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AnimalAnimal
FarmFarm
By George OrwellBy George Orwell
“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Allegory - Satire - Fable
George OrwellGeorge Orwell
British Author & JournalistBritish Author & Journalist
īŽ 1903-19501903-1950
īŽ Born in IndiaBorn in India
īŽ At that time India was a part of the BritishAt that time India was a part of the British
Empire, and Blair's father, Richard, held a postEmpire, and Blair's father, Richard, held a post
as an agent in the Opium Department of theas an agent in the Opium Department of the
Indian Civil Service.Indian Civil Service.
īŽ The Blair family was not very wealthy - OrwellThe Blair family was not very wealthy - Orwell
later described them ironically as "lower-upper-later described them ironically as "lower-upper-
middle class". They owned no property, had nomiddle class". They owned no property, had no
extensive investments; they were like manyextensive investments; they were like many
middle-class English families of the time, totallymiddle-class English families of the time, totally
dependent on the British Empire for theirdependent on the British Empire for their
livelihood and prospects.livelihood and prospects.
īŽ Noted as a novelist and critic, as well as aNoted as a novelist and critic, as well as a
political and cultural commentatorpolitical and cultural commentator
īŽ One of the most widely admired English-One of the most widely admired English-
language essayists of the 20th centurylanguage essayists of the 20th century
īŽ Best known for two novels critical ofBest known for two novels critical of
totalitarianism in general, and Stalinism intotalitarianism in general, and Stalinism in
particular:particular:
īŽ Animal FarmAnimal Farm
īŽ Nineteen Eighty-FourNineteen Eighty-Four
“Liberty is telling people what they do not want to hear.”
19841984
īŽ The novel, published inThe novel, published in
1949, takes place in 19841949, takes place in 1984
and presents an imaginaryand presents an imaginary
future where a totalitarianfuture where a totalitarian
state controls every aspectstate controls every aspect
of life, even people'sof life, even people's
thoughts. The state isthoughts. The state is
called Oceania and iscalled Oceania and is
ruled by a group known asruled by a group known as
the Party; its leader andthe Party; its leader and
dictator is Big Brother.dictator is Big Brother.
George Orwell and His BeliefsGeorge Orwell and His Beliefs
īŽ Orwell was a person who had a reputation for standing apartOrwell was a person who had a reputation for standing apart
and even making a virtue of his detachment.and even making a virtue of his detachment.
īŽ This “outsider” position often led him to oppose the crowd.This “outsider” position often led him to oppose the crowd.
īŽ Orwell’s beliefs about politics were affected by his experiencesOrwell’s beliefs about politics were affected by his experiences
fighting in the Spanish Civil War.fighting in the Spanish Civil War.
īŽ He viewed socialists, communists, and fascists as repressiveHe viewed socialists, communists, and fascists as repressive
and self-serving.and self-serving.
īŽ He was skeptical of governments and their willingness toHe was skeptical of governments and their willingness to
forsake ideas in favor of power.forsake ideas in favor of power.
Interesting Fact:Interesting Fact:
George Orwell’s real name was Eric Blair.George Orwell’s real name was Eric Blair.
Why Animals?Why Animals?
īŽ In explaining how he came to writeIn explaining how he came to write Animal FarmAnimal Farm,,
Orwell says he once saw a little boy whipping aOrwell says he once saw a little boy whipping a
horse and later he wrote,horse and later he wrote,
īŽ ““It struck me that if only such animals became awareIt struck me that if only such animals became aware
of their strength we should have no power over them,of their strength we should have no power over them,
and that men exploit animals in much the same wayand that men exploit animals in much the same way
as the rich exploit the [worker].”as the rich exploit the [worker].”
George Orwell in IndiaGeorge Orwell in India
īŽ He was born in India andHe was born in India and
spent his early yearsspent his early years
there since his father heldthere since his father held
a post there.a post there.
īŽ He was a lonely boy whoHe was a lonely boy who
liked to make up storiesliked to make up stories
and talk with imaginaryand talk with imaginary
companions.companions.
īŽ As an adult, he workedAs an adult, he worked
for the Imperial Police infor the Imperial Police in
British occupied India.British occupied India.
What is Animal Farm?What is Animal Farm?
īŽ A masterpiece of political satire,A masterpiece of political satire,
Animal FarmAnimal Farm is a tale of oppressedis a tale of oppressed
individuals who long for freedomindividuals who long for freedom
but ultimately are corrupted bybut ultimately are corrupted by
assuming the very power that hadassuming the very power that had
originally oppressed them.originally oppressed them.
īŽ The story traces the deplorableThe story traces the deplorable
conditions of mistreated animalsconditions of mistreated animals
who can speak and who exhibitwho can speak and who exhibit
many human characteristics. Aftermany human characteristics. After
extreme negligence by their owner,extreme negligence by their owner,
the animals revolt and expel Mr.the animals revolt and expel Mr.
Jones and his wife from the farm.Jones and his wife from the farm.
īŽ The tale of the society the animalsThe tale of the society the animals
form into a totalitarian regime isform into a totalitarian regime is
generally viewed as Orwell'sgenerally viewed as Orwell's
critique of the communist system incritique of the communist system in
the former Soviet Union.the former Soviet Union.
Interesting Fact: Orwell initially struggledInteresting Fact: Orwell initially struggled
to find a publisher forto find a publisher for Animal FarmAnimal Farm..
Significance TodaySignificance Today
īŽ But why – now that Soviet CommunismBut why – now that Soviet Communism
has fallen and the Cold War is over –has fallen and the Cold War is over –
doesdoes Animal FarmAnimal Farm deserve ourdeserve our
attention? The answer lies in the powerattention? The answer lies in the power
of allegory. Allegorical fables, becauseof allegory. Allegorical fables, because
they require us to make comparisonsthey require us to make comparisons
and connections, can be meaningful toand connections, can be meaningful to
any reader in any historical period. Theany reader in any historical period. The
story ofstory of Animal FarmAnimal Farm will alwayswill always
have lessons to teach us about thehave lessons to teach us about the
ways that people abuse power andways that people abuse power and
manipulate others.manipulate others.
īŽ Orwell's chilling story of the betrayal ofOrwell's chilling story of the betrayal of
idealism through tyranny andidealism through tyranny and
corruption is as fresh and relevantcorruption is as fresh and relevant
today as when it was first published intoday as when it was first published in
1945.1945.
Children’s Book? – No!Children’s Book? – No!
īŽ AfterAfter Animal FarmAnimal Farm was published in 1945, Georgewas published in 1945, George
Orwell discovered with horror that booksellers wereOrwell discovered with horror that booksellers were
placing his novel on children’s shelves. Accordingplacing his novel on children’s shelves. According
to his housekeeper, he began traveling fromto his housekeeper, he began traveling from
bookstore to bookstore requesting that the book bebookstore to bookstore requesting that the book be
shelved with adult works. This dual identity — asshelved with adult works. This dual identity — as
children’s story and adult satire — has stayed withchildren’s story and adult satire — has stayed with
Orwell’s novel for more than fifty years.Orwell’s novel for more than fifty years.
