Questions and Answers
What ideals are set forth in Old Major's dream?
Animals should live without the tyranny of mankind. All animals should be free, happy, well fed, and treated with dignity. Animals should reject all the ways of man, and should never oppress other animals.
Why are the animals so excited when they sing Old Major's 'Beasts of England'?
The song paints a vivid picture of the utopian farm life that was portrayed in Old Major's dream. This inspires the animals to seek rebellion against Mr. Jones so that they can live in freedom.
Why are the pigs immediately accepted as leaders?
The pigs are the most intelligent animals, and therefore their claim of leadership is not contested by the other animals. The pigs show this intelligence by demonstrating their ability to read and write.
What was the motive for the animals' rebellion against Mr. Jones?
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Who formulated the seven commandments, and was it done in a democratic way?
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Did the pigs help the other animals work on the harvest?
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Who did the animals admire the most? Why?
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What was Boxer's first slogan?
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Which two animals were not considered by other animals to be good workers?
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Which animal's character didn't seem to change at all after the rebellion?
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What three things happen on Sunday at Animal Farm?
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What did the Animal Farm flag look like? To what would it compare historically?
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At the Sunday meetings, Snowball and Napoleon always seemed to agree.
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Who formed the animals into committees?
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How literate were the animals? Why is literacy an issue?
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Who declared that the 7 commandments could be condensed into one? What is this one idea?
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Who took Jessie's and Bluebell's pups to 'educate' them?
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What happened to the missing milk? The apples? What was Squealer's explanation?
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According to Squealer, what would happen if the pigs did not get the milk and apples?
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Study Notes
Old Major's Ideals
- Animals should live free from human oppression and tyranny.
- All animals deserve happiness, proper nutrition, and dignity, rejecting human ways.
Significance of "Beasts of England"
- The song embodies the vision of an ideal farm life, motivating animals towards rebellion.
- It galvanizes the animals to fight for their freedom from Mr. Jones.
Pigs as Leaders
- Pigs are the most intelligent animals, leading to their unchallenged authority.
- Their ability to read and write demonstrates their intellectual superiority.
Cause of Rebellion
- Mr. Jones, after losing a lawsuit, becomes neglectful during a drunken binge, leading to animal starvation.
- Cows breaking into the shed for food prompts a revolt, driving Mr. Jones off the farm.
Creation of the Seven Commandments
- Snowball and Napoleon encapsulate Old Major's dream into seven commandments termed "Animalism."
- The commandments are not the result of democratic participation, but imposed by the pigs who are literate.
Pigs' Role in Harvesting
- Pigs do not participate in the physical labor of harvesting; they supervise instead.
- Napoleon takes the cows' milk for himself while others work.
Admired Animal: Boxer
- Boxer is highly respected by fellow animals for his relentless work ethic.
Boxer's Slogan
- Boxer's initial motto is "I will work harder," reflecting his strong commitment to the farm.
Poor Workers
- Mollie and the cat are viewed as unsatisfactory workers due to their lack of dedication.
- Mollie's tardiness and the cat's tendency to escape work duties are noted.
Benjamin's Consistency
- Benjamin's work ethic remains unchanged after the rebellion, revealing his indifference toward the transformation.
Sunday Activities
- Sundays are designated as non-working days featuring flag raising, meetings for planning, and singing "Beasts of England."
Animal Farm Flag
- The flag, made from Mrs. Jones's table cover, features a horn and hoof print, symbolizing the animals' future republic.
- The flag's green represents England's fields, paralleling the U.S.S.R. flag.
Conflict among Leaders
- Snowball and Napoleon often clash over differing policies, illustrating emerging tensions.
Formation of Committees
- Snowball initiates the organization of various committees to involve animals in governance.
Literacy Levels Among Animals
- The pigs achieve full literacy; other animals vary in their reading skills.
- The literacy gap gives pigs power and enables manipulation of the less educated animals.
Simplification of Commandments
- Snowball condenses the seven commandments into the slogan "Four legs good, two legs bad," repeated by sheep.
- This simplification aims to make it easier for the animals to remember.
Education of Puppies
- Napoleon takes Jessie and Bluebell's puppies for "education," indicating his intent to train them for future loyalty.
Pigs' Self-serving Actions
- Pigs appropriating milk and apples is justified by Squealer as essential for maintaining their intellect.
- The narrative presents an exploitation of resources, underlining the pigs' selfishness.
Squealer's Justification
- Squealer warns that without milk and apples, the pigs' failure could result in a return of Mr. Jones, instilling fear among the animals.
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