An Intro to An Intro to Animal FarmAnimal Farm

Tidbits of wisdom that will help Tidbits of wisdom that will help you better understand and you better understand and appreciate George Orwell’s appreciate George Orwell’s

satirical fable.satirical fable.

George OrwellGeorge Orwell

Born Eric Blair on June 25, 1903Born Eric Blair on June 25, 1903 In 1928, he went to Paris to be a writerIn 1928, he went to Paris to be a writer Published his first book in 1933, under the Published his first book in 1933, under the

pseudonym George Orwell.pseudonym George Orwell. December 1935, he fought in the Spanish Civil December 1935, he fought in the Spanish Civil

WarWar Animal Farm Animal Farm published in August 1945published in August 1945 His other best known work, His other best known work, 19841984, was published , was published

in June, 1949.in June, 1949. Died January 21, 1950.Died January 21, 1950.

The BasicsThe Basics

Although it seems innocent enough, Although it seems innocent enough, Animal Farm Animal Farm is not the “fairy tale” story is not the “fairy tale” story that it seems.that it seems.

Written in 1945, the novella hits on some Written in 1945, the novella hits on some of the major historical points of the of the major historical points of the Russian Revolution of 1917.Russian Revolution of 1917.

Orwell uses fable, satire and allegory to Orwell uses fable, satire and allegory to tell this cautionary tale.tell this cautionary tale.

SatireSatire

A satire is a literary work holding up A satire is a literary work holding up human vices to ridicule or scorn.human vices to ridicule or scorn.

Often uses wit, sarcasm or irony to expose Often uses wit, sarcasm or irony to expose or draw attention to vice or folly.or draw attention to vice or folly.

The main intent of satire is political, social, The main intent of satire is political, social, or moral and not comic. or moral and not comic.

Satire that leans more toward humor is Satire that leans more toward humor is called called parody.parody.

Pop Culture SatiristsPop Culture Satirists

Pop culture tends to lean more toward parody Pop culture tends to lean more toward parody than actual satire.than actual satire.

Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live is famous for parody. is famous for parody. They poke fun at celebrities, current events and They poke fun at celebrities, current events and

politics politics Weird Al Yankovich satirizes other artists music.Weird Al Yankovich satirizes other artists music. Shows like Shows like The Simpsons The Simpsons have also been have also been

labeled as satirical.labeled as satirical. Some editorial cartoonists, like Jim Borgman, Some editorial cartoonists, like Jim Borgman,

have also used satire.have also used satire.

Editorial CartoonsEditorial Cartoons

Why is this an example of satire?

FableFable

A fictitious narrative or statementA fictitious narrative or statement A story that usually has a moral or lesson A story that usually has a moral or lesson

to be learned at the end.to be learned at the end. Many fables feature animals that talk and Many fables feature animals that talk and

act like human beings act like human beings Fables often useFables often use anthropomorphism anthropomorphism which which

gives human characteristics, like emotions gives human characteristics, like emotions (feelings like being happy or sad) and the (feelings like being happy or sad) and the ability to talk, to a living thing that is not a ability to talk, to a living thing that is not a human.human.

Examples of FablesExamples of Fables

Some of the most Some of the most famous are famous are Aesop’s FablesAesop’s Fables ““The Ant and the The Ant and the

Grasshopper”Grasshopper” ““The Wolf in The Wolf in

Sheep’s Clothing”Sheep’s Clothing” ““The Tortoise and The Tortoise and

the Hare”the Hare”

AllegoryAllegory

The expression by means of symbolic, fictional The expression by means of symbolic, fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence. about human existence.

Similar to metaphors: both use one subject to Similar to metaphors: both use one subject to represent another unrelated subject.represent another unrelated subject.

Unlike metaphors (which are usually one or two Unlike metaphors (which are usually one or two lines), allegories often extend through an entire lines), allegories often extend through an entire story.story.

Allegories are usually meant to persuade the Allegories are usually meant to persuade the reader in some way.reader in some way.

Allegory ExamplesAllegory Examples

Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” is one of the best Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” is one of the best known.known. Uses a cave and shadows to caution mankind about Uses a cave and shadows to caution mankind about

believing all they see.believing all they see. Stories about superheroes are often allegoricalStories about superheroes are often allegorical

The superhero represents the good in “Everyman,” The superhero represents the good in “Everyman,” and his struggles are symbolic of the villains that and his struggles are symbolic of the villains that everyone fights.everyone fights.

Even Even The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz can been viewed as an can been viewed as an allegory for the financial troubles of America in allegory for the financial troubles of America in the 1890’s.the 1890’s.

TermsTerms ProletariatProletariat

The class of industrial wage earners who, The class of industrial wage earners who, possessing neither capital nor production possessing neither capital nor production means, must earn their living by selling their means, must earn their living by selling their labor; the poorest class of working people.labor; the poorest class of working people.

