
4. I believe the Knacker represents that the pigs are just as mean as the humans. I think that when Boxer began to show signs of old age, the pigs called the knacker to take Boxer away. If this is the case, it proves that the pigs are no better than the humans.
5. The two classes that form are the upper class and the working class. The upper class consists of the pigs and dogs. They are considered to be elite on Animal Farm. The lower class is made of all the other animals. These classes formed because the pigs were so overpowering and made themselves have a higher social status than the rest.
Reading Chp. 3 & 4
VOCAB