1. What do you think those animals who can dimly remember the Rebellion would 'pass on' to the younger animals about it?
They would probably have told them vaguely about why they rebelled, and that the Rebellion was successful. It is unlikely that they would have been able to provide much details since their memories are not that good now. Also, the information they pass on is likely to be Napoleon's version of what happened - making Snowball the bad guy and making him seem like the hero.
2. Orwell uses the phrase 'unalterable law of life' (pg 111) to express Benjamin's ideas. What does Benjamin (and Orwell mean)? Why do you think Orwell chooses the word 'unalterable'?
They mean that "hunger, hardship, and disappointment" were unchanging facts of the animals' lives . Orwell uses the word to show that as long as they animals remain naive, gullible, and refuse to do anything to improve their own lives, they will not get rid of their hunger and hardship. The farm, and the pigs have changed, but only the animals' lives have not changed.
3. Re-read the paragraph beginning 'And yet the animals never gave up hope' (pg 111). What does it tell us of the animals' feelings? In what way is the ending ironic?
The animals are still hopeful and are proud at being members of Animal farm, because they think that they "were still the only farm in the whole country - in all England! - owned and operated by animals." They are filled with wonder and amazement at this. However, the ending is ironic because it shows that it is not the animals who own the farm, but the pigs (who are behaving more and more like humans) who own it. They think they control the farms and their lives, but that is not the case.
4. What point is Orwell making when he has Pilkington compare 'your lower animals' with 'our lower classes' (pg 116)?
He is making the point that regardless of whether a society is made of up humans or animals, there will always be inequality in the form of upper and lower classes. Equality is an ideal or only a dream. There will always be a lower class that is underprivileged and taken advantage of.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Chapter 9 Discussion Questions
1. What items do the pigs trade for with the humans? What differences are there between these and those they traded for in earlier chapters?
Hay, part of the potato crop, eggs, and even Boxer was traded by the pigs. unlike in the earlier chapters, the pigs do not consult the animals but simply take away their produce (refer to the Hen Rebellion incident), and do not value life but are willing to trade it away, whereas in the previous chapters, they only traded objects/products. Also, previously the pigs traded items to obtain necessities but now, they are trading for their own selfish reasons.
2. Why does Orwell use the word 'Spontaneous' to describe the weekly demonstration? What is the purpose of all the ceremonies held on the farm?
He uses the word in an ironic way, because when we read the paragraph in which the word appears, it is noticeable that the demonstrations are not spontaneous or unplanned, but are in fact very well planned and detailed. Purpose - to make the animals feel united and part of an important group, but also to distract the animals from the more important issues such as their hunger.
3. Why do the other pigs not complain that Napoleon allows himself 4 times as much beer as they are allowed?
(i) The other pigs are probably afraid of Napoleon, having just witnessed the public executions of animals which were suspected of plotting against him.
(ii) they could also be convinced that as their leader, he does truly deserve more.
(iii) They could be satisfied that they are at least getting some beer
4. The pigs think thet Moses is lying about Sugarcandy Mountain. Why, then, do they allow him back on the farm?
Because he helps to brainwash the animals into believing that there is a better place and life awaiting them after their death. This makes them work hard in the present without rebelling, which is what the pigs want. Since Moses is thus serving them, the pigs put up with him
5. What is different about Benjamin's behaviour in this chapter?
For the first time, Banjamin shows his emotions openly - "It was the first time that they had ever seen Benjamin excited". He also shows care towards Boxer
Hay, part of the potato crop, eggs, and even Boxer was traded by the pigs. unlike in the earlier chapters, the pigs do not consult the animals but simply take away their produce (refer to the Hen Rebellion incident), and do not value life but are willing to trade it away, whereas in the previous chapters, they only traded objects/products. Also, previously the pigs traded items to obtain necessities but now, they are trading for their own selfish reasons.
2. Why does Orwell use the word 'Spontaneous' to describe the weekly demonstration? What is the purpose of all the ceremonies held on the farm?
He uses the word in an ironic way, because when we read the paragraph in which the word appears, it is noticeable that the demonstrations are not spontaneous or unplanned, but are in fact very well planned and detailed. Purpose - to make the animals feel united and part of an important group, but also to distract the animals from the more important issues such as their hunger.
3. Why do the other pigs not complain that Napoleon allows himself 4 times as much beer as they are allowed?
(i) The other pigs are probably afraid of Napoleon, having just witnessed the public executions of animals which were suspected of plotting against him.
(ii) they could also be convinced that as their leader, he does truly deserve more.
(iii) They could be satisfied that they are at least getting some beer
4. The pigs think thet Moses is lying about Sugarcandy Mountain. Why, then, do they allow him back on the farm?
Because he helps to brainwash the animals into believing that there is a better place and life awaiting them after their death. This makes them work hard in the present without rebelling, which is what the pigs want. Since Moses is thus serving them, the pigs put up with him
5. What is different about Benjamin's behaviour in this chapter?
For the first time, Banjamin shows his emotions openly - "It was the first time that they had ever seen Benjamin excited". He also shows care towards Boxer
Chapter 8 Discussion Questions
1. What similarities are there between the language used by Orwell in Minimus' poem about Napoleon and the language of hymns? Why is there this similarity?