AutocracyAutocracy government in which one person possesses government in which one person possesses

unlimited power unlimited power Provisional GovernmentProvisional Government

Formed after the Czar’s abdication; was in Formed after the Czar’s abdication; was in place from March 1917 to November 1917 place from March 1917 to November 1917

Capitalism Capitalism An economic system in which the means of An economic system in which the means of

production and distribution are privately or production and distribution are privately or corporately owned.corporately owned.

The business owners (or capitalists) get richer The business owners (or capitalists) get richer while the workers do all the hard work.while the workers do all the hard work.

The capitalists get more power to serve their The capitalists get more power to serve their own interests.own interests.

Capitalism creates a huge working-class of Capitalism creates a huge working-class of people who soon get angry at the way they are people who soon get angry at the way they are treated. They organise in unions and demand treated. They organise in unions and demand changes. This leads to a revolution and changes. This leads to a revolution and Socialism…Socialism…

Capitalism…think of it this wayCapitalism…think of it this way

You have two You have two cows, you sell cows, you sell one and buy a one and buy a bullbull

Socialism Socialism In the Socialist revolution all the rulers – In the Socialist revolution all the rulers –

kings, churches, capitalists are eliminatedkings, churches, capitalists are eliminated The workers take control of the country to The workers take control of the country to

produce things for everyone.produce things for everyone. Because nothing is made for profit, all Because nothing is made for profit, all

people benefit from education and health.people benefit from education and health. These ideas spread across the world to These ideas spread across the world to

create Communism….create Communism….

Socialism…think of it this waySocialism…think of it this way

You have two You have two cows, you give cows, you give one to a one to a neighborneighbor

CommunismCommunism

A system of government in which the state A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a plans and controls the economy and a single, party holds power, claiming to single, party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally order in which all goods are equally shared by the people. shared by the people.

All human activity goes towards benefiting All human activity goes towards benefiting each other – allowing all to live their lives each other – allowing all to live their lives to the fullest.to the fullest.

Communism…think of it this wayCommunism…think of it this way

You have two cows. You give them to the You have two cows. You give them to the government. The government gives you some government. The government gives you some milk.milk.

Key PlayersKey Players Karl MarxKarl Marx

Invented the idea of CommunismInvented the idea of Communism ““Workers of the world unite” and take over Workers of the world unite” and take over

governmentgovernment Died on March 14, 1883, well before the Russian Died on March 14, 1883, well before the Russian

Revolution took placeRevolution took place Czar Nicholas II (Ruler of Russia)Czar Nicholas II (Ruler of Russia)

Cruel, sometimes brutal with opponentsCruel, sometimes brutal with opponents Sometimes kind; hired students to work as spies to Sometimes kind; hired students to work as spies to

make money.make money. Clumsy and ineffective leader. Clumsy and ineffective leader. Nicholas II abdicated on March 2, 1917, as a result of Nicholas II abdicated on March 2, 1917, as a result of

the February Revolution. the February Revolution. In July 1918, the Bolsheviks executed Nicholas In July 1918, the Bolsheviks executed Nicholas

Key PlayersKey Players Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin

Founder of Bolshevik Party; Devout follower of MarxismFounder of Bolshevik Party; Devout follower of Marxism Orchestrated the “October Revolution”Orchestrated the “October Revolution” After Lenin died, on January 27, 1924 his embalmed After Lenin died, on January 27, 1924 his embalmed

body was placed in a body was placed in a mausoleum mausoleum for all to view.for all to view. Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky

Co-Leader of the “October Revolution”Co-Leader of the “October Revolution” Pure communist; follower of MarxPure communist; follower of Marx Wanted to improve life for all of RussiaWanted to improve life for all of Russia Chased away by Lenin’s KGB (secret police)Chased away by Lenin’s KGB (secret police)

Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin Cared for power; Did not follow Marx’s ideas; killed all Cared for power; Did not follow Marx’s ideas; killed all

those who opposed him.those who opposed him. Used KGB, propagandized.Used KGB, propagandized. Was not a good public speakerWas not a good public speaker

Key PlayersKey Players PravdaPravda

Russian newspaper of the 1930’s; used propagandaRussian newspaper of the 1930’s; used propaganda Seized by Stalin and his Bolshevik regimeSeized by Stalin and his Bolshevik regime Worked for Stalin to improve his imageWorked for Stalin to improve his image

KGB (Secret Police)KGB (Secret Police) Forced support for Stalin; they were like bodyguardsForced support for Stalin; they were like bodyguards Used force to combat disobedienceUsed force to combat disobedience

Russian PeopleRussian People Some citizens did not care about revolution; went to other Some citizens did not care about revolution; went to other

countries that could offer them more.countries that could offer them more. Other dedicated supporters believed Stalin just because he was Other dedicated supporters believed Stalin just because he was

“Communist;” many stayed loyal even when things got bad.“Communist;” many stayed loyal even when things got bad. Skeptical people weren’t sure revolution would change anything; Skeptical people weren’t sure revolution would change anything;

knew communism wouldn’t work with power.knew communism wouldn’t work with power.

