GCSE English Literature Unit 1: Understanding Prose

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell

Extension1. Having read the novel, discuss which characters

from “Animal Farm” may correspond with the main figures in the Russian Revolution.

2. Can you identify any parallels between events in the novel and historical events from the revolution?

“ANIMAL FARM”

Approaching the text

Activity 1

• In pairs, collect similes and metaphors that we apply to humans, comparing them to animals, e.g.:• “as wise as an owl…”• “as stubborn as a mule…”• “he’s a swine…”• “she’s a cat…”

• Discuss what all your examples mean and try to decide whether the qualities we give to these animals are at all like the real animals.

Chapter 1: what do you think?

• Read and answer in your exercise book the ‘What do you think?’ question on page 12.

Chapter 1: further questions

In the exam, you will be asked to provide an answer with close reference to the language used in the text.• Answer questions 1 to 5 on page 12,

paying special attention to Orwell’s language choices in the quotations you select.

Activity 2Principles of Animalism as outlined by

Old MajorOccasions when these principles are

ignored or broken.

Activity 3 – Extract Question

Re-read the extract in which the animals gather to listen to Major at the beginning of the novel.• What clues does Orwell provide, through his

language choices, about the characters of the different animals?

Q1b Analysis of the extract – language, structure & form

Band Mark AO2: Explore how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings.

0 0 No rewardable material.

1 1-2

• Generally sound explanation of the presented theme/ideas/setting.

• Generally sound explanation of how linguistic/grammatical features achieve the intended effects.

• Generally sound examples from the extract.

2 3-5

• Sound explanation of the presented theme/ideas/setting. • Sound explanation of how linguistic/grammatical features achieve

the intended effects. • Sound use of relevant examples from the extract.

3 6-7

• Sustained explanation of the presented theme/ideas/setting. • Sustained explanation of how linguistic/grammatical features

achieve the intended effects. • Sustained use of relevant examples from the extract.

4 8-10

• Assured explanation of the presented theme/ideas/setting. • Assured explanation of how linguistic/grammatical features

achieve the intended effects. • Assured use of relevant examples from the extract.

5 11-12

• Perceptive explanation of the presented theme/ideas/setting. • Perceptive explanation of how linguistic/grammatical features

achieve the intended effects. • Perceptive use of relevant examples from the extract.

The Revolution: Early Days

Re-read page 33 to the top of page 36• What impression is created, through Orwell’s

language choices, of life on Animal Farm?

Principles of Animalism: Update

• Having re-read Chapter 3, update details on your ‘Principles of Animalism’ chart.

Propaganda Techniques

At the end of Chapter 3, we see Squealer adopting the role of spokesperson, managing the information flow from the pigs.• Read through the hand out on Propaganda

Techniques.

Propaganda TechniquesPropaganda Techniques

Episode in the novel, quotation and page number

Name calling

Glittering Generalities

Transfer

Testimonial

Plain Folks

Bandwagon

Card Stacking

Language Analysis Activity

Practice Extract QuestionChapter 5

Re-read “At this there was a terrible baying sound...” (P54) to “...and put an end to any chance of discussion.” (P55).1. What does Orwell’s use of language reveal about life

for the animals on the farm (apart from the pigs) at this point in the novel?

2. How does Orwell portray Napoleon increasing and securing his power on the farm in this episode?

Practice Extract QuestionChapter 6From:One Sunday morning, when the animals assembled to receive their orders, Napoleon announced that he had decided upon a new policy. (p63)To:… after the singing of 'Beasts of England' the animals were dismissed. (p64)

Answer all parts of the question that follows as fully as possible.

a) Explain how the author presents the character of Napoleon in this extract. Use evidence from the extract to support your answers. (8)

b) Comment on how the language in the extract is used to create atmosphere. Use evidence from the extract to support your answers. (12)

c) Explore the how mistrust is demonstrated in the society of Animal Farm in one other part of the novel. Use evidence from the extracts to support your answers. (16)

Extension:How does this extract demonstrate mistrust? Use evidence from the extract to support your answers.

CHAPTER 7

To help him gain power, Stalin was supported by his secret police – the NKVD (later KGB.)

His main rivals were forced to confess their crimes at ‘show trails’ and were ruthlessly executed.

He emerged as a ‘god-like’ figure.

Nikolai Yezhov, the young man strolling with Stalin to his left, was shot in 1940. He was edited out from a photo by Soviet censors. Such retouching was a common occurrence during Stalin's reign.

Remember the historical context...

Chapter 7

Read the quotation below in which Clover reflects on the massacres that take place in this chapter. Write a short paragraph about its significance –

‘If she could have spoken her thoughts, it would have been to say that this was not what they had aimed at when they had set themselves years ago to work for the overthrow of the human race.’

CHAPTER 8

“ ‘Under the guidance of our Leader, Comrade Napoleon, I have laid five eggs in six days’ ”

“’Thanks to the leadership of Comrade Napoleon, how excellent the water tastes!’ ”

(page 84)

Chapter 8

What incidents in this chapter indicate Napoleon’s increasing stranglehold on power in Animal Farm?Consider:• Cult of personality;• The language of Minimus’ poem;• The battle and its aftermath.

Starter

Chapter 9

This chapter begins with a general description of life on Animal Farm. • Using your knowledge and understanding

of the text, what do you consider to be the most significant points in pages 97 to 99?• Don’t forget to include quotations and

language analysis!

Sugarcandy Mountain

"Religion is the opium of the people" is one of the most frequently paraphrased statements of German economist Karl Marx.

• How might this statement explain the pigs’ tolerance of Moses on Animal Farm?

Sly

Chapter 9

What is different about Benjamin’s behaviour in this chapter?

Chapter 10

Points to consider:1. What is the political point Orwell is making

about bureaucracy? (P.110)2. What is the significance of Orwell re-

emphasising key principles of animalism at the beginning of P.112?

3. What is the symbolism of Napoleon’s entrance (top of P.113)?

4. What is the effect of Orwell’s repetition of “it did not seem strange...” (P.114)?

Chapter 10

Points to consider (continued):5. What do the final pages of the novel reveal

about “Animal Farm” as an allegory / social commentary?