The FableThe Fable
īŽ The fable is one of the oldestThe fable is one of the oldest
literary forms - much, much olderliterary forms - much, much older
than the novel or the short story. Athan the novel or the short story. A
fable is usually short, written infable is usually short, written in
either verse or prose, and conveyseither verse or prose, and conveys
a clear moral or message. Thea clear moral or message. The
earliest fables still preserved dateearliest fables still preserved date
back to 6th Century Greece B.C.E.back to 6th Century Greece B.C.E.
The author of these fables, Aesop,The author of these fables, Aesop,
used animal characters to stand forused animal characters to stand for
human "types." For example, a foxhuman "types." For example, a fox
character might embody the humancharacter might embody the human
characteristics of cunning andcharacteristics of cunning and
cleverness. Though Aesop's animalcleverness. Though Aesop's animal
fables were ostensibly aboutfables were ostensibly about
animals, they were reallyanimals, they were really
instructional tales about humaninstructional tales about human
emotions and human behavior.emotions and human behavior.
Animal FablesAnimal Fables
īŽ The most popular animal fables ofThe most popular animal fables of
the 20th Century are thethe 20th Century are the Just SoJust So
StoriesStories (1902) written by Rudyard(1902) written by Rudyard
Kipling. Kipling's fables wereKipling. Kipling's fables were
adapted by Disney in the movieadapted by Disney in the movie
The Jungle Book.The Jungle Book. OrwellOrwell
admired Kipling and theadmired Kipling and the Just SoJust So
StoriesStories would seem to havewould seem to have
influenced the form ofinfluenced the form of AnimalAnimal
FarmFarm. Orwell took the short animal. Orwell took the short animal
fable and expanded it to the lengthfable and expanded it to the length
of a short novel in the form of anof a short novel in the form of an
allegoryallegory..
AllegoryAllegory
īŽ Most fables have two levels of meaning. On the surface, theMost fables have two levels of meaning. On the surface, the
fable is about animals. But on a second level, the animalsfable is about animals. But on a second level, the animals
stand for types of people or ideas. The way the animalsstand for types of people or ideas. The way the animals
interact and the way the plot unfolds says something aboutinteract and the way the plot unfolds says something about
the nature of people or the value of ideas. Any type of fictionthe nature of people or the value of ideas. Any type of fiction
that has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called anthat has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called an
allegoryallegory..
Allegory (cont’d)Allegory (cont’d)
īŽ Animal FarmAnimal Farm is stronglyis strongly
allegorical, but it presents a veryallegorical, but it presents a very
nice balance between levels ofnice balance between levels of
meaning. On the first level, the storymeaning. On the first level, the story
about the animals is very moving.about the animals is very moving.
You can be upset when Boxer isYou can be upset when Boxer is
taken away by the horse slaughterertaken away by the horse slaughterer
without being too aware of what hewithout being too aware of what he
stands for. But at the same time,stands for. But at the same time,
each of the animals does serve as aeach of the animals does serve as a
symbol. The story's second levelsymbol. The story's second level
involves the careful critique Orwellinvolves the careful critique Orwell
constructed to comment on Sovietconstructed to comment on Soviet
Russia.Russia.
Boxer
Allegory (cont’d)Allegory (cont’d)
īŽ Yet there is no reason thatYet there is no reason that
allegory must be limited toallegory must be limited to
two levels. It is possible totwo levels. It is possible to
argue thatargue that Animal FarmAnimal Farm
also has a third and morealso has a third and more
general level of meaning. Forgeneral level of meaning. For
instance, the pigs need notinstance, the pigs need not
only represent specificonly represent specific
tyrannical soviet leaders.tyrannical soviet leaders.
They could also be symbolsThey could also be symbols
for tyranny more broadly:for tyranny more broadly:
their qualities are thereforetheir qualities are therefore
not simply the historicalnot simply the historical
characteristics of a set ofcharacteristics of a set of
actual men but are theactual men but are the
qualities of all leaders whoqualities of all leaders who
rely on repression andrely on repression and
manipulation.manipulation.
Squealer, Snowball, & Napoleon
SatireSatire
īŽ In aIn a satiresatire, the writer, the writer
attacks a serious issue byattacks a serious issue by
presenting it in a ridiculouspresenting it in a ridiculous
light or otherwise poking funlight or otherwise poking fun
at it. Orwell uses satire toat it. Orwell uses satire to
expose what he saw as theexpose what he saw as the
myth of Soviet socialism.myth of Soviet socialism.
Thus, the novel tells a storyThus, the novel tells a story
that people of all ages canthat people of all ages can
understand, but it also tellsunderstand, but it also tells
us a second story— that ofus a second story— that of
the real-life revolution.the real-life revolution.
Soviet Coat of Arms
IronyIrony
īŽ IronyIrony results when there is a disparityresults when there is a disparity
between what an audience wouldbetween what an audience would
expect and what really happens.expect and what really happens.
Orwell uses a particular type of irony –Orwell uses a particular type of irony –
dramatic irony. He relies on thedramatic irony. He relies on the
difference between what the animalsdifference between what the animals
understand and what we, theunderstand and what we, the
audience, can conclude about theaudience, can conclude about the
situation at Animal Farm.situation at Animal Farm.
īŽ We know just what the animals know,We know just what the animals know,
but we can see so much more of itsbut we can see so much more of its
significance than they can. Thesignificance than they can. The
conclusions we reach that the animalsconclusions we reach that the animals
never quite get to – that the pigs arenever quite get to – that the pigs are
decadent, corrupt, and immoral – aredecadent, corrupt, and immoral – are
all the more powerful because weall the more powerful because we
arrive at them ourselves, without thearrive at them ourselves, without the
narrator pointing these things outnarrator pointing these things out
directly.directly.
Napoleon overindulging himself.
Snowball below the commandments.
Irony (cont’d)Irony (cont’d)
īŽ Orwell uses dramatic irony toOrwell uses dramatic irony to
create a particularly subtlecreate a particularly subtle
satire.satire. SatireSatire stages astages a
critique of an individual,critique of an individual,
group, or idea bygroup, or idea by
exaggerating faults andexaggerating faults and
revealing hypocrisies. Therevealing hypocrisies. The
dramatic irony ofdramatic irony of AnimalAnimal
FarmFarm achieves this aimachieves this aim
indirectly. We see theindirectly. We see the
hypocrisy that the animalshypocrisy that the animals
don't and thereforedon't and therefore
understand in this backwardunderstand in this backward
fashion that the book is deeplyfashion that the book is deeply
critical of the pigs.critical of the pigs.