The Russian RevolutionThe Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution of 1917 centers around The Russian Revolution of 1917 centers around two primary eventstwo primary events February RevolutionFebruary Revolution removed Tsar Nicholas II from removed Tsar Nicholas II from

power, February revolution happened as a result of power, February revolution happened as a result of bread shortages which led to worker protests which bread shortages which led to worker protests which led to a mutiny. Spontaneous Revolution!led to a mutiny. Spontaneous Revolution!

October RevolutionOctober Revolution (also called the Bolshevik (also called the Bolshevik Revolution) overturned the interim provisional Revolution) overturned the interim provisional government and established the Soviet Union. The government and established the Soviet Union. The October Revolution was a much more deliberate October Revolution was a much more deliberate event, orchestrated by a small group of people. event, orchestrated by a small group of people.

Timeline of EventsTimeline of Events

18641864: Karl Marx organizes the First : Karl Marx organizes the First Communist Internationale in London, Communist Internationale in London, England. England.

18811881: Revolutionary sentiment continues : Revolutionary sentiment continues to build in Russiato build in Russia

18831883: Karl Marx dies (long before the : Karl Marx dies (long before the actual revolution!)actual revolution!)

19171917 (February):(February): The February The February Revolution finally topples Czar Nicholas IIRevolution finally topples Czar Nicholas II

Timeline (Continued)Timeline (Continued)

1917 (October):1917 (October): Bolshevik troops (at Lenin’s Bolshevik troops (at Lenin’s request) advance on the Provisional request) advance on the Provisional Government; a bloodless coup brings the soviets Government; a bloodless coup brings the soviets to power and marks the start of the communist to power and marks the start of the communist eraera

19181918: Civil War breaks out in Russia; white : Civil War breaks out in Russia; white forces (intent on removing the soviets from forces (intent on removing the soviets from power) battle the “Red” forces of communist power) battle the “Red” forces of communist Russia, under the leadership of Leon Trotsky Russia, under the leadership of Leon Trotsky (the Red forces are victorious)(the Red forces are victorious)

Timeline (continued)Timeline (continued)

19221922: The Union of Soviet Socialist : The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is established.Republics (USSR) is established.

1924-19271924-1927: Stalin out maneuvers Trotsky : Stalin out maneuvers Trotsky and assumes full command of the USSR; and assumes full command of the USSR; he immediately begins isolating Trotsky he immediately begins isolating Trotsky within the partywithin the party

19271927: Trotsky is run out of the Soviet : Trotsky is run out of the Soviet Union Union

Timeline (continued)Timeline (continued)

19281928: Stalin announces his first Five Year Plan : Stalin announces his first Five Year Plan (an attempt to make Russian a modern industrial (an attempt to make Russian a modern industrial state); convinces “comrades” throughout the state); convinces “comrades” throughout the Soviet Union to work harder than they ever have Soviet Union to work harder than they ever have so that the Soviet Union can be beacon of hope so that the Soviet Union can be beacon of hope for workers everywhere.for workers everywhere.

19331933: Stalin proposes the second five year plan, : Stalin proposes the second five year plan, which again emphasizes the rapid growth of the which again emphasizes the rapid growth of the Soviet Industry; by the end, they are a formidible Soviet Industry; by the end, they are a formidible world power world power

Timeline (Continued)Timeline (Continued)

19341934: Beginning of the “Great Purges” and : Beginning of the “Great Purges” and “show trials” under Stalin; these public “show trials” under Stalin; these public accusations and forced confessions were accusations and forced confessions were followed by quick trials and executions (or followed by quick trials and executions (or imprisonment); between 2 and 7 million people imprisonment); between 2 and 7 million people are executedare executed

19391939: The German-Soviet Non Aggression Pact : The German-Soviet Non Aggression Pact (a secret agreement between Stalin and Hitler) (a secret agreement between Stalin and Hitler) is signed; guaranteed that neither country would is signed; guaranteed that neither country would oppose or attack the other ever. oppose or attack the other ever.

Timeline (Conclusion!)Timeline (Conclusion!)

19411941: Hitler begins “Operation Barbarossa,” the : Hitler begins “Operation Barbarossa,” the full frontal assault on the Soviet Union, in full frontal assault on the Soviet Union, in defiance of the Non-Aggression Treaty of 1939. defiance of the Non-Aggression Treaty of 1939. Hitler moves quickly into Russia; eventually Hitler moves quickly into Russia; eventually Hitler’s troops retreat under a Russian counter-Hitler’s troops retreat under a Russian counter-assaultassault

19431943: Stalin, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. : Stalin, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt meet to discuss the ways to forge a Roosevelt meet to discuss the ways to forge a lasting peace after the warlasting peace after the war

Connections to Connections to Animal FarmAnimal Farm

It is said that the characters and events of It is said that the characters and events of Animal FarmAnimal Farm mirror those of the Russian mirror those of the Russian Revolution.Revolution.

As you read, pay attention: can you tell As you read, pay attention: can you tell who or what each character or event who or what each character or event represents?represents?

As with poetry…things aren’t always as As with poetry…things aren’t always as they seem! Look carefully.they seem! Look carefully.