Animal Farm Anticipation and Study Guide

Animal FarmGeorge Orwell

Anticipation Guide

Rate each of the following statements before you read the novel, and discuss your ratings with a partner. After you have completed the novel, rate and discuss

the statements again. (10 points)

1 ----------- 2 ------------ 3 ------------ 4 ------------ 5 ------------ 6strongly agree strongly disagree

Before After1. All humans are equal. _____ _____

2. Usually the best and brightest people are _____ _____leaders.

3. Some people are smarter than others. _____ _____

4. People who cannot read are easier to _____ _____control than those who can read.

5. People are always free to make their own _____ _____choices.

6. The government usually does what is best _____ _____for the most people.

7. You should always believe everything you’re _____ _____told.

8. Power corrupts those who have it. _____ _____

9. People always have the ability to make _____ _____their own choices.

10. You should never question those with _____ _____power or authority.

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Study Guide: ______ / 119

Journal: ______ / 115 (5 pts each)

Literary WS: ______ / 136 (5 pts. each)

Follow Ups: ______ / 20 (5 pts each)

Name: _________________________

Before you begin reading Animal Farm, read the questions below and write a short answer to each. Use complete sentences for your answers! (15 points)

1. What freedoms do we take for granted in the United States?

2. Do you think we have too much freedom?

3. What freedoms do you think we don’t need in the United States? Which ones would you be willing to give up if you had to?

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Study Guide

Chapters 1-2

1. What human characteristics (other than speech) has Orwell given to:

Old Major

Boxer

Mollie

Benjamin

Snowball

Napoleon

2. Why was Old Major so respected?

3. What noble ideals are set forth in his dream?

4. Why are the animals so excited about singing “Beasts of England”?

5. Why were the pigs immediately accepted as leaders?

6. What was their motive for rebellion?

7. Who formulated the Seven Commandments? Was it done in a democratic way?

8. How well do the commandments reflect the ideas expressed in Old Major’s speech?

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Journal Response – Chapters 1-2

The following questions should be answered on a separate piece of paper. These questions will not have right or wrong answers, but will require you to think and formulate a well-written answer. Each question should be answered in at least one full paragraph. You will need to use examples from the book to support your answers.

1. Describe life on the farm for the animals. How is this type of life similar to that led by farm laborers who work on someone else’s land?

2. To what does Old Major point to show that there are opportunities for the animals to run the farm on their own?

3. The pigs take over running the farm. Why does this seem natural?

4. What problems does the raven, Moses, cause?

5. Describe the behavior of the pigs, and what it might foreshadow.

Chapter 3

1. Did the pigs help the other animals work on the harvest? What did they do?

2. Who did the animals admire the most?

3. What became his slogan?

4. Which two animals were not considered by the other animals to be good workers?

5. Which animal’s character didn’t seem to change at all after the rebellion?

6. What three things happened on Sundays?

7. What did the Animal Farm flag look like?

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8. At the meetings, who never seemed to agree?

9. Who formed the animals into committees?

10. How literate were the animals? Why would literacy be an issue?

11. Who declared that the Seven Commandments could be condensed into one? What was this one maxim? Which animals would repeat this for hours?

12. Who too Jessie’s and Bluebell’s pups to “educate” them?

13. What had happened to the missing milk? The apples? What was Squealer’s explanation?

14. What, according to Squealer, would happen if the pigs failed in their duties?

15. How does the disappearance of the milk and apples foreshadow future events?

16. How are the animals better off after the Rebellion?

17. How are they worse off?

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Journal Response – Chapter 3


1. Is there anything significant about Napoleon’s taking away the puppies?

2. Give some examples of the pigs’ clever use of language to gain their own needs. How do the other animals respond to each? You should give at least three examples.

3. Did the work on the farm conform to the ideal of “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need”? Why or why not?

Chapter 4

1. How was word sent to animals on neighboring farms?

2. Name and describe the neighbors on either side of the farm.

3. How did rebelliousness show itself on other farms?

4. Early in October, Jones and men from Foxwood and Pinchfield attempted to take over Animal Farm. Who warned the animals?