When History and Literature MergeWhen History and Literature Merge
īŽ Critics often consider Animal Farm toCritics often consider Animal Farm to
be an allegory of the Russianbe an allegory of the Russian
Revolution. In the early 1900s,Revolution. In the early 1900s,
Russia’s Czar Nicholas II faced anRussia’s Czar Nicholas II faced an
increasingly discontented populace.increasingly discontented populace.
Freed from feudal serfdom in 1861,Freed from feudal serfdom in 1861,
many Russian peasants weremany Russian peasants were
struggling to survive under anstruggling to survive under an
oppressive government. By 1917,oppressive government. By 1917,
amidst the tremendous suffering ofamidst the tremendous suffering of
World War I, a revolution began. InWorld War I, a revolution began. In
two major battles, the Czar’stwo major battles, the Czar’s
government was overthrown andgovernment was overthrown and
replaced by the Bolshevik leadershipreplaced by the Bolshevik leadership
of Vladimir Lenin. When Lenin died inof Vladimir Lenin. When Lenin died in
1924, his former colleagues Leon1924, his former colleagues Leon
Trotsky, hero of the early Revolution,Trotsky, hero of the early Revolution,
and Joseph Stalin, head of theand Joseph Stalin, head of the
Communist Party, struggled forCommunist Party, struggled for
power. Stalin won the battle, and hepower. Stalin won the battle, and he
deported Trotsky into permanentdeported Trotsky into permanent
exile.exile.
Czar Nicholas II
Vladimir Lenin
Joseph Stalin
Leon Trotsky
Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin
īŽ Once in power, Stalin began, withOnce in power, Stalin began, with
despotic urgency and exalteddespotic urgency and exalted
nationalism, to move the Soviet Unionnationalism, to move the Soviet Union
into the modern industrial age. Hisinto the modern industrial age. His
government seized land in order togovernment seized land in order to
create collective farms. Stalin’s Fivecreate collective farms. Stalin’s Five
Year Plan was an attempt to modernizeYear Plan was an attempt to modernize
Soviet industry. Many peasants refusedSoviet industry. Many peasants refused
to give up their land, so to counterto give up their land, so to counter
resistance Stalin used vicious militaryresistance Stalin used vicious military
tactics. Rigged trials led to executions oftactics. Rigged trials led to executions of
an estimated 20 million governmentan estimated 20 million government
officials and ordinary citizens. Theofficials and ordinary citizens. The
government controlled the flow andgovernment controlled the flow and
content of information to the people, andcontent of information to the people, and
all but outlawed churches.all but outlawed churches.
Joseph Stalin
Napoleon = Joseph StalinNapoleon = Joseph Stalin
īŽ NapoleonNapoleon
īŽ Boar who leads the rebellion againstBoar who leads the rebellion against
Farmer JonesFarmer Jones
īŽ After the rebellion’s success, heAfter the rebellion’s success, he
systematically begins to control allsystematically begins to control all
aspects of the farm until he is anaspects of the farm until he is an
undisputed tyrant.undisputed tyrant.
īŽ Joseph StainJoseph Stain
īŽ The communist dictator of the SovietThe communist dictator of the Soviet
Union from 1922-1953 who killed allUnion from 1922-1953 who killed all
who opposed him.who opposed him.
īŽ He loved power and used the KGBHe loved power and used the KGB
(secret police) to enforce his ruthless,(secret police) to enforce his ruthless,
corrupt antics.corrupt antics.
Farmer Jones = Czar Nicholas IIFarmer Jones = Czar Nicholas II
īŽ Farmer JonesFarmer Jones
īŽ The irresponsible owner of theThe irresponsible owner of the
farmfarm
īŽ Lets his animals starve and beatsLets his animals starve and beats
them with a whipthem with a whip
īŽ Sometimes shows randomSometimes shows random
kindnesskindness
īŽ Czar Nicholas IICzar Nicholas II
īŽ Weak Russian leader during theWeak Russian leader during the
early 1900searly 1900s
īŽ Often cruel and brutal to hisOften cruel and brutal to his
subjectssubjects
īŽ Displays isolated kindessDisplays isolated kindess
Snowball = Leon TrotskySnowball = Leon Trotsky
īŽ SnowballSnowball
īŽ Boar who becomes one of theBoar who becomes one of the
rebellion’s most valuable leaders.rebellion’s most valuable leaders.
īŽ After drawing complicated plansAfter drawing complicated plans
for the construction of a windmill,for the construction of a windmill,
he is chased off of the farmhe is chased off of the farm
forever by Napoleon’s dogs andforever by Napoleon’s dogs and
thereafter used as a scapegoat forthereafter used as a scapegoat for
the animals’ troubles.the animals’ troubles.
īŽ Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky
īŽ A pure communist leader who wasA pure communist leader who was
influenced by the teachings of Karlinfluenced by the teachings of Karl
Marx.Marx.
īŽ He wanted to improve life forHe wanted to improve life for
people in Russia, but was drivenpeople in Russia, but was driven
away by Lenin’s KGB.away by Lenin’s KGB.
CharactersCharacters
īŽ Old MajorOld Major
īŽ An old boar whose speech aboutAn old boar whose speech about
the evils perpetrated by humansthe evils perpetrated by humans
rouses the animals into rebelling.rouses the animals into rebelling.
īŽ His philosophy concerning theHis philosophy concerning the
tyranny of Man is namedtyranny of Man is named
Animalism.Animalism.
īŽ He teaches the animals the songHe teaches the animals the song
“Beasts of England”“Beasts of England”
īŽ Dies before revolutionDies before revolution
īŽ Karl MarxKarl Marx
īŽ The inventor of communismThe inventor of communism
īŽ Wants to unite the working classWants to unite the working class
to overthrow the government.to overthrow the government.
īŽ Dies before the RussianDies before the Russian
RevolutionRevolution
Who is Karl Marx?Who is Karl Marx?
īŽ Many of the ideals behind theMany of the ideals behind the
Soviet revolution were based onSoviet revolution were based on
the writings and teachings of Karlthe writings and teachings of Karl
Marx. A German intellectual whoMarx. A German intellectual who
lived in the mid-1800s, Marxlived in the mid-1800s, Marx
believed that societies are dividedbelieved that societies are divided
into two segments, a working classinto two segments, a working class
and an owner class. The workingand an owner class. The working
class creates all the products,class creates all the products,
while the owner class enjoys allwhile the owner class enjoys all
the benefits of these products.the benefits of these products.
This class division leads toThis class division leads to
inequality and oppression of theinequality and oppression of the
working class. Marx’s objectiveworking class. Marx’s objective
was to create a classless societywas to create a classless society
in which the work is shared by allin which the work is shared by all
for the benefit of all, and hefor the benefit of all, and he
believed revolution was the way tobelieved revolution was the way to
achieve this goal.achieve this goal.
