‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. With reference to what you have covered in Animal Farm so far, discuss the theme of power, by referring to Napoleon’s rise to leadership. You should use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Napoleon
- Starts off as a pig competing for leadership position with Snowball
- Says he will take care of the milk -- later on the animals discover that the milk has disappeared, hinting that he has taken it.
- Orders all the milk and apples to be for his and the pigs’ consumption -- selfish
- He does not work at all, only gives orders -- later in the novel, the pigs wake up later than the other animals, thereby contributing less than they already do.
- Becomes so power hungry that he eliminates his rival, Snowball, so that he can have a monopoly of power. Also blames his rival Snowball for the failure of the windmill so that the animals will feel that they need him (uses Snowball as scapegoat)
- Makes himself indispensable by confusing and frightening the animals about what would happen if the were not there. He creates panic and paranoia in the farm -- says that Snowball was frequenting the farm, and that some animals were working with him.
- Later in the novel, he does not even consult the animals on decisions (no more debates) -- rise of Napoleon as a dictator
- Abuses his power. He removes all those who speak or go against him (public executions) -- e.g. the 4 young pigs who protested when Napoleon stopped the Sunday meetings are killed, and so are the hens who tried to rebel against him taking their eggs --> so that he will be unchallenged.
- He gets everything his way and goes against many of the commandments for his own selfish reasons -- e,g, lives in a house, sleeps in a bed, kills another animal, does not treat all the animals equally, drinks alcohol.
- However, he gets away by
1. Using Squealer to brainwash the animals and control the way they think,
2. Confusing them about what they remember (e.g. that some of the commandments did not exist, but were lies circulated by Snowball, that Napoleon, not Snowball, played a large role in the Battle of the Cowshed)
3. Using the threat of Jones’ return,
4. Using terror/intimidation through his dogs.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Literature: How to answer PB and essay questions in exams
· Read the question carefully and understand what is required.
· Do not simply tell the story, but be clear and to the point.
· Be well organised. In Lit, we write essays, and with all essays, you should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. For PB qns, read the given passage --> read the qns --> re-read the passage and highlight the important sections that will be your evidence
1. Introduction
- Start with a statement which answers the questions, and state your stand. From the introduction, the reader should know direction you are going to take in your essay. For example, you could summarise the main points you will be discussing after stating your stand.
2. Body
- You should have a few paragraphs, usually one paragraph per point.
- your points should be well supported with textual evidence and interpretation. This means you should explain what the quote means to you and how it relates to your point.
- It is useful to follow the PEE technique - Point, Evidence, Elaboration.
· Point - state your point
· Evidence - provide the textual evidence in the form of quotes or a very specific action, speech or event which reveals the point, and
· Elaboration - explain the quote, and say what it shows. How does the quote/evidence support your point stated?
- Do not simply throw a quote and assume that the marker knows why you have used the quote.
- If you follow the above technique, you should be able to write one paragraph per point.
3. Conclusion
- re-state your stand
- summarise the main points of your essay
· Do not simply tell the story, but be clear and to the point.
· Be well organised. In Lit, we write essays, and with all essays, you should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. For PB qns, read the given passage --> read the qns --> re-read the passage and highlight the important sections that will be your evidence
1. Introduction
- Start with a statement which answers the questions, and state your stand. From the introduction, the reader should know direction you are going to take in your essay. For example, you could summarise the main points you will be discussing after stating your stand.
2. Body
- You should have a few paragraphs, usually one paragraph per point.
- your points should be well supported with textual evidence and interpretation. This means you should explain what the quote means to you and how it relates to your point.
- It is useful to follow the PEE technique - Point, Evidence, Elaboration.
· Point - state your point
· Evidence - provide the textual evidence in the form of quotes or a very specific action, speech or event which reveals the point, and
· Elaboration - explain the quote, and say what it shows. How does the quote/evidence support your point stated?
- Do not simply throw a quote and assume that the marker knows why you have used the quote.
- If you follow the above technique, you should be able to write one paragraph per point.
3. Conclusion
- re-state your stand
- summarise the main points of your essay
Saturday, May 3, 2008
28 april lecture notes on Animal Farm - chaps 8-10
Chapter 8
Attack on AF once again -- compare this with the Battle of the Cowshed in Chap 5. What are the differences and what causes them? – “Boldly enough the animals sallied forth meet them, but this time they did not have the easy victory that they had had…” (line 6-7 from top)
Napoleon’s arrogance and ignorance that the humans could bring the windmill down (8 lines from bottom)
This causes animals to become so furious that they fight back unitedly -- a lot of violence and many injured
What is the mood in the farm at this point?
Squealer’s role in the battle?
Congratulates animals on their victory and attributes it to Comrade Napoleon
Napoleon names battle after him and confers yet another medal upon himself
Qn: Why do Napoleon and Squealer want to make it seem as though they are victorious?
Is this incident meant to be amusing? Why or why not?
Napoleon bans alcohol - punishable by death
But eventually, he himself wants to brew barley so that he can make alcohol
Very Impt: The strange incident -- what is it’s significance?
What are your reactions to the animals’ attitude?
