Animal Farm Novel Animal Farm Novel NotesNotes

George Orwell’s George Orwell’s Anti-Utopian NovelAnti-Utopian Novel

Allegory Allegory – A story with – A story with an underlying meaningan underlying meaningSatireSatire – Pokes fun at a – Pokes fun at a

serious issueserious issueFableFable – Animal story – Animal story

with a moralwith a moral

Chapter 1Chapter 1 Old Major’s Prophecy - Rebel against Old Major’s Prophecy - Rebel against

Man’s ways as well as Man himself:Man’s ways as well as Man himself:

o Live in a houseLive in a houseo Sleep in a bedSleep in a bedo Wear clothesWear clotheso DrinkDrinko SmokeSmokeo Use moneyUse moneyo Engage in tradeEngage in tradeo No tyranny over other animalsNo tyranny over other animals

IRONY of Old Major as the “visionary”:IRONY of Old Major as the “visionary”:

He has led a pampered life as a prize He has led a pampered life as a prize winning show pig. He has had the winning show pig. He has had the opportunity to oversee the situation faced opportunity to oversee the situation faced by the others.by the others.

Chapter 2Chapter 2 Napoleon Vs. Snowball: Their descriptions Napoleon Vs. Snowball: Their descriptions

foreshadow a power struggleforeshadow a power struggle

Snowball – •Good speaker•Inventive•Not as strong as Napoleon

Napoleon– •Fierce-looking•Rarely speaks•used to getting his own way

Important Characters:Important Characters: Squealer – has the ability to persuade othersSquealer – has the ability to persuade others Boxer/Clover – examples of the “hard-working Boxer/Clover – examples of the “hard-working

masses”masses” Benjamin – intelligent; sees what is happeningBenjamin – intelligent; sees what is happening

Sugar Candy Mountain:Sugar Candy Mountain:This represents that idea of “Heaven”This represents that idea of “Heaven”

No matter how you suffer on Earth, No matter how you suffer on Earth, you are rewarded in the “afterlife”.you are rewarded in the “afterlife”.

Communist Belief:Communist Belief:No rewards in anNo rewards in an

“ “afterlife”.afterlife”.Have to make the most Have to make the most

of the here and now.of the here and now.Allowed religion so people would haveAllowed religion so people would have

something to believe in.something to believe in.

Pigs’ Ability to Read and Write: Intelligence far Pigs’ Ability to Read and Write: Intelligence far above the other animalsabove the other animals

except Benjamin.except Benjamin. Because of this, they assume the role of Because of this, they assume the role of

‘ ‘organizers’. Very quickly, they take organizers’. Very quickly, they take

advantage of the situation. They take advantage of the situation. They take

advantage of the others’ ignorance.advantage of the others’ ignorance. They do attempt to teach the other animalsThey do attempt to teach the other animals

The Seven CommandmentsThe Seven Commandments1.1. Whatever goes upon 2 legs is an Whatever goes upon 2 legs is an

enemyenemy2.2. Whatever goes upon 4 legs or has Whatever goes upon 4 legs or has

wings is a friendwings is a friend3.3. No animal shall wear clothesNo animal shall wear clothes4.4. No animal shall sleep in a bedNo animal shall sleep in a bed5.5. No animal shall drink alcoholNo animal shall drink alcohol6.6. No animal shall kill another animalNo animal shall kill another animal7.7. All animals are equalAll animals are equal

Chapter 3Chapter 3 Boxer: selfless concern for others Boxer: selfless concern for others Benjamin: refusal to get involvedBenjamin: refusal to get involved Sheep: ignorance; very dumb and easily ledSheep: ignorance; very dumb and easily led Use of Use of PropagandaPropaganda

Squealer is instrumental - good Squealer is instrumental - good speakerspeaker

1st use - Disappearance of the 1st use - Disappearance of the milk and applesmilk and apples

Sheep’s Maxim – “four legs good, two legs bad”

PropagandaPropaganda

Something written or Something written or spoken with the spoken with the intention of making intention of making people believe what people believe what you want them to you want them to believebelieve

Propaganda shares Propaganda shares techniques with techniques with advertising and advertising and public relationspublic relations

An appeal to one’s emotions is the more An appeal to one’s emotions is the more obvious propaganda method, but there are obvious propaganda method, but there are many other forms:many other forms:

Flag WavingFlag Waving Glittering GeneralitiesGlittering Generalities Intentional vaguenessIntentional vagueness BandwagonBandwagon RationalizationRationalization Red HerringRed Herring Slogans/SongsSlogans/Songs StereotypingStereotyping TestimonialTestimonial Attacking the Straw ManAttacking the Straw Man

Flag Waving: Connecting person or product with patriotism.Flag Waving: Connecting person or product with patriotism.Example: Red, white and blue packaging.Example: Red, white and blue packaging.