Characterization in FablesCharacterization in Fables
īŽ We already know that aWe already know that a fablefable is a narration intended to enforce a useful truth.is a narration intended to enforce a useful truth.
Fables have two important characteristics. First, they teach a moral or lesson.Fables have two important characteristics. First, they teach a moral or lesson.
In Animal Farm, the moral involves Orwell’s views about Soviet politics.In Animal Farm, the moral involves Orwell’s views about Soviet politics.
Second, the characters are most frequently animals. These animal charactersSecond, the characters are most frequently animals. These animal characters
often function as a satiric device to point out the follies of humankind. Thoughoften function as a satiric device to point out the follies of humankind. Though
Old Major, Snowball, and Napoleon may represent Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky,Old Major, Snowball, and Napoleon may represent Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky,
and Joseph Stalin, many of the story characters are much more general. Someand Joseph Stalin, many of the story characters are much more general. Some
animals are grouped together as a single character—“the sheep,” “the hens,”animals are grouped together as a single character—“the sheep,” “the hens,”
and “the dogs.” Orwell also capitalizes on the traits generally associated withand “the dogs.” Orwell also capitalizes on the traits generally associated with
particular animals, such as sheep as followers and dogs as loyal.particular animals, such as sheep as followers and dogs as loyal.
Squealer & BoxerSquealer & Boxer
īŽ Squealer    Squealer    
īŽ A big mouth pig who becomes Napoleon’sA big mouth pig who becomes Napoleon’s
mouthpiece. Throughout the novel, he displaysmouthpiece. Throughout the novel, he displays
his ability to manipulate the animals’ thoughtshis ability to manipulate the animals’ thoughts
through the use of hollow, yet convincingthrough the use of hollow, yet convincing
rhetoric.rhetoric.
īŽ Represents the propaganda department thatRepresents the propaganda department that
worked to support Stalin’s image; the membersworked to support Stalin’s image; the members
of the department would use lies to convinceof the department would use lies to convince
the people to follow Stalin.the people to follow Stalin.
īŽ Boxer    Boxer    
īŽ A dedicated but dimwitted horse who aids inA dedicated but dimwitted horse who aids in
the building of the windmill but is sold to a glue-the building of the windmill but is sold to a glue-
boiler after collapsing from exhaustion.boiler after collapsing from exhaustion.
īŽ Represents the dedicated, but trickedRepresents the dedicated, but tricked
communist supporters of Stalin. Many stayedcommunist supporters of Stalin. Many stayed
loyal even after it was obvious Stalin was aloyal even after it was obvious Stalin was a
tyrant. Eventually they were betrayed, ignored,tyrant. Eventually they were betrayed, ignored,
and even killed by him.and even killed by him.
Boxer
Squealer
Jessie & MosesJessie & Moses
īŽ JessieJessie
īŽ The farm's sheepdog, she keeps tabsThe farm's sheepdog, she keeps tabs
on the pigs and is among the first toon the pigs and is among the first to
suspect that something is wrong atsuspect that something is wrong at
Animal Farm.Animal Farm.
īŽ Moses    Moses    
īŽ A tame raven and sometimes-pet ofA tame raven and sometimes-pet of
Jones who tells the animals storiesJones who tells the animals stories
about a paradise called Sugarcandyabout a paradise called Sugarcandy
Mountain.Mountain.
īŽ Moses represents religion. Stalin usedMoses represents religion. Stalin used
religious principles to influence peoplereligious principles to influence people
to work and to avoid revolt.to work and to avoid revolt.
Jessie
Moses
More CharactersMore Characters
PilkingtonPilkington
Jones' neighbor, he finds a way to profit from Animal Farm by forming anJones' neighbor, he finds a way to profit from Animal Farm by forming an
alliance with the pigs.alliance with the pigs.
MurielMuriel
A goat who believes in the rebellion, she watches as Animal Farm slipsA goat who believes in the rebellion, she watches as Animal Farm slips
away from its founding principles.away from its founding principles.
MollieMollie
A vain horse who resists the animal rebellion because she doesn't want toA vain horse who resists the animal rebellion because she doesn't want to
give up the petting and treats she receives from humans. Mollie representsgive up the petting and treats she receives from humans. Mollie represents
vain, selfish people in Russia and throughout the world who ignored thevain, selfish people in Russia and throughout the world who ignored the
revolution and sought residence in more inviting countries.revolution and sought residence in more inviting countries.
BenjaminBenjamin
The most cynical of all the animals, the farm's donkey doubts the leadershipThe most cynical of all the animals, the farm's donkey doubts the leadership
of the pigs but is faithfully devoted to Boxer. Benjamin represents all theof the pigs but is faithfully devoted to Boxer. Benjamin represents all the
skeptical people in Russia and elsewhere who weren’t sure revolution wouldskeptical people in Russia and elsewhere who weren’t sure revolution would
change anything.change anything.
The SheepThe Sheep
Not tremendously clever, the sheep remind themselves of the principles ofNot tremendously clever, the sheep remind themselves of the principles of
animalism by chanting "four legs good, two legs bad."animalism by chanting "four legs good, two legs bad."
The DogsThe Dogs
Napoleon’s private army that used fear to force the animals to work; they killedNapoleon’s private army that used fear to force the animals to work; they killed
any opponent of Napoleon. The dogs represent Stalin’s loyal KGB (secretany opponent of Napoleon. The dogs represent Stalin’s loyal KGB (secret
police). The KGB were not really police, but mercenaries used to forcepolice). The KGB were not really police, but mercenaries used to force
support for Stalin.support for Stalin.
Animalism = CommunismAnimalism = Communism
īŽ AnimalismAnimalism
īŽ Taught my Old MajorTaught my Old Major
īŽ No rich, but no poorNo rich, but no poor
īŽ Better life for workersBetter life for workers
īŽ All animals are equalAll animals are equal
īŽ Everyone owns theEveryone owns the
farmfarm
īŽ CommunismCommunism
īŽ Invented by Karl MarxInvented by Karl Marx
īŽ All people are equalAll people are equal
īŽ Government ownsGovernment owns
everythingeverything
īŽ People own thePeople own the
governmentgovernment
Animal Farm RevolutionAnimal Farm Revolution
= Russian Revolution= Russian Revolution
īŽ Animal Farm RevolutionAnimal Farm Revolution
īŽ Was supposed to make lifeWas supposed to make life
better for all, but . . .better for all, but . . .
īŽ Life was worse at the end.Life was worse at the end.
īŽ The leaders became theThe leaders became the
same as, or worse than thesame as, or worse than the
other farmers (humans) theyother farmers (humans) they
rebelled against.rebelled against.
