Animal Farm by George Orwell

Introduction

• Published: 1945
• Type: Satirical allegory
• Historical Context: Reflects the Russian Revolution (1917)
• Purpose: Blend of political critique and artistic expression

Summary

• Initial Rebellion:
  • Animals rebel against humans to gain freedom and equality
  • Initially successful; pigs become leaders
• Corruption and Decline:
  • Pigs become oppressive rulers
  • They manipulate laws and indulge in luxuries
  • Regime mirrors human oppressors

Plot Overview

1. Chapter 1: Old Major inspires rebellion, sings "Beasts of England."
2. Chapter 2: Old Major's ideas form Animalism; animals overthrow Mr. Jones.
3. Chapter 3: Animals manage their farm, pigs take privileges.
4. Chapter 4: Animals win the "Battle of the Cowshed."
5. Chapter 5: Napoleon expels Snowball, becomes dictator.
6. Chapter 6: Napoleon manipulates, pigs alter laws, windmill destroyed.
7. Chapter 7: Food shortages, internal executions, anthem replaced.
8. Chapter 8: Deals lead to betrayal; windmill destroyed by humans.
9. Chapter 9: Boxer betrayed, Napoleon leads unopposed.
10. Chapter 10: Pigs indistinguishable from humans, original ideals lost.

Characters

• Old Major (Pig): Idealist, sparks rebellion (Karl Marx)
• Napoleon (Pig): Tyrant leader, manipulative (Joseph Stalin)
• Snowball (Pig): Exiled rival, intelligent (Leon Trotsky)
• Squealer (Pig): Propaganda spreader
• Boxer (Horse): Hardworking, naive (Working-Class Men)
• Clover (Horse): Maternal, questioning (Working-Class Women)
• Mollie (Horse): Materialistic, selfish (Bourgeoisie)
• Benjamin (Donkey): Cynical, intellectual

Themes

• Desire for Power: Pigs' corruption and oppression
• Class System: Hierarchical social structure
• Power of Language: Manipulation through propaganda
• Corruption: Deviation from original ideals

Analysis

• Allegory: Direct representation of Russian Revolution
• Satire: Critique of political systems and corruption
• Anthropomorphism: Animals with human traits to symbolize real-world figures

Lesson Summary

• Purpose: To illustrate the dangers of power, corruption, and naive working classes
• Historical Parallels: Characters and events mirror Russian political figures and actions

Learning Outcomes

• Summarize plot, characters, and themes
• Understand the satirical representation of the Russian Revolution