Animal+Farm

__Chapters 1-4__ . __Chapters 5-7__ . Check out the historical parallels & allegory of the plot at Shmoop.
 * //Animal Farm// Study Guide Questions**
 * 1) Describe how Rebellion takes place. How does the animals’ behavior during the Rebellion suggest both human and animal characteristics?
 * 2) How do the pigs gain the rights to the cow’s milk? Why do the other animals allow this to occur? What does this event suggest about the power hierarchy on the farm?
 * 3) How does the original vision of Animalism become a slogan? In your opinion, do the animals want rules with simple language? What kind of language do the pigs use?
 * 4) What technique does Orwell use to cast doubt on the likelihood of a successful revolution?
 * 5) Characterize Snowball as a leader. Do you think his reaction to the stable-boy’s death is the appropriate reaction to have during a revolution?
 * 1) What happens to Snowball during the meeting about the windmill? What events in Soviet history does this scene suggest?
 * 2) Identify three ways that Napoleon tries to solidify his leadership position on the farm. How does the process of decision-making on the farm change under Napoleon’s leadership?
 * 3) Why do the executions take place? What message do these events send to the animals about their role in a future society?
 * 4) How does Orwell compare Animal Farm under Napoleon’s leadership to its exploited state under Farmer Jones’ rule? What attitude about totalitarian government do you think Orwell conveys?
 * 5) Do you think it’s fair that those who are more educated or more skilled—like the pigs in Animal Farm—have more influence in decision making? Consider how decisions are made in your community, state, or nation.

__Chapters 8-10__
 * 1) What dealings does Napoleon have with Frederick and Pilkington? How does the battle over the windmill affect the animals? What events from Soviet history is Orwell highlighting?
 * 2) What happens to Boxer and how do the other animals learn of his fate? How do they come to a final conclusion about these events?
 * 3) What changes are made to the Fifth and Sixth Commandments? How is the entire list of Commandments ultimately refashioned? What point is Orwell making about the role of communication in Soviet society?
 * 4) In your opinion, explain if the pigs walking on their hind legs is a sign of progress.
 * 5) Some critics believe that, at the end of the book, Orwell suggests that the pigs and human political leaders are interchangeable. Do you think most government rulers are like the pigs? How might power change those who have it? Explain.