Animal Farm Discussion Questions

Boxer is described as an enormous and strong horse, nearly eighteen hands high. He has a white stripe down his nose which gives him a somewhat stupid appearance, which aligns with his lack of first-rate intelligence.

Benjamin is cynical, rarely talks, and never laughs, setting him apart from the more optimistic animals. This could be due to his old age and experiences, leading him to a pessimistic outlook on life.

Clover creates a protective wall around the orphaned ducklings with her foreleg, allowing them to nestle and sleep safely. This action demonstrates her maternal and caring nature.

<p>Mollie enters daintily, chewing on a lump of sugar. This suggests she is foolish, vain, and still attached to the comforts she received from Mr. Jones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The animals arrange themselves according to their species and social standing: dogs, pigs, hens, pigeons, sheep, and cows. The cart-horses enter together, and show concern for smaller beings. This shows a structured hierarchy and natural tendencies to be with their own kind, as well as some animals displaying caring natures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major's central message is a call to rebellion against man, emphasizing unity and comradeship among animals in their struggle for justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major warns against adopting human habits because he believes all of Man's ways are evil, and that adopting these vices would make animals resemble their oppressors and corrupt the revolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>According to Major, anything that goes upon two legs is an enemy (specifically, Man), while anything that goes upon four legs or has wings is a comrade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three dogs and the cat dissented, with the cat voting on both sides. This implies a potential division among the animals and foreshadows future conflicts over defining who is a 'comrade'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major emphasizes passing on his message to future generations to ensure the continuation of the struggle against man until it is victorious, indicating that the rebellion may be a long-term effort.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major forbids animals from living in a house, sleeping in a bed, wearing clothes, drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, touching money, engaging in trade, or tyrannising over their own kind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major states that no animal must ever kill any other animal and that all animals are equal, emphasizing the importance of treating each other as brothers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Major argues that the idea of a 'common interest' between humans and animals is a lie, asserting that man serves only his own interests and exploits animals. Therefore suggesting humans and animals are ultimately enemies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Snowball advocated for the windmill, promising a three-day work week, while Napoleon argued for increased food production to avoid starvation. The slogans were “Vote for Snowball and the three-day week” and “Vote for Napoleon and the full manger.”</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Benjamin believed that regardless of whether the windmill was built or not, life would continue to be difficult. This reveals his skeptical and pessimistic nature, as well as his resistance to change or optimism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Napoleon advocated for procuring firearms and training the animals to use them, while Snowball suggested spreading rebellion among animals on neighboring farms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The news of the animals' victory inspired unrest among animals on neighboring farms. This gave the humans more reason to recapture the farm to prevent further rebellions and maintain control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It symbolizes his disrespect and rejection of Snowball's ideas, as well as his possessive and dominating attitude towards the farm's future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The animals created the &quot;Animal Hero, First Class&quot; decoration, which was conferred on Snowball and Boxer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The &quot;Animal Hero, Second Class&quot; was created and awarded posthumously to the dead sheep.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Old horse-brasses found have been repurposed into medals. This suggests that the animals' resources are limited, and they must make do with what they have.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The battle was named the Battle of the Cowshed because the ambush originated there.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The gun was set up at the foot of the Flagstaff like a piece of artillery and was to be fired twice a year: once on October 12th, the anniversary of the Battle of the Cowshed, and once on Midsummer Day, the anniversary of the Rebellion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mollie was late for work, citing oversleeping; she complained of pains; and she would often leave work to gaze at her reflection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Clover accuses Mollie of allowing one of Mr. Pilkington's men to stroke her nose while looking over the hedge dividing Animal Farm from Foxwood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mollie denies the accusation but cannot look Clover in the face and runs away. This suggests that Clover's accusation is likely true.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It suggests they view humans as destructive and malicious, using their hands as tools for causing harm and disrupting the natural order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It simplifies the core principle of Animalism, creating an easily digestible slogan to unite the animals against humans. It serves as a constant reminder of their shared ideology and purpose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Napoleon understands that the young are more easily indoctrinated and shaped to fit his vision for the farm. By controlling their education, he can ensure their loyalty and obedience in the future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It suggests that Napoleon intends to establish a form of control and perhaps create a personal guard or enforcers loyal only to him. It foreshadows a potential shift towards a more authoritarian leadership.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The pigs claim they need the milk and apples to preserve their health because they are the &quot;brainworkers&quot; responsible for organizing the farm. They argue that their well-being is essential for everyone’s benefit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Squealer uses an appeal to authority, referencing 'Science' to legitimize the pigs consuming the milk and apples. He also uses a false dilemma, suggesting the other animals' welfare depends on the pigs' health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It creates resentment and distrust among the other animals and undermines the principle of equality that was central to the rebellion. This could lead to dissent and eventual unrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It contradicts the principle of equality and sharing resources for the common good. The pigs are prioritizing their own needs and creating a hierarchical system, which betrays the original ideals of the rebellion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This statement indicates a shift from valuing individual courage to prioritizing conformity and adherence to leadership, which is essential for maintaining control in an increasingly authoritarian environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Squealer uses the fear of Jones through a 'slippery slope' argument by suggesting that any deviation from Napoleon's policies could lead to the return of the oppressive farmer, thus stifling dissent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Boxer's unwavering belief in Napoleon demonstrates his blind loyalty and lack of critical thinking, highlighting the animals' vulnerability to manipulation and the erosion of independent thought on the farm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The closing of the shed represents the suppression of alternative ideas and the rewriting of history to consolidate Napoleon's power and erase any trace of Snowball's influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Filing past Old Major's skull suggests the manipulation of Old Major's original vision to legitimize the current regime. It uses reverence for the past to enforce obedience in the present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The elevated seating of Napoleon and the pigs signifies their elevated status and power, visually emphasizing the growing class divide and the pigs' dominance over the other animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dogs act as Napoleon's enforcers, intimidating the other animals and suppressing dissent. Their presence indicates an authoritarian leadership style based on fear and control rather than cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Minimus uses propaganda to control the narrative and generate support for Napoleon's leadership, solidifying his power through manipulation of culture and sentimentality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An enormous cart-horse known for his strength and steady character.