5. Who has been studying Julius Caesar’s campaign strategies? What was he in charge of?

6. Describe the Battle of the Cowshed.

7. Who said, “The only good human is a dead one”?

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8. Who is discovered missing? Where was she found?

9. What military decorations were created? Who received them?

10. What are the anniversary dates of the Rebellion and the Battle of the Cowshed?

Journal Response – Chapter 4The following questions should be answered on a separate piece of paper. These questions will not have right or wrong answers, but will require you to think and formulate a well-written answer. Each question should be answered in at least one full paragraph. You will need to use examples from the book to support your answers.

1. Where was Mollie during the Battle of the Cowshed? How does this support what you already know about her character, and what does it foreshadow?

2. Describe Snowball’s actions and Napoleon’s actions during the Battle. What does this tell you about each of them, and what might happen next as a result?

3. Describe the two rituals (traditions) that the animals used to celebrate their victory. What is ironic about their adoption of these rituals?

Chapter 5

1. What did Mollie do wrong? Where did she finally go?

2. Describe the violent debates that began to take place between snowball and Napoleon.

3. What did Napoleon train the sheep to do with “Four legs good, two legs bad”?

4. Describe the controversy over the windmill. Why would the animals be in favor of it? Who was against it and why? Who didn’t take a side on it?

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5. How did Napoleon ruin Snowball’s plans?

6. When Napoleon and Snowball disagreed on defense tactics, with whom did the animals agree?

7. What happened just as Snowball had the animals agreeing with him?

8. Where had the nine dogs come from?

9. What happened to Sunday meetings and debates?

10. Why was Squealer sent around to explain the new setup?

11. How did the animals react?

12. What is Boxer’s new slogan?

13. To what did the animals now have to show reverence?

14. Why is it important that Napoleon, Squealer, and Minimus now sit above the other animals?

15. What do the animals learn three weeks later?

16. Why does Napoleon say he pretended to be against the windmill?

17. Who helped Squealer persuade the animals that Napoleon was right?

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1. What does Mollie lose by her actions? What does this tell you about materialism?

2. After Snowball’s expulsion, Squealer makes a statement about Snowball’s heroism in battle. What does he say to the animals, and what does this foreshadow? What is important about this event?

Chapter 6

1. In August, Napoleon announced that there would be work on Sundays. It would be strictly voluntary, but what would happen if the animals didn’t work?

2. The animals were working like slaves on the windmill, yet they were happy. Why?

3. What was the main problem with building the windmill, and how was it solved?

4. How did Boxer lend extra help with the windmill?

5. Everything was operating smoothly until the animals discovered shortages of what?

6. What new policy did Napoleon announce regarding obtaining articles the farm needed?

7. What things might have to be sold in order to buy things for the windmill?

8. How would the dealings with humans be accomplished? What is a broker?

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9. Describe Mr. Whymper.

10. Who set the record straight that the animals had never passed a rule against dealing with humans?

11. Why are the humans now calling the farm by its new name?

12. What rumors are circulating about Napoleon and his business agreements?

13. The pigs move where? Why is this important?

14. How did Squealer manipulate the language of the Fourth Commandment?

15. Why do the pigs get up an hour later now?

16. What happened to the windmill when it was half built?

17. Who is being blamed for what happened to the windmill?



1. Why is the phrase, “even the pigs joined in at critical moments” important?

2. How do the pigs get away with the changes in their living arrangements? How does this affect the other animals?

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Chapter 7

1. Why is the windmill rebuilt with walls three feet thick?

2. Who never loses heart in spite of worsening conditions?

3. Food falls short in January and starvation seems near, but it is important to whom not to let the outside world know?

4. What tricks are used to fool Mr. Whymper?

5. Give some examples of how Napoleon is becoming a dictator.

6. The chickens must surrender their eggs now. While their rebellion takes place, nine hens die. What are the other animals told about the nine hens?