  Glittering Generalities: Words that make something glitter or sparkle Glittering Generalities: Words that make something glitter or sparkle while using words that are generic. Often vague but positive.while using words that are generic. Often vague but positive.

Examples: Do something “in defense of democracy” Examples: Do something “in defense of democracy” Democracy Democracy has a positive connotation. Or using X product “is the has a positive connotation. Or using X product “is the American way.”American way.”  Bandwagon: An appeal to the subject to follow the crowd.Bandwagon: An appeal to the subject to follow the crowd.

Example: Over 99 billion served.Example: Over 99 billion served.

Repetition: Attempt to persuade by repeating a message over and over Repetition: Attempt to persuade by repeating a message over and over again.again.

Example: Phone number or jingle in commercialsExample: Phone number or jingle in commercials

 

Propaganda Answers:

RRed Herring: An irrelevant topic is presented in order to get attention ed Herring: An irrelevant topic is presented in order to get attention away from the original issue.away from the original issue.

Example: O.J. Simpson couldn’t have murdered his wife. He’s Example: O.J. Simpson couldn’t have murdered his wife. He’s in in the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.  Testimonial: Quotations or endorsements which connect a famous Testimonial: Quotations or endorsements which connect a famous person to the product.person to the product.

Example: Katy Perry uses ProActiv.Example: Katy Perry uses ProActiv.

Sweeping Generalization (Stereotyping): Makes an over-simplified Sweeping Generalization (Stereotyping): Makes an over-simplified statement about a group based on limited information.statement about a group based on limited information.

Example:Example:

Circular Argument: States a conclusion as part of the proof of the Circular Argument: States a conclusion as part of the proof of the argumentargument

Example:Example: 

Propaganda Answers:

  

Propaganda Answers:

Name-Calling: The opposite of glittering generalities. Ties a person or Name-Calling: The opposite of glittering generalities. Ties a person or cause to a negative image.cause to a negative image.

Example: In a campaign speech, the Congressman referred Example: In a campaign speech, the Congressman referred to his environmentally conscious opponent as a tree-to his environmentally conscious opponent as a tree-hugger.hugger.  Plain Folks: the candidate or cause is identified with common people Plain Folks: the candidate or cause is identified with common people from everyday walks of life. Makes the candidate seem grassroots from everyday walks of life. Makes the candidate seem grassroots and all-American.and all-American.

Example: after a speech to wealthy campaign donors, the Example: after a speech to wealthy campaign donors, the candidate stops by McDonald’s for a burger and a photo-opcandidate stops by McDonald’s for a burger and a photo-op    Appeal to Numbers, Facts, Stats: attempts to persuade by showing Appeal to Numbers, Facts, Stats: attempts to persuade by showing the number of people who think something is true.the number of people who think something is true.

Example: 9 out of 10 dentists use Crest toothpasteExample: 9 out of 10 dentists use Crest toothpaste

Does Propaganda Work?Does Propaganda Work? Children had to decide between a plain cupcake with Children had to decide between a plain cupcake with

frosting or a cupcake with frosting and Spider-Man. frosting or a cupcake with frosting and Spider-Man. All the kids chose the Spider-Man All the kids chose the Spider-Man when the kids were asked why they chose that one when the kids were asked why they chose that one

they said they think it tastes better. they said they think it tastes better. Between a banana with Spongebob stickers and a Between a banana with Spongebob stickers and a

cupcake a good majority chose the banana.cupcake a good majority chose the banana. Banana with no stickers and a rock with Spongebob Banana with no stickers and a rock with Spongebob

stickers…stickers… Over ½ of the children chose the rock with the stickers Over ½ of the children chose the rock with the stickers

to eat for breakfast. to eat for breakfast.

