...How does a society go from being a utopia, to a dystopia, what is a utopia??. In George Orwell’s novella, Animal Farm, the farm animals are restricted and mistreated. They have an overseer named Mr. Jones who is not only a drunk, but is slowly losing his ability to take care of Manor Farm. Gradually the animals are moving toward the idea of revolution against their dictator. Lois Lowry once said, “The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. Is a life without colour, pain or past.” This quote can be interpreted as a life without problems, surprises or consequences, is a life with no originality or vitality. George Orwell uses a large variety of literary elements such as, symbols, dramatic irony and conflict...
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...Snowball vs. Napoleon Leadership consists of the actions taking place to lead a group of people or an organization. It is a position given to a person in power that has the capability to take charge of a situation. This role can be recognized through the book of Animal Farm written by George Orwell and how specific characters are portrayed as leaders. These leadership roles can be recognized through two main characters in Animal Farm by the names of Snowball and Napoleon. These characters leadership roles are portrayed on two separate sides of the spectrum and can be recognized for certain themes analyzed throughout the book for the seven commandments, the barn and the windmill. One main theme in the book was the seven commandments that gave the opportunity for Snowball and Napoleon to portray recognizable leadership traits, however Snowball portrays positive and likeable traits over Napoleon. These seven commandments were based on the rights of the animals and to give some sort of structure on the farm especially saying "All animals are equal" (Orwell 15) . On the other hand, Napoleon later on changes these commandments, he believed the pigs were number one by enforcing the commandment, "all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others" (Orwell 90). This quote proves that Napoleon is more concerned about his own species over the rest, he wants to be in control of all the animals which posses dictatorship. His leadership is put into question by the reader...
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...Absolute Power and Corruption in Animal Farm Idealistic leaders can become corrupt because of the influence that absolute power can have on one’s morals. This pattern constantly repeats itself throughout history because of mankind’s ignorance to the past. Animal Farm represents the Russian revolution and the events and actions that took place. As Napoleon, Snowball, and Old Major evolve and show the effects of having power, is it obvious to see how absolute power corrupts potentially great leaders. Napoleon, an overall strong leader, lets power take over his views and morals for ultimate corruption. After Old Major dies, Napoleon is fortunate to be one of the next renowned leaders for the farm and soon to be a leader for the rebellion. As time passes, Napoleon experiences the luxuries and the benefits that come with having power— the power is now beginning to go to his head. He begins eating much food, sleeping on a bed, and wearing clothes (all of which the animals swore never to do in animalism). Napoleon is beginning to think of himself above all others rather than as still an equal. At one point in the book, Napoleon sell the loyal and hardworking boxer to a factory for alcohol. This goes to prove that he only cared about what he wanted, not his hard working citizen. By many events and actions done by Napoleon, it is easy to see how Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin. “Stalin was the undisputed dictator of USSR.” As Stalin did, Napoleon disposes of anything that...
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...leaders rise to and retain power by twisting the truth in their favor. This is what the character Napoleon does in Animal Farm, by George Orwell. Corruption of power leads to the exploitation of the weak through fear and manipulation. Snowball was a perfect leader, with excellent ideals and did everything for others. Napoleon, on the other hand, was a diabolical leader who sought power. To do this, Napoleon directs his ‘right hand man,’ Squealer, to spread rumors and lies to make Napoleon seem perfect. After Napoleon took charge, Squealer said, “I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself” (50). Napoleon...
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...marginalized, excluded, or silenced within the text? In George Orwell’s novel ‘Animal Farm’ we can see how there are several social groups who are marginalized, excluded and silenced. However, it is important to take into account that each characters are a representative of a certain archetype in society or figure in history, therefore the marginalization, exclusion and silencing that we seen within the text is expressed in a very direct manner as it is directed to a single character, who is representing that social group, rather than a community of people. Animal Farm can be divided into two classes, the establishment and the commoners. The pigs, who represent the elite, strategize. While Boxer and Clover, represent...
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...Animal Farm: An Abridged Text 5256 Introduction to Animal Farm ‘Animal Farm’ is a novel. It is a famous story. ‘Animal Farm’ was written by George Orwell in 1945. Mr Orwell went to a farm. He saw a boy walking with a horse. Orwell thought if animals could talk what would they think about human beings? He also thought that humans have all the power and treat animals badly. If animals had power and could talk what would they do? ‘Animal Farm’ is an interesting story. In the novel the animals can talk. ‘Animal Farm’ is a metaphor1 for Russia from 1917 to 1991. During this time, Russia was called the Soviet Union or the USSR. From 1917 to 1991 Communism existed in Russia (the Soviet Union). This means everyone is equal. There are no rich people and there are no poor people. However, there were many problems in the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991. ‘Animal Farm’ is about these problems. 1 A metaphor is when we use one thing to describe something else. 2 Chapter 1 It is evening. Mr Jones is a farmer. He lives at Manor Farm. Mr Jones is not a nice man. Mr Jones is very cruel to his animals. When he falls asleep all the animals at Manor Farm have a meeting. Major is an old pig. All the animals like him. He is intelligent. Major wants to tell all the animals about a dream he had. All the animals are quiet. They want to listen to Major. He tells the animals that he is old. Major thinks he is going to die soon. Before he dies, Major wants...