7. Where is Snowball said to be living now?

8. What tactics does Napoleon use when negotiating the sale of the pile of lumber?

9. What animals disagreed with the explanation that Snowball was Jones’ secret agent from the very beginning?

10. What explanation does Boxer accept?

11. What is Boxer’s answer to the slaughter of other animals?

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12. Give an example of Clover’s blind acceptance.

13. What explanation is given for banning “Beasts of England”? What replaced it?

14. What always drowned out any animals who protested?



1. Even Boxer does not believe that Snowball was always a traitor. Why is his saying so a dangerous move? What clues are given in the text?

2. Describe the executions and confessions. How are these new events affecting the workers on the farm?

Chapter 8

1. What is the significance of the poem about Napoleon?

2. How has the Sixth Commandment been changed?

3. What is important about the rumor of Mr. Frederick’s cruelty to his animals?

4. What is the slogan of the pigeons now?

5. What else is Snowball being blamed for?

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6. Why is it ironic that the windmill is named after Napoleon?

7. Why is a death sentence decreed upon Frederick?

8. Describe the Battle of the Windmill in order of events.

9. What is ironic about their victory celebration?

10. What is the result of the pigs’ discovery of whiskey?

11. What will the retirees’ pasture now be used for?

12. Why is Squealer out at midnight with a ladder and paint brush?



1. Why did no one “care to mention” recalling a commandment about animals killing other animals in the hearing of the pigs or the dogs? What does this say about the workers’ state of mind?

2. Describe the battle with Frederick’s men and explain how the animals felt immediately after the destruction of the windmill. How did the pigs renew the animals’ spirits?

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Chapter 9

1. How is Boxer hurt? Who helps him?

2. How far away is Boxer’s supposed retirement?

3. What word does Squealer use to describe the reduced rations?

4. Do the animals still believe they are free?

5. What special rights do pigs gain in this chapter?

6. What is ironic about the pigs gaining so much weight?

7. What is a Spontaneous Demonstration? What is the purpose?

8. Why was Napoleon elected president?

9. What propaganda is spread about Snowball’s wound in the Battle of the Cowshed?

10. What is significant about the reappearance of Moses?

11. What type of building is going on now?

12. Why does Napoleon make arrangements to send Boxer to a “hospital”?

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13. How do the pigs explain the knacker’s truck? Do the animals believe them?

14. How do the pigs continue to use Boxer’s strength after his death?

15. Where did the pigs get the money for the case of whiskey?



1. What is significant about only the young pigs being educated and their being discouraged from playing with the other animals?

2. What is the tragedy of Boxer?

Chapter 10

1. Who is left after all these years?

2. Has anyone retired? Do you think anyone ever will? Why or why not?

3. What has happened to the animals’ promised rewards?

4. What do the pigs have to work on, according to Squealer?

5. What does Benjamin remember about the past?

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6. What new song does Napoleon now have Squealer teach the sheep? Why?

7. What does the wall of commandments now say?

8. What is the similarity between Napoleon and Jones?

9. Describe the conversation at the card game.

Journal Response – Chapter 10The following questions should be answered on a separate piece of paper. These questions will not have right or wrong answers, but will require you to think and formulate a well-written answer. Each question should be answered in at least one full paragraph. You will need to use examples from the book to support your answers.

1. What does Napoleon’s announcement that Animal Farm will return to its original name, “Manor Farm,” reveal about his character? What is the final irony at the end of this chapter?

2. In chapter 10, the commandments are reduced to one: “All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.” Discuss this phrase as it applies to the novel. Then, discuss it based on your own experience, observation, or knowledge of situations or circumstance.

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Characterization (Chapters 1-4)Characterization is the means by which an author reveals a character’s personality. An author can develop character in several ways: indirect characterization – showing the character acting and speaking; giving a physical description of the character; revealing the character’s thoughts and feelings or what others think about the character – and direct characterization – commenting directly on the character.