īŽ Russian RevolutionRussian Revolution
īŽ Was supposed to fix theWas supposed to fix the
problems created by theproblems created by the
Czar, but . . .Czar, but . . .
īŽ Life was even worse afterLife was even worse after
the revolution.the revolution.
īŽ Stalin made the Czar lookStalin made the Czar look
like a nice guy.like a nice guy.
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Animal Farm

  • 1. AnimalAnimal FarmFarm By George OrwellBy George Orwell “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” Allegory - Satire - Fable
  • 2. George OrwellGeorge Orwell British Author & JournalistBritish Author & Journalist īŽ 1903-19501903-1950 īŽ Born in IndiaBorn in India īŽ At that time India was a part of the BritishAt that time India was a part of the British Empire, and Blair's father, Richard, held a postEmpire, and Blair's father, Richard, held a post as an agent in the Opium Department of theas an agent in the Opium Department of the Indian Civil Service.Indian Civil Service. īŽ The Blair family was not very wealthy - OrwellThe Blair family was not very wealthy - Orwell later described them ironically as "lower-upper-later described them ironically as "lower-upper- middle class". They owned no property, had nomiddle class". They owned no property, had no extensive investments; they were like manyextensive investments; they were like many middle-class English families of the time, totallymiddle-class English families of the time, totally dependent on the British Empire for theirdependent on the British Empire for their livelihood and prospects.livelihood and prospects. īŽ Noted as a novelist and critic, as well as aNoted as a novelist and critic, as well as a political and cultural commentatorpolitical and cultural commentator īŽ One of the most widely admired English-One of the most widely admired English- language essayists of the 20th centurylanguage essayists of the 20th century īŽ Best known for two novels critical ofBest known for two novels critical of totalitarianism in general, and Stalinism intotalitarianism in general, and Stalinism in particular:particular: īŽ Animal FarmAnimal Farm īŽ Nineteen Eighty-FourNineteen Eighty-Four “Liberty is telling people what they do not want to hear.”
  • 3. 19841984 īŽ The novel, published inThe novel, published in 1949, takes place in 19841949, takes place in 1984 and presents an imaginaryand presents an imaginary future where a totalitarianfuture where a totalitarian state controls every aspectstate controls every aspect of life, even people'sof life, even people's thoughts. The state isthoughts. The state is called Oceania and iscalled Oceania and is ruled by a group known asruled by a group known as the Party; its leader andthe Party; its leader and dictator is Big Brother.dictator is Big Brother.
  • 4. George Orwell and His BeliefsGeorge Orwell and His Beliefs īŽ Orwell was a person who had a reputation for standing apartOrwell was a person who had a reputation for standing apart and even making a virtue of his detachment.and even making a virtue of his detachment. īŽ This “outsider” position often led him to oppose the crowd.This “outsider” position often led him to oppose the crowd. īŽ Orwell’s beliefs about politics were affected by his experiencesOrwell’s beliefs about politics were affected by his experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War.fighting in the Spanish Civil War. īŽ He viewed socialists, communists, and fascists as repressiveHe viewed socialists, communists, and fascists as repressive and self-serving.and self-serving. īŽ He was skeptical of governments and their willingness toHe was skeptical of governments and their willingness to forsake ideas in favor of power.forsake ideas in favor of power. Interesting Fact:Interesting Fact: George Orwell’s real name was Eric Blair.George Orwell’s real name was Eric Blair.
  • 5. Why Animals?Why Animals? īŽ In explaining how he came to writeIn explaining how he came to write Animal FarmAnimal Farm,, Orwell says he once saw a little boy whipping aOrwell says he once saw a little boy whipping a horse and later he wrote,horse and later he wrote, īŽ ““It struck me that if only such animals became awareIt struck me that if only such animals became aware of their strength we should have no power over them,of their strength we should have no power over them, and that men exploit animals in much the same wayand that men exploit animals in much the same way as the rich exploit the [worker].”as the rich exploit the [worker].”
  • 6. George Orwell in IndiaGeorge Orwell in India īŽ He was born in India andHe was born in India and spent his early yearsspent his early years there since his father heldthere since his father held a post there.a post there. īŽ He was a lonely boy whoHe was a lonely boy who liked to make up storiesliked to make up stories and talk with imaginaryand talk with imaginary companions.companions. īŽ As an adult, he workedAs an adult, he worked for the Imperial Police infor the Imperial Police in British occupied India.British occupied India.
  • 7. What is Animal Farm?What is Animal Farm? īŽ A masterpiece of political satire,A masterpiece of political satire, Animal FarmAnimal Farm is a tale of oppressedis a tale of oppressed individuals who long for freedomindividuals who long for freedom but ultimately are corrupted bybut ultimately are corrupted by assuming the very power that hadassuming the very power that had originally oppressed them.originally oppressed them. īŽ The story traces the deplorableThe story traces the deplorable conditions of mistreated animalsconditions of mistreated animals who can speak and who exhibitwho can speak and who exhibit many human characteristics. Aftermany human characteristics. After extreme negligence by their owner,extreme negligence by their owner, the animals revolt and expel Mr.the animals revolt and expel Mr. Jones and his wife from the farm.Jones and his wife from the farm. īŽ The tale of the society the animalsThe tale of the society the animals form into a totalitarian regime isform into a totalitarian regime is generally viewed as Orwell'sgenerally viewed as Orwell's critique of the communist system incritique of the communist system in the former Soviet Union.the former Soviet Union. Interesting Fact: Orwell initially struggledInteresting Fact: Orwell initially struggled to find a publisher forto find a publisher for Animal FarmAnimal Farm..
  • 8. Significance TodaySignificance Today īŽ But why – now that Soviet CommunismBut why – now that Soviet Communism has fallen and the Cold War is over –has fallen and the Cold War is over – doesdoes Animal FarmAnimal Farm deserve ourdeserve our attention? The answer lies in the powerattention? The answer lies in the power of allegory. Allegorical fables, becauseof allegory. Allegorical fables, because they require us to make comparisonsthey require us to make comparisons and connections, can be meaningful toand connections, can be meaningful to any reader in any historical period. Theany reader in any historical period. The story ofstory of Animal FarmAnimal Farm will alwayswill always have lessons to teach us about thehave lessons to teach us about the ways that people abuse power andways that people abuse power and manipulate others.manipulate others. īŽ Orwell's chilling story of the betrayal ofOrwell's chilling story of the betrayal of idealism through tyranny andidealism through tyranny and corruption is as fresh and relevantcorruption is as fresh and relevant today as when it was first published intoday as when it was first published in 1945.1945.
