Animal Farm 1-3
Socrates believed we learn through dialogue and I wholeheartedly agree. Sooooooo even if you don’t “know” the answer, together we can find “the truth” of this novel. Here are some questions for our Socratic Dialogue of Animal Farm 1-3.
Discuss any events that develop Animal Farm as: as a political satire OR as an allegory/fable (for the Russian Revolution; for human nature; for the events after WWII; for failed revolutions).
Discuss how you see these topics being developed into a message:
- power and corruption
- leaders and followers
- authority rules/order
- leadership
- propaganda and the power of language
- corruption dangers of being uneducated
- revolutions
- truth
- lies/deceit the elite and the masses
Analysis requires you to discuss the HOW and WHY of what the writer is attempting to convey. Here are some pointed questions if you need extra guidance in analyzing the novel:
What does the incident of the milk and apples foreshadow? Why is this significant?
The revolution is precipitated by Mr. Jones’ ineptitude. He gets drunk and fails to feed the animals. As an allegory what does this represent? Why are these two details significant in analyzing this novel as an allegory for leadership or power?
The work of “teaching…and organizing” naturally fell upon the pigs. Why? What does Orwell’s word choice (“naturally”) suggest?
Discuss Napoleon and Snowball’s different leadership styles. Do either of them live up to your expectations of leaders?
Oh Squealer! Re-read what he announces about the milk and apples (at the end of Ch 3). Examine his speech closely. Do you believe his argument? How does he twist the truth? He uses propaganda in his speech (OBVIOUSLY)…see if you can see how he is trying to manipulate the animals.Why is this significant?
Connections are vital to metacognition and active and critical reading. Share any connections (text to text, world to text, or self to text) you made while reading Animal Farm (Ch 1-3).
For those of us who want a cerebral challenge…
Orwell was very concerned with the revision of history and its effect on humanity’s memory. Revision of history was quite prevalent in the 1930’s with the rise of the totalitarian states; however, it happens now. In fact, I witnessed the revision of history, just this week. As you read, look for examples of the pigs revising history. Have you seen any events where the pigs “alter the past?” (Yes, revision of history is an Orwellian concept for you smarties.)