A stout, motherly mare who has raised foals and looks after others.

The oldest and worst-tempered animal, known for his cynicism.

A brood of baby ducks that lost their mother and seek safety.

A pretty, foolish mare who enjoys luxuries like sugar.

An uprising against authority to seek justice or change.

The concept that all animals should work together in harmony.

The belief that humans are oppressors of animals.

The idea that humans and animals share the same goals is false.

The obligation to oppose humans and their ways.

The principle that all animals should be considered equal.

The warning against adopting human behaviors or vices.

A significant vision Major has that inspires the animals.

The argument between Snowball and Napoleon over building a windmill or focusing on food production.

Snowball proposed building a windmill to reduce labor and improve the farm's productivity.

Napoleon insisted on increasing food production instead of building the windmill to avoid starvation.

Benjamin was skeptical and believed life would remain difficult regardless of the windmill debate.

Napoleon and Snowball disagreed on how to prepare for potential human attacks: firearms vs. inciting rebellion.

A military decoration given to Snowball and Boxer for their bravery in battle.

The name given to the ambush where the animals defended their farm against Mr. Jones.

A posthumous decoration given to the dead sheep for their sacrifice in battle.

The anniversary of the Rebellion celebrated alongside the Battle of the Cowshed.

A weapon discovered by the animals that was used during their battle.

Clover's suspicion of Mollie's behavior and connection with humans.

Mollie begins to act irresponsibly, claiming pain and avoiding work.

The neighboring farm that has connections to Mr. Pilkington and potentially to Mollie.

A maxim adopted by the animals representing their views on equality.

A pig who is one of the leaders of the animal rebellion.

A pig who becomes the authoritarian leader of Animal Farm.

Napoleon prioritizes the upbringing of young animals over adult education.

Napoleon takes puppies away to raise them as loyal followers.

A pig who serves as the spokesperson for the other pigs.

Food claimed necessary for the pigs' health justifying their privileged diet.

The discontent expressed by animals regarding unequal resource distribution.

The pig leader who takes on extra labor and responsibilities for the animals.

Squealer argues that loyalty and obedience are more important than bravery.

The principle emphasizing strict obedience among the animals to prevent failure.

Boxer adopts the belief that 'Napoleon is always right,' showing blind loyalty.

Animals show respect to Old Major by passing his skull before meetings.

A pig gifted in composing songs and poems, part of Napoleon's inner circle.

Weekly gatherings where animals receive orders, showing a change in leadership dynamics.