Orwell characterizes Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer as three different types of leaders, each with positive and negative traits. Provide two outstanding positive traits and two negative ones that characterize each pig. Then, underneath the traits cite an incident, action, or speech that illustrates each characteristic. (18 points)

Positive Negative

Napoleon

Snowball

Squealer

Follow Up: In your opinion, which of the three pigs does Orwell characterize as the strongest leader? Write a short (2-3 paragraph) essay that explains your choice. Be sure to give details from the text that support your choice.

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Conflict (Chapters 5-7)Conflict is a struggle between two opposing forces or characters in a literary work. Conflict can take one of these forms: (1) a character versus another character; (2) a character versus society; (3) a character versus nature; (4) two or more emotions or ideas struggling for mastery within a character.

For each item below, identify the kind of conflict involved, the causes of the conflict, and the outcomes of the conflict. Create a Multi-Flow map for each item. (20 points)

Follow Up: How does the execution of animals bring about a conflict of ideas within Clover? Write a short (2-3 paragraph) essay that explains the conflict in her. Be sure to give details from the text to support your ideas.

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Clover confronts Mollie about Mollie’s contact with humans.

Type of conflict:

Napoleon disagrees with Snowball’s plans for the windmill.

Type of conflict:

The animals struggle with how to break up the stones to build the windmill.

Type of conflict:

Napoleon makes a policy in opposition to Animalism, trading with “the enemy.”

Type of conflict:

Napoleon makes a policy in opposition to Animalism, trading with the enemy.

Type of conflict:

Summarizing (Chapters 8-10)The Seven Commandments of Animalism created by Napoleon and Snowball before the rebellion eventually are broken. First to be shattered is number four, which is revised to justify the pigs’ move into the farmhouse.

In the chart below, write when the commandments are broken, and explain how they are altered, if they are altered. (14 points)

Commandments When Broken Revision, if any

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

7. All animals are equal.

Follow Up: In 2-3 paragraphs, illustrate how the single remaining Commandment is Chapter 10 sums up the attitude of the pigs that enables them to break all seven of the commandments.

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Literary Elements: Fables

A fable is a brief, often humorous literary form which conveys a moral or message. Orwell strengthens his animal fable by developing commonly held notions of animals’ “personalities” in his characterizations.

In the chart below, identify the traits for which the animals are known and how Orwell uses that trait in his character(s). (9 points)

Animal Animal Trait Evidence of trait in novel characters

Pigs(example)

Intelligence / traditionally considered greedy

It is the pigs that form the idea of Animalism, but after the Rebellion they immediately begin to hoard the riches of the farm.

1. Sheep

2. Benjamin the Donkey

3. Dogs

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Literary Elements: Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in the plot.

In the chart below, explain how the passage provided foreshadows a future event in the novel. (10 points)

1. The shed where Snowball had drawn his plans of the windmill had been shut up and it was assumed that the plans had been rubbed off the floor.

2. Napoleon took them [puppies] away from their mothers, saying that he would make himself responsible for their education.

3. “I believe the time will come when we shall find that Snowball’s part in it [Battle of the Cowshed] was much exaggerated.”

4. Tired out but proud, the animals walked round and round their masterpiece… the walls were twice as thick as before. Nothing short of explosives would lay them low…

5. “And remember… that in fighting against Man, we must not come to resemble him.”

Follow Up: Re-read Old Major’s speech. What are two more events or actions foreshadowed in that passage? Write a short paragraph about what is said in the speech, and the event that the statement foreshadows.

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Literary Elements: Irony

Irony is the difference between appearance or expectation and reality. Verbal irony occurs when someone says one things but means something else. Dramatic irony occurs when what a character believes to be true the reader knows is not. Situational irony occurs when there is a difference between what is expected or what would be appropriate and what really does happen.

In the table below, identify whether the passages are verbal, dramatic, or situational irony, and explain the irony in each passage. (15 points)

Passage Type of Irony Explanation1. Then there were lamp oil and candles for the house, sugar for Napoleon’s own table (he forbade this to the other pigs, on the ground that it made them fat)…

2. Out of spite, the human beings pretended not to believe that it was Snowball who had destroyed the windmill… The animals knew that this was not the case.