  • 9. Children’s Book? – No!Children’s Book? – No! īŽ AfterAfter Animal FarmAnimal Farm was published in 1945, Georgewas published in 1945, George Orwell discovered with horror that booksellers wereOrwell discovered with horror that booksellers were placing his novel on children’s shelves. Accordingplacing his novel on children’s shelves. According to his housekeeper, he began traveling fromto his housekeeper, he began traveling from bookstore to bookstore requesting that the book bebookstore to bookstore requesting that the book be shelved with adult works. This dual identity — asshelved with adult works. This dual identity — as children’s story and adult satire — has stayed withchildren’s story and adult satire — has stayed with Orwell’s novel for more than fifty years.Orwell’s novel for more than fifty years.
  • 10. The FableThe Fable īŽ The fable is one of the oldestThe fable is one of the oldest literary forms - much, much olderliterary forms - much, much older than the novel or the short story. Athan the novel or the short story. A fable is usually short, written infable is usually short, written in either verse or prose, and conveyseither verse or prose, and conveys a clear moral or message. Thea clear moral or message. The earliest fables still preserved dateearliest fables still preserved date back to 6th Century Greece B.C.E.back to 6th Century Greece B.C.E. The author of these fables, Aesop,The author of these fables, Aesop, used animal characters to stand forused animal characters to stand for human "types." For example, a foxhuman "types." For example, a fox character might embody the humancharacter might embody the human characteristics of cunning andcharacteristics of cunning and cleverness. Though Aesop's animalcleverness. Though Aesop's animal fables were ostensibly aboutfables were ostensibly about animals, they were reallyanimals, they were really instructional tales about humaninstructional tales about human emotions and human behavior.emotions and human behavior.
  • 11. Animal FablesAnimal Fables īŽ The most popular animal fables ofThe most popular animal fables of the 20th Century are thethe 20th Century are the Just SoJust So StoriesStories (1902) written by Rudyard(1902) written by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling's fables wereKipling. Kipling's fables were adapted by Disney in the movieadapted by Disney in the movie The Jungle Book.The Jungle Book. OrwellOrwell admired Kipling and theadmired Kipling and the Just SoJust So StoriesStories would seem to havewould seem to have influenced the form ofinfluenced the form of AnimalAnimal FarmFarm. Orwell took the short animal. Orwell took the short animal fable and expanded it to the lengthfable and expanded it to the length of a short novel in the form of anof a short novel in the form of an allegoryallegory..
  • 12. AllegoryAllegory īŽ Most fables have two levels of meaning. On the surface, theMost fables have two levels of meaning. On the surface, the fable is about animals. But on a second level, the animalsfable is about animals. But on a second level, the animals stand for types of people or ideas. The way the animalsstand for types of people or ideas. The way the animals interact and the way the plot unfolds says something aboutinteract and the way the plot unfolds says something about the nature of people or the value of ideas. Any type of fictionthe nature of people or the value of ideas. Any type of fiction that has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called anthat has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called an allegoryallegory..
  • 13. Allegory (cont’d)Allegory (cont’d) īŽ Animal FarmAnimal Farm is stronglyis strongly allegorical, but it presents a veryallegorical, but it presents a very nice balance between levels ofnice balance between levels of meaning. On the first level, the storymeaning. On the first level, the story about the animals is very moving.about the animals is very moving. You can be upset when Boxer isYou can be upset when Boxer is taken away by the horse slaughterertaken away by the horse slaughterer without being too aware of what hewithout being too aware of what he stands for. But at the same time,stands for. But at the same time, each of the animals does serve as aeach of the animals does serve as a symbol. The story's second levelsymbol. The story's second level involves the careful critique Orwellinvolves the careful critique Orwell constructed to comment on Sovietconstructed to comment on Soviet Russia.Russia. Boxer
  • 14. Allegory (cont’d)Allegory (cont’d) īŽ Yet there is no reason thatYet there is no reason that allegory must be limited toallegory must be limited to two levels. It is possible totwo levels. It is possible to argue thatargue that Animal FarmAnimal Farm also has a third and morealso has a third and more general level of meaning. Forgeneral level of meaning. For instance, the pigs need notinstance, the pigs need not only represent specificonly represent specific tyrannical soviet leaders.tyrannical soviet leaders. They could also be symbolsThey could also be symbols for tyranny more broadly:for tyranny more broadly: their qualities are thereforetheir qualities are therefore not simply the historicalnot simply the historical characteristics of a set ofcharacteristics of a set of actual men but are theactual men but are the qualities of all leaders whoqualities of all leaders who rely on repression andrely on repression and manipulation.manipulation. Squealer, Snowball, & Napoleon
  • 15. SatireSatire īŽ In aIn a satiresatire, the writer, the writer attacks a serious issue byattacks a serious issue by presenting it in a ridiculouspresenting it in a ridiculous light or otherwise poking funlight or otherwise poking fun at it. Orwell uses satire toat it. Orwell uses satire to expose what he saw as theexpose what he saw as the myth of Soviet socialism.myth of Soviet socialism. Thus, the novel tells a storyThus, the novel tells a story that people of all ages canthat people of all ages can understand, but it also tellsunderstand, but it also tells us a second story— that ofus a second story— that of the real-life revolution.the real-life revolution. Soviet Coat of Arms
  • 16. IronyIrony īŽ IronyIrony results when there is a disparityresults when there is a disparity between what an audience wouldbetween what an audience would expect and what really happens.expect and what really happens. Orwell uses a particular type of irony –Orwell uses a particular type of irony – dramatic irony. He relies on thedramatic irony. He relies on the difference between what the animalsdifference between what the animals understand and what we, theunderstand and what we, the audience, can conclude about theaudience, can conclude about the situation at Animal Farm.situation at Animal Farm. īŽ We know just what the animals know,We know just what the animals know, but we can see so much more of itsbut we can see so much more of its significance than they can. Thesignificance than they can. The conclusions we reach that the animalsconclusions we reach that the animals never quite get to – that the pigs arenever quite get to – that the pigs are decadent, corrupt, and immoral – aredecadent, corrupt, and immoral – are all the more powerful because weall the more powerful because we arrive at them ourselves, without thearrive at them ourselves, without the narrator pointing these things outnarrator pointing these things out directly.directly. Napoleon overindulging himself. Snowball below the commandments.
  • 17. Irony (cont’d)Irony (cont’d) īŽ Orwell uses dramatic irony toOrwell uses dramatic irony to create a particularly subtlecreate a particularly subtle satire.satire. SatireSatire stages astages a critique of an individual,critique of an individual, group, or idea bygroup, or idea by exaggerating faults andexaggerating faults and revealing hypocrisies. Therevealing hypocrisies. The dramatic irony ofdramatic irony of AnimalAnimal FarmFarm achieves this aimachieves this aim indirectly. We see theindirectly. We see the hypocrisy that the animalshypocrisy that the animals don't and thereforedon't and therefore understand in this backwardunderstand in this backward fashion that the book is deeplyfashion that the book is deeply critical of the pigs.critical of the pigs.