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Battle of Cowshed:Battle of Cowshed: It was planned (unlike the rebellion)It was planned (unlike the rebellion) Enforced the animals’ hold on Animal Enforced the animals’ hold on Animal

FarmFarm Snowball gains power; labeled a hero Snowball gains power; labeled a hero

Hero 1st Class: Snowball and BoxerHero 1st Class: Snowball and Boxer

Where was Napoleon?Where was Napoleon?

Chapters 5 and 6Chapters 5 and 6

Mollie’s Departure:Mollie’s Departure: Used to luxury and not willing to give it upUsed to luxury and not willing to give it up Material pleasures were more important than Material pleasures were more important than

freedomfreedom

Represents the AristocracyRepresents the Aristocracy She was the only animal with something to She was the only animal with something to

lose in the revolutionlose in the revolution

Napoleon Vs. SnowballNapoleon Vs. Snowball Defense:Defense:

Napoleon - use of Napoleon - use of weaponsweapons

Snowball - Snowball - organize animals organize animals from other farmsfrom other farms

Windmill:Windmill:

Napoleon - against Napoleon - against the ideathe idea

Snowball - create Snowball - create electricity to electricity to make life easiermake life easier

What Napoleon says: will take too much time from making foodWhat Napoleon means: good idea - feather in Snowball’s cap

Snowball’s Slogan - “The 3 Day Week”Snowball’s Slogan - “The 3 Day Week” Napoleon’s Slogan - “The Full Manger”Napoleon’s Slogan - “The Full Manger”

Animals Animals too too

ignorant to ignorant to make up make up

their their mindsminds

Removal of SnowballRemoval of Snowball Snowball forces a vote on the windmill when the Snowball forces a vote on the windmill when the

animals are leaning towards him.animals are leaning towards him. Napoleon realizes that if the vote is taken, he will loseNapoleon realizes that if the vote is taken, he will lose

Dogs chase Snowball off. His removal is the 1st Dogs chase Snowball off. His removal is the 1st act of violenceact of violence

Foreshadows more to comeForeshadows more to come

Napoleon tells the animals that Snowball was a Napoleon tells the animals that Snowball was a traitor and that’s why he was run offtraitor and that’s why he was run off

From this point on, Snowball will be a Scapegoat for From this point on, Snowball will be a Scapegoat for everything that goes wrongeverything that goes wrong

Boxer’s new Maxim: “Napoleon is always right”Boxer’s new Maxim: “Napoleon is always right”

Life Under Napoleon – Ch Life Under Napoleon – Ch 661.1. No more Sunday debates or voting - pigs will No more Sunday debates or voting - pigs will

make all decisionsmake all decisions2.2. Fear factor is increasedFear factor is increased3.3. Windmill is to be built - Napoleon said it was his Windmill is to be built - Napoleon said it was his

ideaidea4.4. Work on SundaysWork on Sundays5.5. Engage in trade - Mr. Whymper is the go-Engage in trade - Mr. Whymper is the go-

betweenbetween6.6. Pigs move into the house - need a place to workPigs move into the house - need a place to work7.7. Pigs get up 1/2 hour later than othersPigs get up 1/2 hour later than others8.8. Pigs sleep in bedsPigs sleep in beds9.9. Windmill is destroyed - blamed on Snowball; Windmill is destroyed - blamed on Snowball;

death sentence placed on himdeath sentence placed on him

First Commandment Change - “No First Commandment Change - “No animal shall sleep in beds animal shall sleep in beds with sheets”with sheets”

Clover questions this Clover questions this

Chapter 7Chapter 7 Changes in NapoleonChanges in Napoleon

Few public appearancesFew public appearances Spoke through SquealerSpoke through Squealer Always guarded - Paranoia!Always guarded - Paranoia!

Chicken RebellionChicken Rebellion Facing starvation - pigs decide to sell eggs for foodFacing starvation - pigs decide to sell eggs for food Chickens refuse Squealer’s appeal - propaganda failsChickens refuse Squealer’s appeal - propaganda fails Chickens destroy their own eggs - WHY?Chickens destroy their own eggs - WHY? Chickens’ rations stopped. Give in after 5 days - 9 deadChickens’ rations stopped. Give in after 5 days - 9 dead

Snowball as the Scapegoat:Snowball as the Scapegoat: Squealer announces that Snowball led the attack Squealer announces that Snowball led the attack

on them at the Battle of Cowshed. on them at the Battle of Cowshed. He was in league with Jones from the beginningHe was in league with Jones from the beginning Written document found in the house, but only Written document found in the house, but only

pigs can read itpigs can read it

Rewriting history - Napoleon saved the Rewriting history - Napoleon saved the day at Cowshedday at Cowshed