- Orwell uses the language of praise just as how hymns are sung in praise of god, this song is sung in praise of Napoleon à Orwell, through Minimus, uses words such as “Lord”, calls him “giver”, thereby elevating him to the status of a god.
- In this song, there’s a lot of exaggeration and sentimentality e.g. “Friend of the fatherless! Fountain of happiness!” Tone is formal and serious, and compels the singers to be totally devoted and obedient, like how they would be in worship.
- Orwell is making fun of hymns through this song --> we often exaggerate and do not really understand what we are singing praises for/about.
2. Why does Orwell use the word 'unaccountably' about Squealer's absence from the fighting? Do the animals believe him when he says they have won a victory?
- It is because he had no reason to be away from the fight and not participate.- Initially, they do not, but he soon manages to convince them. Napoleon and he raise their flag, fire the gun, and Napoleon makes a great speech congratulating them on their victory. Also, “two whole days were given over to celebrations”, which included songs, more speeches, and giving each animal a special gift of an apple.- Thus, in the end, the animals do feel as if they had indeed won a great victory.
3. How does Orwell show the effect of the whisky on the pigs? Are we meant to find the incident amusing?
- Yes, the incident is meant to be amusing because the whole idea of pigs getting drunk is funny.- The pigs suffer from hangover the next day, but none of them except us, the readers, realise this. They think that Napoleon is about to die since he appears to be seriously ill. Thus the animals all become teary-eyed.- Napoleon initially says that drinking alcohol is punishable by death but once the effects of the alcohol wear off, he modifies the commandment to “No animal shall drink alcohol in excess.”
4. Which words or phrases in the last 2 paragraphs of this chapter do you think are ironic?
- “…a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand” --> this phrase is ironic because as the readers, we know what Squealer is doing in this incident, and that it is he who has all along been modifying the commandments. However, the animals are unable to see the significance of this, even though they have caught him in the act. The signs such as the ladder, brush, and paint pot are all too obvious in telling us what Squealer has been doing but the animals are unable to understand its implications.
- “there was yet another of them which the animals had remembered wrong”- “…but there were two words that they had forgotten” --> These phrases are ironic because it is not that the animals had remembered wrongly or had forgotten the commandments, but in fact, they had been changed by Squealer. However, the animals are too stupid and gullible that they fail to realise this. They ironically think that their memories are failing them although we know better.
- Orwell uses the language of praise just as how hymns are sung in praise of god, this song is sung in praise of Napoleon à Orwell, through Minimus, uses words such as “Lord”, calls him “giver”, thereby elevating him to the status of a god.
- In this song, there’s a lot of exaggeration and sentimentality e.g. “Friend of the fatherless! Fountain of happiness!” Tone is formal and serious, and compels the singers to be totally devoted and obedient, like how they would be in worship.
- Orwell is making fun of hymns through this song --> we often exaggerate and do not really understand what we are singing praises for/about.
2. Why does Orwell use the word 'unaccountably' about Squealer's absence from the fighting? Do the animals believe him when he says they have won a victory?
- It is because he had no reason to be away from the fight and not participate.- Initially, they do not, but he soon manages to convince them. Napoleon and he raise their flag, fire the gun, and Napoleon makes a great speech congratulating them on their victory. Also, “two whole days were given over to celebrations”, which included songs, more speeches, and giving each animal a special gift of an apple.- Thus, in the end, the animals do feel as if they had indeed won a great victory.
3. How does Orwell show the effect of the whisky on the pigs? Are we meant to find the incident amusing?
- Yes, the incident is meant to be amusing because the whole idea of pigs getting drunk is funny.- The pigs suffer from hangover the next day, but none of them except us, the readers, realise this. They think that Napoleon is about to die since he appears to be seriously ill. Thus the animals all become teary-eyed.- Napoleon initially says that drinking alcohol is punishable by death but once the effects of the alcohol wear off, he modifies the commandment to “No animal shall drink alcohol in excess.”
4. Which words or phrases in the last 2 paragraphs of this chapter do you think are ironic?
- “…a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand” --> this phrase is ironic because as the readers, we know what Squealer is doing in this incident, and that it is he who has all along been modifying the commandments. However, the animals are unable to see the significance of this, even though they have caught him in the act. The signs such as the ladder, brush, and paint pot are all too obvious in telling us what Squealer has been doing but the animals are unable to understand its implications.
- “there was yet another of them which the animals had remembered wrong”- “…but there were two words that they had forgotten” --> These phrases are ironic because it is not that the animals had remembered wrongly or had forgotten the commandments, but in fact, they had been changed by Squealer. However, the animals are too stupid and gullible that they fail to realise this. They ironically think that their memories are failing them although we know better.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Chapter 7 Discussion Questions
1. Who does Orwell suggest is responsible for spreading the idea that Snowball visits the farm at night?
Ans: He suggests that it is Napoleon. Squealer is Napoleon''s mouthpiece but Napoleon is the mastermind who makes Snowball the scapegoat and blames him for everything.