  • 18. When History and Literature MergeWhen History and Literature Merge īŽ Critics often consider Animal Farm toCritics often consider Animal Farm to be an allegory of the Russianbe an allegory of the Russian Revolution. In the early 1900s,Revolution. In the early 1900s, Russia’s Czar Nicholas II faced anRussia’s Czar Nicholas II faced an increasingly discontented populace.increasingly discontented populace. Freed from feudal serfdom in 1861,Freed from feudal serfdom in 1861, many Russian peasants weremany Russian peasants were struggling to survive under anstruggling to survive under an oppressive government. By 1917,oppressive government. By 1917, amidst the tremendous suffering ofamidst the tremendous suffering of World War I, a revolution began. InWorld War I, a revolution began. In two major battles, the Czar’stwo major battles, the Czar’s government was overthrown andgovernment was overthrown and replaced by the Bolshevik leadershipreplaced by the Bolshevik leadership of Vladimir Lenin. When Lenin died inof Vladimir Lenin. When Lenin died in 1924, his former colleagues Leon1924, his former colleagues Leon Trotsky, hero of the early Revolution,Trotsky, hero of the early Revolution, and Joseph Stalin, head of theand Joseph Stalin, head of the Communist Party, struggled forCommunist Party, struggled for power. Stalin won the battle, and hepower. Stalin won the battle, and he deported Trotsky into permanentdeported Trotsky into permanent exile.exile. Czar Nicholas II Vladimir Lenin Joseph Stalin Leon Trotsky
  • 19. Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin īŽ Once in power, Stalin began, withOnce in power, Stalin began, with despotic urgency and exalteddespotic urgency and exalted nationalism, to move the Soviet Unionnationalism, to move the Soviet Union into the modern industrial age. Hisinto the modern industrial age. His government seized land in order togovernment seized land in order to create collective farms. Stalin’s Fivecreate collective farms. Stalin’s Five Year Plan was an attempt to modernizeYear Plan was an attempt to modernize Soviet industry. Many peasants refusedSoviet industry. Many peasants refused to give up their land, so to counterto give up their land, so to counter resistance Stalin used vicious militaryresistance Stalin used vicious military tactics. Rigged trials led to executions oftactics. Rigged trials led to executions of an estimated 20 million governmentan estimated 20 million government officials and ordinary citizens. Theofficials and ordinary citizens. The government controlled the flow andgovernment controlled the flow and content of information to the people, andcontent of information to the people, and all but outlawed churches.all but outlawed churches. Joseph Stalin
  • 20. Napoleon = Joseph StalinNapoleon = Joseph Stalin īŽ NapoleonNapoleon īŽ Boar who leads the rebellion againstBoar who leads the rebellion against Farmer JonesFarmer Jones īŽ After the rebellion’s success, heAfter the rebellion’s success, he systematically begins to control allsystematically begins to control all aspects of the farm until he is anaspects of the farm until he is an undisputed tyrant.undisputed tyrant. īŽ Joseph StainJoseph Stain īŽ The communist dictator of the SovietThe communist dictator of the Soviet Union from 1922-1953 who killed allUnion from 1922-1953 who killed all who opposed him.who opposed him. īŽ He loved power and used the KGBHe loved power and used the KGB (secret police) to enforce his ruthless,(secret police) to enforce his ruthless, corrupt antics.corrupt antics.
  • 21. Farmer Jones = Czar Nicholas IIFarmer Jones = Czar Nicholas II īŽ Farmer JonesFarmer Jones īŽ The irresponsible owner of theThe irresponsible owner of the farmfarm īŽ Lets his animals starve and beatsLets his animals starve and beats them with a whipthem with a whip īŽ Sometimes shows randomSometimes shows random kindnesskindness īŽ Czar Nicholas IICzar Nicholas II īŽ Weak Russian leader during theWeak Russian leader during the early 1900searly 1900s īŽ Often cruel and brutal to hisOften cruel and brutal to his subjectssubjects īŽ Displays isolated kindessDisplays isolated kindess
  • 22. Snowball = Leon TrotskySnowball = Leon Trotsky īŽ SnowballSnowball īŽ Boar who becomes one of theBoar who becomes one of the rebellion’s most valuable leaders.rebellion’s most valuable leaders. īŽ After drawing complicated plansAfter drawing complicated plans for the construction of a windmill,for the construction of a windmill, he is chased off of the farmhe is chased off of the farm forever by Napoleon’s dogs andforever by Napoleon’s dogs and thereafter used as a scapegoat forthereafter used as a scapegoat for the animals’ troubles.the animals’ troubles. īŽ Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky īŽ A pure communist leader who wasA pure communist leader who was influenced by the teachings of Karlinfluenced by the teachings of Karl Marx.Marx. īŽ He wanted to improve life forHe wanted to improve life for people in Russia, but was drivenpeople in Russia, but was driven away by Lenin’s KGB.away by Lenin’s KGB.
  • 23. CharactersCharacters īŽ Old MajorOld Major īŽ An old boar whose speech aboutAn old boar whose speech about the evils perpetrated by humansthe evils perpetrated by humans rouses the animals into rebelling.rouses the animals into rebelling. īŽ His philosophy concerning theHis philosophy concerning the tyranny of Man is namedtyranny of Man is named Animalism.Animalism. īŽ He teaches the animals the songHe teaches the animals the song “Beasts of England”“Beasts of England” īŽ Dies before revolutionDies before revolution īŽ Karl MarxKarl Marx īŽ The inventor of communismThe inventor of communism īŽ Wants to unite the working classWants to unite the working class to overthrow the government.to overthrow the government. īŽ Dies before the RussianDies before the Russian RevolutionRevolution
  • 24. Who is Karl Marx?Who is Karl Marx? īŽ Many of the ideals behind theMany of the ideals behind the Soviet revolution were based onSoviet revolution were based on the writings and teachings of Karlthe writings and teachings of Karl Marx. A German intellectual whoMarx. A German intellectual who lived in the mid-1800s, Marxlived in the mid-1800s, Marx believed that societies are dividedbelieved that societies are divided into two segments, a working classinto two segments, a working class and an owner class. The workingand an owner class. The working class creates all the products,class creates all the products, while the owner class enjoys allwhile the owner class enjoys all the benefits of these products.the benefits of these products. This class division leads toThis class division leads to inequality and oppression of theinequality and oppression of the working class. Marx’s objectiveworking class. Marx’s objective was to create a classless societywas to create a classless society in which the work is shared by allin which the work is shared by all for the benefit of all, and hefor the benefit of all, and he believed revolution was the way tobelieved revolution was the way to achieve this goal.achieve this goal.