Boxer questions Squealer Boxer questions Squealer Finally agrees because Napoleon is always rightFinally agrees because Napoleon is always right Squealer now distrusts BoxerSquealer now distrusts Boxer

Scene of Bloodshed:Scene of Bloodshed: Four pigs - Napoleon distrusts them because Four pigs - Napoleon distrusts them because

they sided with Snowball.they sided with Snowball. Probably admitted their actions because a DEAL Probably admitted their actions because a DEAL

was madewas made Didn’t realize they would be killedDidn’t realize they would be killed Why would they admit to being traitors?Why would they admit to being traitors?

Mass hysteria, brainwashingMass hysteria, brainwashing

Boxer doesn’t understand: vows to work Boxer doesn’t understand: vows to work harderharder

Clover begins to realize something is wrongClover begins to realize something is wrong Life isn’t what she expected - continues to work hard.Life isn’t what she expected - continues to work hard.

Abolishes “Beasts of Abolishes “Beasts of England”England”

•Napoleon says they no longer need a song of rebellion

•Napoleon fears a rebellion against himself!

Chapter 8Chapter 8Napoleon as a Leader Napoleon as a Leader

Celebrate his birthdayCelebrate his birthday Formally addressedFormally addressed Given credit for all good thingsGiven credit for all good things More paranoid - more guards, food More paranoid - more guards, food

tastingtasting

Second commandment change - “No Second commandment change - “No animal shall kill another animal animal shall kill another animal without without

cause”cause”

Battle of the WindmillBattle of the Windmill

Sell timber to Fredrick to buy foodSell timber to Fredrick to buy food Napoleon accuses Fredrick of giving Napoleon accuses Fredrick of giving

counterfeit moneycounterfeit money Frederick and friends attack Animal FarmFrederick and friends attack Animal Farm Windmill is blown up - Animals “win”Windmill is blown up - Animals “win” 1 cow, 3 sheep, 2 geese die1 cow, 3 sheep, 2 geese die Boxer is woundedBoxer is wounded

Aftermath of the BattleAftermath of the Battle Squealer tells them that they’ll build againSquealer tells them that they’ll build again Boxer is worried he will not be strong Boxer is worried he will not be strong

enough to do it all againenough to do it all again Squealer announces Napoleon is dying - Squealer announces Napoleon is dying -

What was really wrong?What was really wrong?

Third Commandment Change - “No animal Third Commandment Change - “No animal shall drink alcohol shall drink alcohol to excessto excess””

Pigs drink whiskeyPigs drink whiskey Retirement pasture turned into a barley fieldRetirement pasture turned into a barley field Pigs buy equipment for a stillPigs buy equipment for a still Squealer falls while changing the Squealer falls while changing the

commandmentcommandment No one catches it but Benjamin No one catches it but Benjamin He says nothing!He says nothing!

Chapter 9Chapter 9 BoxerBoxer

Ailing health - refuses to quit workingAiling health - refuses to quit working Near retirement age - 12 years oldNear retirement age - 12 years old

Privileges of the PigsPrivileges of the Pigs Schoolhouse built for the pigletsSchoolhouse built for the piglets Piglets not to play with other animalsPiglets not to play with other animals Other animals have to give pigs the right of wayOther animals have to give pigs the right of way Pigs wear green ribbons on their tailsPigs wear green ribbons on their tails Crops sold to buy luxuries for the pigsCrops sold to buy luxuries for the pigs

Form a RepublicForm a Republic Animal Farm acts as a country of its ownAnimal Farm acts as a country of its own Napoleon as president - his wishes become lawNapoleon as president - his wishes become law More info on Snowball - he actively fought with Jones; More info on Snowball - he actively fought with Jones;

wounds were made by Napoleonwounds were made by Napoleon

Return of MosesReturn of Moses Moses returns and preaches about Sugar Candy Moses returns and preaches about Sugar Candy