2. What makes some of the animals confess to 'crimes' when they know they will be executed? Why does Napoleon want them to confess?
Ans: The animals somehow feel guilty as if even dreaming of Snowball is a sin. They are terrified that Napoleon will find out and feel guilty/start to believe that they may be on Snowball's side. Therefore, they confess despite knowing that they will be executed. Napoleon wants them to confess to show the other animals that there may be traitors amongst them. He publicly kills them as a warning to the other animals of their fate if they even think of rebelling against him.Consider: do all the animals confess on their own or do you think some of them may be 'planted' by Napoleon (meaning, he forced some of them to confess in front of the rest?)
3. Re-read the paragraph beginning 'The animals huddled about Clover' (pg 79). Why do you think Orwell chooses to include it and place it in this particular position in the chapter?
Ans: At this point, the animals have just witnessed the horrible killing of their comrades. They are feeling terrified the whole mood (in other words, the 'feel' or atmosphere of the situation) is very tense. When they stand on top if the knoll (small hill) and look over at their farm, which is owned by them, it is very beautiful and represent hope and promise. Orwell has included it to contrast the landscape which is peaceful and beautiful, with the animals feelings, which is hardly peaceful, and very fearful. The issue of idealism versus reality is also brought out by Orwell. He positions this paragraph at this point for us to stop and reflect on what Animal Farm could have become, versus what it actually is now. Clover feels that when they first had the rebellion many years ago, it was for all animals to be treated equally, to have freedom, to each contribute according to their ability, and for the strong to protect the weak. However, this is not what life is Animal Farm is like now. Therefore, what they hoped for when they first rebelled has not been achieved.
4. Why do the words of the new anthem not 'come up to "Beasts of England" ' (pg 81)?
Ans: Just looking at the first two lines of the new anthem show us that this song is meant to glorify Napoleon - as long as the animals trust and follow his leadership obediently, no hard will come to them. This is heavily ironic as he has just killed many of the animals. There is no purpose for this song except to feed Napoleon's ego and thus, the animals cannot identify with it. However, "Beasts of England" was a motivational song for all animals, which inspired them to rebel by telling him how life that is free from Man's control would be.
Ans: He suggests that it is Napoleon. Squealer is Napoleon''s mouthpiece but Napoleon is the mastermind who makes Snowball the scapegoat and blames him for everything.
2. What makes some of the animals confess to 'crimes' when they know they will be executed? Why does Napoleon want them to confess?
Ans: The animals somehow feel guilty as if even dreaming of Snowball is a sin. They are terrified that Napoleon will find out and feel guilty/start to believe that they may be on Snowball's side. Therefore, they confess despite knowing that they will be executed. Napoleon wants them to confess to show the other animals that there may be traitors amongst them. He publicly kills them as a warning to the other animals of their fate if they even think of rebelling against him.Consider: do all the animals confess on their own or do you think some of them may be 'planted' by Napoleon (meaning, he forced some of them to confess in front of the rest?)
3. Re-read the paragraph beginning 'The animals huddled about Clover' (pg 79). Why do you think Orwell chooses to include it and place it in this particular position in the chapter?
Ans: At this point, the animals have just witnessed the horrible killing of their comrades. They are feeling terrified the whole mood (in other words, the 'feel' or atmosphere of the situation) is very tense. When they stand on top if the knoll (small hill) and look over at their farm, which is owned by them, it is very beautiful and represent hope and promise. Orwell has included it to contrast the landscape which is peaceful and beautiful, with the animals feelings, which is hardly peaceful, and very fearful. The issue of idealism versus reality is also brought out by Orwell. He positions this paragraph at this point for us to stop and reflect on what Animal Farm could have become, versus what it actually is now. Clover feels that when they first had the rebellion many years ago, it was for all animals to be treated equally, to have freedom, to each contribute according to their ability, and for the strong to protect the weak. However, this is not what life is Animal Farm is like now. Therefore, what they hoped for when they first rebelled has not been achieved.
4. Why do the words of the new anthem not 'come up to "Beasts of England" ' (pg 81)?
Ans: Just looking at the first two lines of the new anthem show us that this song is meant to glorify Napoleon - as long as the animals trust and follow his leadership obediently, no hard will come to them. This is heavily ironic as he has just killed many of the animals. There is no purpose for this song except to feed Napoleon's ego and thus, the animals cannot identify with it. However, "Beasts of England" was a motivational song for all animals, which inspired them to rebel by telling him how life that is free from Man's control would be.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
'Animal Farm' the movie
Hello ladies! Time to chat a little here and voice your opinions!
Assuming that you are going to produce the movie version of 'Animal Farm', and real Hollowood actors are going to play the animals in the novel (not do voice-overs only), who would you select for each of these roles?
Assuming that you are going to produce the movie version of 'Animal Farm', and real Hollowood actors are going to play the animals in the novel (not do voice-overs only), who would you select for each of these roles?
- Napoleon
- Snowball
- Squealer
- Mollie
- Clover
- Boxer
- Benjamin
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