Animal Farm Chapter 2 Overview

Questions and Answers

What takes place in Chapter 2 of Animal Farm?

Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer develop Major's ideas into 'Animalism', the Rebellion takes place, animals take over the farm, and the Seven Commandments are established. Napoleon takes away the milk.

Who is Snowball?

He is vivacious, quick in speech, inventive, and one of the preeminent pigs who leads the development of Animalism.

Who is Napoleon and how is he different from Snowball?

Napoleon is fierce-looking, not much of a talker, and has a reputation for getting his own way. Unlike Snowball, he is more authoritarian and takes control of the food supply.

Who is Squealer?

He is small, fat, nimble, a brilliant talker, and very persuasive, capable of turning black into white. Signup and view all the answers

What more can you tell about Boxer and Clover?

Boxer and Clover are the most faithful disciples of Animalism, attending meetings regularly and leading the singing. They cannot think for themselves and absorb teachings. Signup and view all the answers

What more can you tell about Mollie?

Mollie is vain, concerned only with sugar and ribbons, and shows her vanity by admiring herself in the mirror. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme regarding power in Chapter 2?

The theme is that power corrupts, as indicated by the pigs assuming control and making self-serving decisions, such as Napoleon's removal of the milk. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theme of propaganda refer to in Chapter 2?

The precepts of Animalism are simplified to seven easy-to-remember sentences to control the stupider animals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theme of ruling by fear indicate?

The Commandments are based on a fear of Man, with Squealer threatening the return of Jones to maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between knowledge and power in the story?

Knowledge is power, and the pigs' ability to read and write gives them an advantage over the other animals. Signup and view all the answers

What style element is prevalent in Chapter 2?

Irony is present, as the animals initially destroy symbols of oppression but later the pigs adopt the same oppressive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Chapter 2

Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer develop the philosophy of "Animalism".
The animals' Rebellion occurs almost accidentally, leading to their takeover of the farm.
The Seven Commandments are established as the foundational laws of Animalism.
Napoleon's action of taking the milk indicates early signs of corruption among the pigs.

Character: Snowball

Described as "vivacious" and "quick in speech", Snowball demonstrates intelligence and creativity.
Alongside Napoleon, he emerges as a primary leader after the Rebellion.
Responsible for organizing the first meetings and promoting Animalism.

Character: Napoleon

Characterized as "fierce-looking" and manipulative, contrasting with Snowball's charisma.
Assumes a more authoritative role post-Rebellion, prioritizing control over resources like food.
His methods suggest a growing inclination towards tyranny.

Character: Squealer

Depicted as "small", "fat", and possessing a "shrill voice", Squealer is an adept propagandist.
Gifted in persuasion, he can easily manipulate language to alter perceptions ("turn black into white").
Plays a crucial role in communicating the pigs' decisions to the other animals.

Characters: Boxer and Clover

Boxer and Clover epitomize loyalty to Animalism, showing unwavering dedication to its principles.
They demonstrate blind faith, unable to critically assess the new regime, but lead engagement among other animals.
Boxer’s act of sacrificing his hat symbolizes a deep commitment to the Rebellion's ideals.

Character: Mollie

Portrayed as vain and superficial, Mollie is solely interested in material comforts like sugar and ribbons.
Her lack of understanding of the Revolution highlights her self-centeredness, ultimately leading her to abandon the farm.

Theme: Power Corrupts

Napoleon’s usurpation of resources like milk symbolizes the initial corruption of power dynamics.
Pigs quickly position themselves as leaders, foreshadowing their future authoritarian rule.
Early behaviors hint at growing inequality among the animals and the emergence of a ruling class.

Theme: Propaganda

The Seven Commandments serve as easily memorable principles aimed at indoctrinating the less intelligent animals.
Simplification of ideology reflects an effort to control and persuade the population.

Theme: Ruling by Fear

There is a consistent focus on the fear of Man, exemplified by Squealer's threats of a return to human oppression.
Animals are coerced into compliance through the specter of their past suffering under Mr. Jones.

Theme: Literacy

Knowledge is portrayed as a form of power; the pigs' literacy enables them to manipulate other animals easily.
Awareness of reading and writing gives the pigs a strategic advantage, complicating the dynamics of power on the farm.

Style: Irony

The initial destruction of symbols of oppression, like harnesses and ribbons, turns ironic as pigs later adopt similar behaviors and traditions.
The commandments meant to represent equality become tools of oppression as the pigs begin altering them for personal gain.
The animals’ rejection of alcohol contrasts their eventual embrace of it, showcasing ironic shifts in values over time.

Description

This quiz covers key plot points, characters, themes, and styles from Chapter 2 of 'Animal Farm'. It includes insights into the development of the concept of 'Animalism' and the actions of pivotal characters such as Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer. Test your knowledge and understanding of this critical chapter.