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...Does Snowball really represent a morally legitimate political alternative to Napoleon? George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a satiric allegory of the Russian Revolution, and shows how power tends to corrupt the characters in possession of it. The two prominent pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, are shown to slowly accept the temptations of power and succumb to its effects. After Snowball’s expulsion, Napoleon takes control of the farm. But what if Snowball became the unquestionable leader and Napoleon was written off the board. Would Snowball become a better leader and conduct activities on the farm to ensure everyone was equal? It is clear the Snowball would not pose as morally legitimate political alternative as there are many instances that he was complicit with the pigs’ corrupted behaviour. To what extent is the weakness and foolishness responsible for the abuses of power committed by Napoleon and his followers? George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a satiric allegory of the Russian Revolution, and extensively shows the naivety of a simple working class and manipulated by propaganda. The foolishness of the simple animals demonstrates how they are unable to question the corrupt rule of the pigs and thus condemns them to suffer the full extent of the pigs’ oppression. It creates a loophole for Napoleon and his followers to abuse their power and manipulate it to suit their own benefits After Napoleon gains unquestionable control of the farm, he starts to abuse his power and change...
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...Comparative essay- Animal Farm Animal farm- Paragraph 1- manipulation by the pigs State they are educated elite, use intellectual superiority to manipulate the other animals. Quote shows them as apathetic and meddlers. State how Orwell is criticising Stalin and his Government. Paragraph 2- Propaganda by the pigs State Napoleon uses propaganda through squealer to push his ideas and implement his plans. Quote shows that Napoleon uses propaganda to get what he wants. State that Orwell is criticising Stalin’s manipulation of the Russian society a big ally of the propaganda is the animal’s ignorance and false memory Paragraph 3- Power of Napoleon State that Napoleon, whom represents Stalin, only gained and keeps his power through cruelty, treachery and making the other animals scared of him. Show that after the rebellion, Napoleon has taken the place of Mr Jones (seen through quote) State that the quote shows that Napoleon has dominance over the farm like Mr Jones. State that Orwell is criticising that after a rebellion, inevitably someone will rise to power over all and everything will be the same, maybe worse. Quotes- For manipulation- ‘Does it not say something about never sleeping in a bed? ... It says, ‘no animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.’ (cynicism) For propaganda- When squealer assures the animals about trading with humans- ...
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...A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO THE SIGNET CLASSIC EDITION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S ANIMAL FARM By HAZEL K. DAVIS, Federal Hocking High School, Stewart, OH S E R I E S W. GEIGER ELLIS, ED.D., E D I T O R S : UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, EMERITUS and ARTHEA J. S. REED, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, RETIRED A Teacher’s Guide to the Signet Classic Edition of George Orwell’s Animal Farm 2 INTRODUCTION Animal Farm is an excellent selection for junior and senior high students to study. Although on one level the novel is an allegory of the 1917 Russian Revolution, the story is just as applicable to the latest rebellion against dictators around the world. Young people should be able to recognize similarities between the animal leaders and politicians today. The novel also demonstrates how language can be used to control minds. Since teenagers are the target not only of the educational system itself but also of advertising, the music industry, etc., they should be interested in exploring how language can control thought and behavior. Animal Farm is short and contains few words that will hamper the reader’s understanding. The incidents in the novel allow for much interactive learning, providing opportunities for students to dramatize certain portions, to expand on speeches, and to work out alternative endings. The novel can be taught collaboratively with the history department as an allegory of the Russian Revolution, allowing students to draw parallels...
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...veins taking hold of their mind ultimately causing them to stop at nothing to gain power. In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the pigs new surge of power leaves them unsatisfied causing them to exploit and manipulate the other animals. The pigs defy their code to gain authority eventually leading to the corruption of the farm by their own greedy desires. George Orwell reveals the destruction that greed causes through the main antagonist, Napoleon, the affects of communism and his own life experiences. This ultimately leads the animals and Orwell into a world they do not recognize. Greed can be seen as a silent force that has the ability to conquer one’s life, where their selfish attitude allows his or her’s infatuation of power to consume them. Napoleon’s desire to become the only leader devours him as he becomes deceitful to animals except to the pigs. The animals on the farm are captivated by this new forming idea that they can become their own individuals by overthrowing the owner, Mr. Jones. This results in the animal to rejoice as they believe that they are able to control themselves and not be controlled, “And so, almost before they knew what was happening, the rebellion had been successfully carried through; Jones was expelled and the Manor Farm was theirs. For the first few minutes, the animals could hardly believe their good fortune” (Orwell 12). Napoleon secretly gains power from this rebellion as he and Snowball are the leaders of the newly named...