3. But the luxuries of which Snowball had once taught the animals to dream… Napoleon had denounced such ideas as contrary to the spirit of Animalism. The truest happiness, he said, lay in working hard and living frugally.4. [T]hey were happy in their work; they grudged no effort or sacrifice, well aware that everything that they did was for the benefit of themselves and those of their kind… and not for a pack of idle, thieving human beings.

5. [H]e personally congratulated the animals on their achievement and announced that the mill would be named Napoleon Mill.

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Vocabulary ActivitiesA. Circle the letter of the word or phrase that most nearly defines the italicized word in each excerpt from Animal Farm. (25 points)

1. At one end of the big barn, on a sort of raised platform, Major was already ensconced on his bed of straw…

a. asleep c. coveredb. settled d. standing

2. Preeminent among the pigs were two young board named Snowball and Napoleon, whom Mr. Jones was breeding up for sale.

a. largest c. superiorb. preferred d. famous

3. He did his work in the same slow obstinate way as he had done it in Jones’s time, never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either.

a. stubborn c. hesitantb. painful d. obliging

4. [H]e would say only, “Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey,” and the others had to be content with this cryptic answer.

a. reasonable c. senselessb. Blunt d. puzzling

5. Snowball also busied himself with organizing the other animals into what he called Animal Committees. He was indefatigable at this.

a. frustrated c. encouragedb. tireless d. insistent

6. Any animal caught singing it was given a flogging on the spot. And yet it was irrepressible.

a. incessant c. respectableb. not restrained d. not pertinent

7. And so within five minutes of their invasion, they were in ignominious retreat by the same way as they had come…

a. haphazard c. irrationalb. shameful d. unoriginal

8. In glowing sentences he painted a picture of Animal Farm as it might be when sordid labour was lifted from the animals’ backs.

a. dishonorable c. harmfulb. sickening d. difficult

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9. In sheer malignity, thinking to set back our plans and avenge himself for his ignominious expulsion, this traitor has crept here under cover of night and destroyed our work of nearly a year.

a. premeditation c. maliceb. disloyalty d. secrecy

10. In the late summer yet another of Snowball’s machinations was laid bare.

a. foolish ideas c. schemesb. misfortunes d. mechanisms

B. Circle the letter of the antonym that is most nearly opposite in meaning for each word in bold type.

11. benevolent: (a) expansive (b) cruel (c) compassionate (d) wise

12. vivacious: (a) lifeless (b) spirited (c) lifelike (d) effective

13. tractable: (a) adhering (b) easily followed (c) traditional (d) uncontrollable

14. conciliatory: (a) unfriendly (b) appeasing (c) diplomatic (d) working as a group

15. superannuated: (a) overworked (b) new (c) managed (d) obsolete

C. Match each word in the left-hand column with its meaning from the right-hand column. Write the letter of the correct meaning in the space provided.

16. maxim

17. cynical

18. posthumously

19. pretext

20. intermediary

21. retribution

22. categorically

23. incumbent

24. capitulated

25. censured

A. surrendered

B. rule of conduct

C. go-between

D. after death

E. punishment

F. sarcastic

G. absolutely

H. condemned

I. required

J. excuse

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Vocabulary List

Below is a list of the vocabulary words you are responsible for from Animal Farm. You might want to write definitions or use of the vocabulary strategies for your regular word list to learn them. The definitions that will be used on your test can be found in the vocabulary activities in this packet.

ensconced

preeminent

obstinate

cryptic

indefatigable

irrepressible

ignominious

sordid

malignity

machinations

benevolent

vivacious

tractable

conciliatory

superannuated

maxim

cynical

posthumously

pretext

intermediary

retribution

categorically

incumbent

capitulated

censured

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Documents

Animal Farm Anticipation and Study Guide