Questions and Answers
Why does Boxer refuse to rest after he splits his hoof?
Boxer refuses because he wants to see the windmill well under way before retiring, being very hardworking and dedicated.
What have the animals been told will happen to them when they can no longer work?
They will receive a pension and spend the rest of their lives in a pasture.
What indicates that the retirement plan for the animals is unrealistic and might not be carried through?
The short food supply, reduced rations, not enough pensions, and the fact that no one has retired yet and seen this promise carried out.
What propagandistic euphemism does Squealer use to tell the animals that their rations are going to be reduced?
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Which new privileges for the pigs does Napoleon enact in Chapter IX?
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What is Napoleon's new official status on Animal Farm?
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What is the allegorical significance of Moses' return to Animal Farm?
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What does Napoleon promise to do when he hears that Boxer is sick? What are his real intentions?
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How are Napoleon and Squealer able to convince the animals that Boxer died peacefully at the hospital instead of being killed by the horse slaughterer?
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What does the last chapter reveal about the new generation of animals that now live on Animal Farm?
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Which animals are the only ones who do not produce their own food?
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How do the descriptions of the animals who do not work support Orwell's criticism of the pigs and, ultimately, of Stalin's communism?
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Why do the pigs invent the slogan 'Four legs good, two legs better'?
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To what do the human neighbors visiting Animal Farm compare the working animals?
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What does their comment reveal about Orwell's attitude toward Stalin's Communism?
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What prediction does the quarrel between humans and pigs at the end of the novel reveal?
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Study Notes
Boxer’s Dedication
- Boxer refuses to rest after splitting his hoof because he is determined to see the windmill completed before retiring.
- His strong work ethic exemplifies dedication to the farm and its ideals.
Retirement Promises
- Animals believe they will receive pensions to enjoy pasture life once they can no longer work.
- This promise creates hope among the animals; however, it is ultimately unfulfilled.
Unrealistic Retirement Plan
- Short food supply, reduced rations, and lack of pensions highlight the impracticality of the retirement plan for the animals.
- No animals have retired and benefited from the promised rewards.
Propaganda Techniques
- Squealer uses the term "readjustment" to soften the impact of rations being reduced.
- This euphemism reflects manipulation through language, downplaying the severity of the situation.
New Privileges for Pigs
- Napoleon begins construction of a school room for pigs and introduces daily rations of beer for them.
- Pigs adopt green ribbons and new rules, indicating their special status evolving beyond other animals.
Napoleon’s Official Status
- Napoleon declares Animal Farm a Republic and positions himself as the sole presidential candidate.
- His self-nomination illustrates the consolidation of power and lack of true democracy on the farm.
Allegorical Significance of Moses
- Moses symbolizes the Christian religion, whose return represents manipulation of hope and distraction from suffering.
- His stories offer false comfort to the struggling animals.
Plans for Boxer
- When Boxer falls ill, Napoleon falsely promises to take him to a medical facility while secretly planning to have him slaughtered.
- This reveals Napoleon's deceit and lack of concern for the welfare of the animals.
Boxer’s Deceitful Death
- Napoleon and Squealer convince the other animals that Boxer passed away peacefully in a hospital.
- They control the narrative to maintain authority and suppress dissent.
New Generation of Animals
- The final chapter shows that the younger animals have blindly accepted the principles of Animalism and the rebellion's narratives.
- This indoctrination indicates a shift away from activism toward complacency.
Exploitation of Labor
- Pigs and dogs do not produce their own food yet are the best cared for.
- This inequity underscores the corruption of the original revolutionary ideals and class disparities.
Criticism of Stalin's Communism
- The description of non-working animals aligns with Orwell's critique of the pigs, paralleling the society they initially overthrew.
- Showcases the emergence of a new ruling class that mimics the oppressors.
Pigs’ Slogan
- "Four legs good, two legs better" signifies the pigs' desire to emulate humans, reflecting their moral compromise.
- This slogan illustrates a betrayal of the original tenets of Animalism.
Comparison with Humans
- Visiting human neighbors perceive the working animals as a lower class.
- This comparison reveals the social hierarchy that has replaced the previous egalitarian vision.
Orwell’s Commentary on Communism
- Napoleon's regime mirrors Stalin’s rule, highlighting the irony of a supposedly classless society.
- Satirical commentary emphasizes the betrayal of communist ideals.
Predictions for Future Conflict
- The quarrel between humans and pigs symbolizes the ongoing struggle for power and inherent human nature’s conflict tendency.
- Benjamin’s insights foreshadow an unending cycle of power struggles within any societal framework.
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Test your knowledge on the key concepts from Chapters 9 and 10 of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'. These flashcards cover significant themes, events, and character motivations that unfold as the story progresses. Perfect for students looking to revise effectively.