Animal Farm
What’s inside...
Animal Farm is an allegorical novella by George Orwell, first published in England on 17 August 1945. The book tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Ultimately, however, the rebellion is betrayed, and the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before, under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon. Through the tale of the animals' rise to power and subsequent corruption, Orwell critiques the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Stalinist regime in the Soviet Union. The story is an analysis of the corruption of socialist ideals and the nature of power, betrayal, and the flaws in revolutionary movements. 75th Anniversary Edition—Includes a New Introduction by Téa Obreht George Orwell's timeless and timely allegorical novel—a scathing satire of a downtrodden society’s blind march towards totalitarianism. With extraordinary relevance and renewed popularity, George Orwell’s 1984 takes on new life in this hardcover edition. “Orwell saw, to his credit, that the act of falsifying reality is only secondarily a way of changing perceptions. It is, above all, a way of asserting power.”— The New Yorker In 1984, London is a grim city in the totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston Smith is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called The Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be. Lionel Trilling said of Orwell’s masterpiece “1984 is a profound, terrifying, and wholly fascinating book. It is a fantasy of the political future, and like any such fantasy, serves its author as a magnifying device for an examination of the present.” Though the year 1984 now exists in the past, Orwell’s novel remains an urgent call for the individual willing to speak truth to power.
Age
14-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Snowball
Benjamin
Boxer
Squealer
Clover
Mr. Jones
Napoleon Bonaparte
Mr. Jones (Animal Farm)
Napoleon
Mollie
Muriel
Old Major
Moses
Discussion points
What do you think each animal represents in the story?
How do the actions of the pigs change throughout the book and why do you think they act the way they do?
Why is it important for all the animals to have a voice in decision making?
Can you think of a situation where it's important to stand up for what you believe is right?
How does the story show the importance of rules and fairness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Discuss the symbolic meanings behind different animals and their actions, which will help in understanding the deeper themes of the book.
Encourage your child to express their views on leadership and fairness as depicted in the book.
Connect the story’s events with real-world examples to make it more relatable and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book and discuss possible outcomes.
Emphasize critical thinking by asking your child why they think certain events happened and what could have been done differently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of equality
Explanation: In 'Animal Farm,' the animals initially unite with the shared goal of equality, opposing the unfair treatment by their human masters. However, as the pigs gain power, they begin to replicate the behaviors they initially rebelled against.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of treating everyone equally regardless of their position or role. They can apply this by sharing and cooperating with their peers in school or during play to ensure everyone feels valued.
Example Lesson: The consequences of absolute power
Explanation: The story vividly illustrates how power can corrupt leaders, showcased by the pigs' transformation from equality-driven leaders to authoritarian rulers who manipulate and oppress.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches kids the importance of fairness and accountability in leadership positions, whether it's leading a classroom project or a sports team, ensuring everyone's voice is heard.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking and questioning authority
Explanation: As the pigs alter the farm's commandments to suit their own desires, the other animals face the repercussions of not questioning these changes due to their blind obedience.
Real-World Application: This underscores the necessity of asking questions and seeking understanding, rather than blindly following instructions. Children can practice this by engaging in discussions at home or in school, expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Example Lesson: The need for vigilance in upholding one’s rights
Explanation: The animals’ lack of vigilance allows the pigs to gradually erode their rights. This highlights how easily rights can be lost without careful attention and resistance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for their own rights and the rights of others. This can be practiced by participating in democratic processes in school elections or engaging in community services.