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1. What is your reaction to the animals’ revolution?
My reaction to the animals’ revolution is amazement that a single use of effective propaganda can trigger a revolutionary event such as the one displayed here. I believe that Erik Blair was in this case stating that the main problems in society tend to happen as a result of ourselves more often than our initially believed enemies.
2. Do you sympathize with the animals’ complaints and goals? Why or why not?
I sympathize with the animals’ complaints and goals as their initial idea was to satisfy everyone other than their known enemies, human beings. The main problem that occurred after their success was corruption, and since they had created a non-democratic society, no solution could be initiated.
3. Describe how the Rebellion takes place. How does the animals’ behavior during the Rebellion suggest both human and animal characteristics?
The rebellion was initiated when Mr. Jones forgot to feed the animals, and, as a result, they made an attempt to feed themselves. As the animals got inside the food shed, Mr. Jones was awakened, and he immediately headed to the food shed with whips. Finally, the animals refused to tolerate anything more, and attacked Mr. Jones and his men, driving them out of the farm. The animals characteristics reflect animal behavior by attacking without weapons or plans, and they reflect human behavior by having a known goal, and consciously pursuing it for their own advantage.
4. How do the pigs gain the rights to the cow’s milk? Why do the other animals allow this to occur? What does this event suggest about the power hierarchy on the farm?
The pigs justify their need for the cows’ milk by stating it is necessary for keeping their intelligence in shape. The animals allow this because of the fear of Mr. Jones returning. This demonstrates hierarchy on the farm by allowing different animals to receive different wages, food in this case.
5. How does the original vision of Animalism become the slogan “Four legs bad, two legs good”? In your opinion, do the animals want rules with simple language? What kind of language do the pigs use?
The original vision of Animalism became the slogan “FOUR LEGS GOOD, TWO LEGS BAD” as a result of many animals not being able to clearly remember the seven commandments. The animals want rules with simple language as this makes them easy to understand for the working animals, and easy to interpret in favor of themselves for the pigs. The kind of language the pigs use is known as propaganda.
6. What technique does Orwell use to cast doubt on the likelihood of a successful revolution?
Eric Blair uses a fable metaphor to demonstrate the likelihood of a successful revolution as animals can be easier to understand and relate to due to their deceptive simplicity.
7. Characterize Snowball as a leader. Do you think his reaction to the stable-boy’s death is the appropriate reaction to have during a revolution?
Make a list of the characters and what their purpose is in the novel such as actions characteristics.
Example
OLD MAJOR
-Gets revolution going, inspires hope for change
Snowball is a much more productive leader than Napoleon, as his techniques for votes are usually are based around persuading his audiences on helpful idea while Napoleon tries to persuade his audience against his competitor’s idea. His reaction to the stable-boy’s death is natural, as to snowball he was an enemy who would’ve killed his opponents if given the chance.
Characters (from most to least respected)
Old Major: Gets revolution going, inspires hope for change
Napoleon: In time corrupt leader, less imaginative than Snowball
Snowball: Designs windmill, former leader
Squealer: Persuasive
Boxer: Very productive, high spirited, strong, lacks intellect
Clover: Strong, hard working, caring, friend of Boxer
Minimus: Good song and poem composer
Benjamin: Intelligent and wise but miserable
Mollie: Naive, unproductive
Moses: Raven of Mr. Jones, brings up tale of Sugarcandy Mountain
Mr. Pilkington: Less productive farmer, owner of Foxwood
Mr. Frederick: More productive farmer, owner of Pinchfield
Mr. Jones: Capable farmer, mean to animals
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