  • 25. Characterization in FablesCharacterization in Fables īŽ We already know that aWe already know that a fablefable is a narration intended to enforce a useful truth.is a narration intended to enforce a useful truth. Fables have two important characteristics. First, they teach a moral or lesson.Fables have two important characteristics. First, they teach a moral or lesson. In Animal Farm, the moral involves Orwell’s views about Soviet politics.In Animal Farm, the moral involves Orwell’s views about Soviet politics. Second, the characters are most frequently animals. These animal charactersSecond, the characters are most frequently animals. These animal characters often function as a satiric device to point out the follies of humankind. Thoughoften function as a satiric device to point out the follies of humankind. Though Old Major, Snowball, and Napoleon may represent Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky,Old Major, Snowball, and Napoleon may represent Karl Marx, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph Stalin, many of the story characters are much more general. Someand Joseph Stalin, many of the story characters are much more general. Some animals are grouped together as a single character—“the sheep,” “the hens,”animals are grouped together as a single character—“the sheep,” “the hens,” and “the dogs.” Orwell also capitalizes on the traits generally associated withand “the dogs.” Orwell also capitalizes on the traits generally associated with particular animals, such as sheep as followers and dogs as loyal.particular animals, such as sheep as followers and dogs as loyal.
  • 26. Squealer & BoxerSquealer & Boxer īŽ Squealer    Squealer     īŽ A big mouth pig who becomes Napoleon’sA big mouth pig who becomes Napoleon’s mouthpiece. Throughout the novel, he displaysmouthpiece. Throughout the novel, he displays his ability to manipulate the animals’ thoughtshis ability to manipulate the animals’ thoughts through the use of hollow, yet convincingthrough the use of hollow, yet convincing rhetoric.rhetoric. īŽ Represents the propaganda department thatRepresents the propaganda department that worked to support Stalin’s image; the membersworked to support Stalin’s image; the members of the department would use lies to convinceof the department would use lies to convince the people to follow Stalin.the people to follow Stalin. īŽ Boxer    Boxer     īŽ A dedicated but dimwitted horse who aids inA dedicated but dimwitted horse who aids in the building of the windmill but is sold to a glue-the building of the windmill but is sold to a glue- boiler after collapsing from exhaustion.boiler after collapsing from exhaustion. īŽ Represents the dedicated, but trickedRepresents the dedicated, but tricked communist supporters of Stalin. Many stayedcommunist supporters of Stalin. Many stayed loyal even after it was obvious Stalin was aloyal even after it was obvious Stalin was a tyrant. Eventually they were betrayed, ignored,tyrant. Eventually they were betrayed, ignored, and even killed by him.and even killed by him. Boxer Squealer
  • 27. Jessie & MosesJessie & Moses īŽ JessieJessie īŽ The farm's sheepdog, she keeps tabsThe farm's sheepdog, she keeps tabs on the pigs and is among the first toon the pigs and is among the first to suspect that something is wrong atsuspect that something is wrong at Animal Farm.Animal Farm. īŽ Moses    Moses     īŽ A tame raven and sometimes-pet ofA tame raven and sometimes-pet of Jones who tells the animals storiesJones who tells the animals stories about a paradise called Sugarcandyabout a paradise called Sugarcandy Mountain.Mountain. īŽ Moses represents religion. Stalin usedMoses represents religion. Stalin used religious principles to influence peoplereligious principles to influence people to work and to avoid revolt.to work and to avoid revolt. Jessie Moses
  • 28. More CharactersMore Characters PilkingtonPilkington Jones' neighbor, he finds a way to profit from Animal Farm by forming anJones' neighbor, he finds a way to profit from Animal Farm by forming an alliance with the pigs.alliance with the pigs. MurielMuriel A goat who believes in the rebellion, she watches as Animal Farm slipsA goat who believes in the rebellion, she watches as Animal Farm slips away from its founding principles.away from its founding principles. MollieMollie A vain horse who resists the animal rebellion because she doesn't want toA vain horse who resists the animal rebellion because she doesn't want to give up the petting and treats she receives from humans. Mollie representsgive up the petting and treats she receives from humans. Mollie represents vain, selfish people in Russia and throughout the world who ignored thevain, selfish people in Russia and throughout the world who ignored the revolution and sought residence in more inviting countries.revolution and sought residence in more inviting countries. BenjaminBenjamin The most cynical of all the animals, the farm's donkey doubts the leadershipThe most cynical of all the animals, the farm's donkey doubts the leadership of the pigs but is faithfully devoted to Boxer. Benjamin represents all theof the pigs but is faithfully devoted to Boxer. Benjamin represents all the skeptical people in Russia and elsewhere who weren’t sure revolution wouldskeptical people in Russia and elsewhere who weren’t sure revolution would change anything.change anything. The SheepThe Sheep Not tremendously clever, the sheep remind themselves of the principles ofNot tremendously clever, the sheep remind themselves of the principles of animalism by chanting "four legs good, two legs bad."animalism by chanting "four legs good, two legs bad." The DogsThe Dogs Napoleon’s private army that used fear to force the animals to work; they killedNapoleon’s private army that used fear to force the animals to work; they killed any opponent of Napoleon. The dogs represent Stalin’s loyal KGB (secretany opponent of Napoleon. The dogs represent Stalin’s loyal KGB (secret police). The KGB were not really police, but mercenaries used to forcepolice). The KGB were not really police, but mercenaries used to force support for Stalin.support for Stalin.
  • 29.
  • 30. Animalism = CommunismAnimalism = Communism īŽ AnimalismAnimalism īŽ Taught my Old MajorTaught my Old Major īŽ No rich, but no poorNo rich, but no poor īŽ Better life for workersBetter life for workers īŽ All animals are equalAll animals are equal īŽ Everyone owns theEveryone owns the farmfarm īŽ CommunismCommunism īŽ Invented by Karl MarxInvented by Karl Marx īŽ All people are equalAll people are equal īŽ Government ownsGovernment owns everythingeverything īŽ People own thePeople own the governmentgovernment
  • 31. Animal Farm RevolutionAnimal Farm Revolution = Russian Revolution= Russian Revolution īŽ Animal Farm RevolutionAnimal Farm Revolution īŽ Was supposed to make lifeWas supposed to make life better for all, but . . .better for all, but . . . īŽ Life was worse at the end.Life was worse at the end. īŽ The leaders became theThe leaders became the same as, or worse than thesame as, or worse than the other farmers (humans) theyother farmers (humans) they rebelled against.rebelled against. īŽ Russian RevolutionRussian Revolution īŽ Was supposed to fix theWas supposed to fix the problems created by theproblems created by the Czar, but . . .Czar, but . . . īŽ Life was even worse afterLife was even worse after the revolution.the revolution. īŽ Stalin made the Czar lookStalin made the Czar look like a nice guy.like a nice guy.
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