MountainMountain Although Napoleon warns others not to listen, Moses is Although Napoleon warns others not to listen, Moses is

allowed to stay and given food and beerallowed to stay and given food and beer Why? SCM keeps the animals’ minds off their troubles - Why? SCM keeps the animals’ minds off their troubles -

prevents a rebellionprevents a rebellion

Death of BoxerDeath of Boxer

Collapses while working - plans to retireCollapses while working - plans to retire Napoleon makes arrangements at a hospitalNapoleon makes arrangements at a hospital Benjamin makes everyone aware that they Benjamin makes everyone aware that they

are taking Boxer to the knackersare taking Boxer to the knackers Boxer is too weak to escapeBoxer is too weak to escape Squealer announces that Boxer died at Squealer announces that Boxer died at

hospitalhospital Vet bought knackers’ vanVet bought knackers’ van Pigs bought a case of whiskey and held a Pigs bought a case of whiskey and held a

party - money from sale of Boxerparty - money from sale of Boxer

Three Reasons for Boxer’s DeathThree Reasons for Boxer’s Death

1.1. Pigs make money - buy whiskeyPigs make money - buy whiskey

2.2. Pigs save money - don’t have to feed Pigs save money - don’t have to feed him anymorehim anymore

3.3. Pigs didn’t trust himPigs didn’t trust him

Why doesn’t Benjamin do anything? - He is too afraid. The pigs are too powerful. He realizes he will be killed if he causes trouble. IT IS TOO LATE!

Chapter 10Chapter 10 Windmill - CompleteWindmill - Complete

Used as a grain mill not for electricity for the Used as a grain mill not for electricity for the animalsanimals

Pigs use money for themselvesPigs use money for themselves Final Changes in the PigsFinal Changes in the Pigs

Walk on hind legsWalk on hind legs 4 legs good, 2 legs better4 legs good, 2 legs better

Carry whipsCarry whips Use phones Use phones MagazinesMagazines SmokesSmokes Wore clothesWore clothes

Final Commandment Change:Final Commandment Change:

““All Animals are equal….All Animals are equal….but some are more equal but some are more equal than othersthan others””

The majority of animals new to Animal Farm The majority of animals new to Animal Farm (born or bought after the revolution)(born or bought after the revolution)

Happy to live free from manHappy to live free from man Too stupid to really understand the Too stupid to really understand the

commandment’s true meaningcommandment’s true meaning

NoNo animal has retired animal has retired Reflect - Pigs began getting their way using Reflect - Pigs began getting their way using

Propaganda. As time went by, they used the fear Propaganda. As time went by, they used the fear factor to keep control and the need for factor to keep control and the need for Propaganda lessened.Propaganda lessened.

Finale - The animals can’t tell the difference Finale - The animals can’t tell the difference between the pigs and men. It wasn’t a LITERAL between the pigs and men. It wasn’t a LITERAL similarity - the pigs’ behavior was like man.similarity - the pigs’ behavior was like man.

Full Circle - Life is no better now than it was under Full Circle - Life is no better now than it was under Jones (possibly worse). Through corruption and Jones (possibly worse). Through corruption and greed, the pigs have totally taken advantage of greed, the pigs have totally taken advantage of and controlled their “comrades”and controlled their “comrades”

ResolutionResolution

Totalitarianism is dangerous. Totalitarianism is dangerous. It doesn’t work. Don’t It doesn’t work. Don’t

attempt it.attempt it.

ReviewReviewCharacters and Their SymbolismCharacters and Their Symbolism

1.1. Old Major……………………..…..Karl MarxOld Major……………………..…..Karl Marx

2.2. Jones…………………….…Czar Nicholas IIJones…………………….…Czar Nicholas II

3.3. Napoleon…………………………….…StalinNapoleon…………………………….…Stalin

4.4. Snowball…..…………………..…….TrotskySnowball…..…………………..…….Trotsky

5.5. Dogs……………………KGB (secret police)Dogs……………………KGB (secret police)

6.6. Boxer/Clover…….…Hard-Working MassesBoxer/Clover…….…Hard-Working Masses

7.7. Moses……………………….………ReligionMoses……………………….………Religion

8.8. Sheep………….…..Brainwashed FollowersSheep………….…..Brainwashed Followers

9.9. Benjamin……………….…Older GenerationBenjamin……………….…Older Generation

10.10. Mollie………….………………….AristocracyMollie………….………………….Aristocracy

11.11. Squealer…………..…..Propaganda/PravdaSquealer…………..…..Propaganda/Pravda

12.12. Muriel………………..……Educated PeopleMuriel………………..……Educated People

13.13. Pigs……………………………..CommunistsPigs……………………………..Communists