Overview
This lecture reviews key characterization and foreshadowing elements from chapters 1 and 2 of "Animal Farm," and provides guidance on annotation techniques for analysis.
Annotation Guidelines
- Annotate for characterization and foreshadowing on your second read of the chapters.
- Focus on details that reveal character traits and hint at future events.
Characterization in Chapters 1 & 2
- Mr. Jones is introduced as a drunk farmer.
- Old Major is a respected, prize-winning boar who inspires the animals.
- Bluebell, Jessie, and Pincher are introduced as three dogs, with limited details.
- Clover is a stout, motherly cart horse approaching middle age.
- Boxer is a strong, hardworking but not highly intelligent horse, respected by all.
- Benjamin, the donkey, is the oldest animal—cynical and devoted to Boxer.
- Muriel is a white goat, details limited.
- Mollie is a foolish, pretty, and vain white mare who loves sugar and ribbons.
- Moses the raven is Mr. Jones’s pet, considered a spy and tells tales of "Sugarcandy Mountain."
- Pigs (Snowball, Napoleon, Squealer) are the cleverest animals; develop "Animalism" from Old Major’s ideas.
Key Events & Themes
- Old Major’s speech calls animal life misery and blames humans (man) for all suffering.
- Old Major advocates for rebellion and introduces the maxim: “All men are enemies. All animals are comrades.”
- After Mr. Jones gets drunk and neglects the animals, the animals revolt and expel him and his wife.
- Animals celebrate, turn the farmhouse into a museum, and vow never to live like humans.
- Pigs reveal they have secretly taught themselves to read and write.
Foreshadowing
- Pigs milk the cows and do not explain what happens to the milk, hinting at a secret or future conflict.
- The pigs keep their literacy hidden, suggesting future power imbalances.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Characterization — the process of revealing a character’s traits and qualities.
- Foreshadowing — hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.
- Animalism — the philosophy developed by the pigs, based on Old Major’s teachings.
- Maxim — a short statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
- Sugarcandy Mountain — a fictional paradise Moses describes, similar to the concept of heaven.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review annotated chapters 1 and 2 for characterization and foreshadowing.
- Prepare for the quiz on chapters 1 and 2 (check Schoology for details).
- Vote for class favorites (boy and girl) by today’s deadline.
- Reach out to the instructor with any questions.