Animal Farm Characters and Themes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the name of the farm?

Manor Farm

Who had a strange dream?

Old Major

Identify the animals: 3 dogs, 2 cart-horses, goat, donkey, mare, raven.

3 dogs: Bluebell, Jessie, & Pincher; 2 cart-horses: Boxer & Clover; Goat: Murial; Mare: Mollie; Raven: Moses

Describe the animals according to Old Major.

Miserable, laborious, & short Signup and view all the answers

Who do the animals see as the enemy?

Man Signup and view all the answers

In one word, what is Old Major's message to the animals?

Rebellion Signup and view all the answers

Who were voted in as comrades?

Rats Signup and view all the answers

What song did the animals sing?

Beasts of England Signup and view all the answers

What did the singing do?

It united them against a common enemy Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first farmer?

Mr. Jones Signup and view all the answers

Give at least three characteristics of Old Major.

Drunkard, slob, cautious Signup and view all the answers

How are the animals treated?

Lives are miserable, laborious & short; born and given just enough food to survive; forced to work hard. Signup and view all the answers

What are Major's views on man?

He consumes without producing and is the lord of all animals. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to man?

Get rid of man, and the produce of our labor will be our own Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about how the animals arrange themselves to gather to hear Major?

More powerful ones are up front Signup and view all the answers

According to Major, what is the cause of all the animals' problems?

Man Signup and view all the answers

Examine the song 'Beasts of England'. What is its message?

It serves as propaganda and focuses the animals on tasks to achieve freedom from man. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting, time, and problems in the story?

Manor Farm, England; supposedly 1917 through 1945; man is evil and animals plan rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

What does Benjamin's cynicism reveal?

'God has given me this tail to keep flies off, but I would sooner have had no tail and no flies.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Clover help the others?

Made a wall around the ducklings so they could nestle down inside and sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What is Old Major's dream and ideas about the lives of the animals?

Remove man from the scene and abolish the root cause of hunger and overwork. Signup and view all the answers

What is Old Major's prediction about Boxer?

He would be sold to a glue factory. Signup and view all the answers

Who are comrades and who are enemies?

Comrades: all animals; Enemies: man Signup and view all the answers

Describe Clover.

A good, kind-hearted female cart-horse and Boxer's close friend. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Jones?

An often drunk farmer who owns Manor Farm and is an unkind master. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Old Major?

A prize-winning boar whose vision of a socialist utopia inspires the rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Napoleon?

The pig who emerges as the leader of Animal Farm after the rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Snowball?

A pig who challenges Napoleon for control of Animal Farm after the rebellion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Boxer?

Not intelligent but loyal, plays a key role in the early prosperity of Animal Farm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Farm Details

The farm is named Manor Farm.
Mr. Jones is the often drunk and unkind owner of Manor Farm.

Characters

Old Major: A prize-winning boar whose vision inspires the rebellion; he had a strange dream about a better future.
Boxer: A hardworking but not intelligent cart-horse who is loyal and believes in the leadership of the pigs; his mottos are "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right."
Clover: A kind-hearted female cart-horse and close friend of Boxer, she feels guilty when the pigs violate the commandments.
Napoleon: The pig who ultimately becomes the leader of Animal Farm after the rebellion; he is treacherous and cunning.
Snowball: A pig who competes with Napoleon for control; intelligent and passionate, he earns the loyalty of other animals.
Other animals: Includes 3 dogs (Bluebell, Jessie, Pincher), 2 cart-horses (Boxer, Clover), a goat (Murial), a mare (Mollie), and a raven (Moses).

Animal Conditions

According to Old Major, animals are miserable, laborious, and live short lives, having their labor exploited by humans.
Man is identified as the common enemy, consuming without producing and exploiting the animals for labor.

Old Major's Ideas

Advocates for rebellion against man; believes that if man is removed, animals will own the fruits of their labor.
Views man as the root cause of the animals' problems and advocates for the idea that “all animals are comrades” while man is the enemy.

Song and Unity

Animals sing "Beasts of England," which serves as propaganda to unify them and inspire emotions of hope and rebellion.
The song emphasizes social control and erodes individuality, focusing on achieving freedom from man.

Predictions and Symbolism

Old Major predicts that Boxer will be sold to a glue factory, symbolizing the betrayal of the working class.
Benjamin, the donkey, represents cynicism towards change and the futility of hope, expressing resignation regarding life's struggles.

Settings and Themes

Set on Manor Farm, England, during the supposed years of 1917 to 1945.
Highlights the theme of rebellion against oppression with the desire for a better life.

Interactions and Dynamics

Animals arranged by power during meetings, indicating future dynamics and hierarchies.
Clover exhibits kindness by protecting ducklings, showcasing community spirit among animals.

Major Teachings

Old Major's teachings emphasize solidarity among animals and the need to resist human oppression to create a better society.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of the characters and themes in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'. Dive into the motivations, traits, and ideologies of key figures like Old Major, Napoleon, and Boxer, along with the overall narrative of rebellion and leadership. This quiz explores the intricate dynamics of farm life and the allegorical meanings behind the animal characters.