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...them see that this was contrary to the spirit of Animalism." P.17 The pigs Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer adapt Old Major's ideas into an actual philosophy, which they formally name Animalism. B "In the end, it was named the Battle of the Cowshed, since that was where the ambush had been sprung." P.44 "Old Major's Dream" is the major cause of the Battle of the Cowshed. Though the animals don't know when the rebellion will take place, but when it happened the were all surprised that a rebellion had taken place and they had won. In the Battle of Cowshed, the animals in Animal Farm fought Mr. Jones and his men. Mr. Jones WAS the farmer of Manor Farm, but since the animals won the Rebellion, it is now called Animal Farm and owned by animals. The pigeons alerted the animals that Jones and his men were going to attempt an invasion on the farm to get it back. Jones and his men broke the barred door holding sticks while Mr. Jones was holding a shotgun. The animals fought wisely and Snowball, the cleverest pig on the farm, led the attack. Snowball ran right up to Jones and attacked him. Jones tried to fire at Snowball, but the sheep behind Snowball was shot and killed. Jones fell to the floor and his gunshot right up and fell into the mud. Boxer ran right up to a boy and attacked him with his tremendous force. The boy fell face first into the mud. Jones and his men were retreating, and the animals had won. After this, they all saw Boxer trying to make the little boy in the mud move...
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... 35 From your reading of: Animal Farm 1.This pig is used as a propaganda machine by Napoleon... a. Snowball b. Minimus c. Squealer d. Sheep 2.Boxer is sold to the Knackers for what reason? a. He is too young to retire b. He is rebelling against Napoleon c. He is hurt and can no longer work d. The farm needed the money 3.By the end of the novel, the final Commandment states... a. All animals are equal except the pigs b.Some animals are more equal than others c.No animal may rebel against another d. Four legs good, 2 legs bad 4.Indentify the speaker: "If comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right." a. Mollie b. Clover c. Boxer d. Squealer 5.Identify the speaker: "Surely comrades you do not want Mr. Jones back?" a. Squealer b. Clover c. Muriel d. Sheep 6.Identify the speaker: "Four legs good, two legs bad." a. The sheep b. The geese c. The chickens d. The hens 7. What words were added to the end of this commandment? "No animal shall sleep in a bed..." a. With pajamas b. In the house c. With sheets d. With another animal 8.What words were added to the end of this commandment? "No animal shall drink alcohol..." a. To excess b. In the house c. In a glass d. With Mr. Jones 9.How is Napoleon double-crossed by Frederick? a. He refuses to send help when Jones attacks b. He pays for the timber with fake money c. He cheats Napoleon at a card game d. He allows Snowball to hide on his farm 10. The pigs convert Old...
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...What are the characteristics of the animals as they pertain to life, war and of course the novel Animal Farm by using the propaganda technique from one of the subjects Syria, MLK era, World War 1, or World War 2? In the novel Animal Farm the characteristics of the animals as they pertain to life war and of course the novel Animal Farm was really about using the propaganda techniques against people and by using animals that represent in different perspectives of World War II. Animal Farm is an allegorical novel by George Orwell, who first published it in England in 1945. According to Orwell, the book reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The animals were what interested me in the book. First of all the pigs and...
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...Animal Farm A review by: Dimitrios Pastirmatzis "Animal Farm is an allegorical and dystopian novella by George Orwell, first published in England on 17 August 1945"(1) Animal Farm is a book written in England on the 17th of August of 1945, when the Soviet Union was in the midst of the Stalinist era and is critical of the situation that was developing there. In George Orwell's views the Soviet union was turned into an inhumane dictatorship built around a single man and enforced through sheer terror of various punishments and/or executions. The author deems his book a "fairy story", but the book is anything but. The animals of Manor Farm, plagued by malnurishment and the injustice that was forced upon them, revolt against their human...
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...of the USSR. In those dark days, his victory established him as a hero, even though he was not. He did transform the Soviet Union from a peasant society to a militia and industrial powerhouse, ruling through his power to control his people. The citizens of USSR lived in fear, and a large amount of them died from poor living conditions and forced labor. But fear alone does not control a massive body of people, he also used the oldest trick in the book,...
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