Chapter 9
Boxer had hurt himself during the battle -- but he still works very hard
Starvation: Rations are reduced again, except for pigs and dogs (last 4 lines of pg 97)
Look at how Squealer explains this to the animals -- link this to Orwell’s point about language being used to brainwash people
Uses statistics to convince them that their standard of living has improved
“The animals believed every word of it…Jones and all he stood for had almost faded out of their memories (lines 13-14 from top of pg 98)
More inequalities, privileging of one group over another (last 3 lines of pg 98) -- going against commandment that all animals are equal
Rations are again reduced (middle of pg 99) but the pigs are comfortable
Pigs are getting more privileges – e.g. all the barley, beer, more food, etc
IRONY: the animals believe that “life nowadays had a greater dignity than it had had before.” (pg 99)
Anything significant about Orwell’s use of the word “Spontaneous” to describe the demonstrations? (2nd line)
“They found it comforting to be reminded that, after all, they were truly their own masters and that the work they did was for their own benefit.” -- IRONY
More IRONY: Animal Farm declared a Republic and Napoleon gets elected as President.
Republic refers to a state in which the government is made up of a team. Compare this with how the farm is being run by Napoleon
Note that Orwell is actually satirising (making fun of) nations that claim they are a Republic when actually they are obviously not
More lies about Snowball and Napoleon’s bravery -- 1st para (pg 101)
Re-appearance of Moses – what is Moses’ role?
If the pigs have to undo the lies spread by Moses, why do they allow him back on the farm?
Main incident: Sale of Boxer
Pg 102 – look at how Orwell portrays Boxer -- why do you think he does this just before making him collapse and get sold?
The great deception: what the pigs claim vs the truth
What is different about Benjamin’s behaviour in this chapter?
How does Squealer effectively convince the animals?
How does he squash the rumour that Boxer was being sent to be slaughtered?
How do you think the pigs got the money to buy more whisky? (last 3 lines, pg 107)
What are your feelings towards the animals? Pity? Anger? Disgust? Shock?
Who do you feel more strongly about? The oppressors or the victims?
Chapter 10
Many years have passed -- memories have faded
Snowball and Boxer are forgotten, and so is the rebellion and life before it -- refer to pg 109, 3rd para, lines 3-6 --> what sort of changes have taken place?
“Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer – except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.” (pg 110, 1st 3 lines of 2nd para) -- significance of this?
“They could not remember. There was nothing with which they could compare their present lives” (lines 6-8, pg 111) -- significance of this quote? What does it show?
This is one of the reasons why the animals remain exploited and living in such miserable conditions
“And yet the animals never gave up hope” -- Why do you think so?
“No creature among them went upon two legs. No creature called another creature ‘Master’. All animals were equal” (pg 112, lines 7-9).
Can you identify 2 devices used here? (pg 112)
1.Irony
2.Foreshadowing
A surprising incident happens – the pigs start to walk on 2 legs
“There was a deadly silence” (3rd para, pg 113)
What do you think the mood is like in this scene?
Why do you think the atmosphere is so eerily silent? How do you think the animals are feeling?
The pigs have been breaking the commandments one by one. The total overthrow of all the rules of Animalism is finally shown through the sheeps’ new slogan, “Four legs good, two legs better!”
7 commandments changed to one
Pigs are very closely resembling humans -Carry whips to get work done, Walk on 2 legs, Sleep in beds, Live in houses, Trade and touch money, Wear clothes, Drink alcohol, smoke, etc
What happened to whatever they had fought for?
Meeting with neighbouring farmers – humans and animals meeting on equal grounds
Orwell is satirising (making fun of) the meetings that politicians from various countries have with one another
Humans claim that they are impressed with the way the farm is run – contrast with their earlier reaction
Claim that they face similar problems (e.g. labour)
‘If you have your lower animals to contend with,’ he said, ‘we have our lower classes!’ à what do you make of this statement?
A change Napoleon makes: reverting back to the old name Manor Farm instead of Animal Farm --> implications?
Shows that we have come full circle – life has returned to the state it was at, before the rebellion
Have the animals achieved whatever they had hoped for when they rebelled?
Ending of novel à violent quarrel erupts. Reason? Deeper significance of this?
For the animals observing from the outside, the voices and faces of the pigs and the humans seem to be the same --> what do you think Orwell is trying to put across to his readers?
Do you like the ending of the novel? How else could it have ended?
Why do you think Orwell chose to end the novel in this manner?
Attack on AF once again -- compare this with the Battle of the Cowshed in Chap 5. What are the differences and what causes them? – “Boldly enough the animals sallied forth meet them, but this time they did not have the easy victory that they had had…” (line 6-7 from top)
Napoleon’s arrogance and ignorance that the humans could bring the windmill down (8 lines from bottom)
This causes animals to become so furious that they fight back unitedly -- a lot of violence and many injured
What is the mood in the farm at this point?
Squealer’s role in the battle?
Congratulates animals on their victory and attributes it to Comrade Napoleon
Napoleon names battle after him and confers yet another medal upon himself
Qn: Why do Napoleon and Squealer want to make it seem as though they are victorious?
Is this incident meant to be amusing? Why or why not?
Napoleon bans alcohol - punishable by death
But eventually, he himself wants to brew barley so that he can make alcohol
Very Impt: The strange incident -- what is it’s significance?
What are your reactions to the animals’ attitude?
Chapter 9
Boxer had hurt himself during the battle -- but he still works very hard
Starvation: Rations are reduced again, except for pigs and dogs (last 4 lines of pg 97)
Look at how Squealer explains this to the animals -- link this to Orwell’s point about language being used to brainwash people
Uses statistics to convince them that their standard of living has improved
“The animals believed every word of it…Jones and all he stood for had almost faded out of their memories (lines 13-14 from top of pg 98)
More inequalities, privileging of one group over another (last 3 lines of pg 98) -- going against commandment that all animals are equal
Rations are again reduced (middle of pg 99) but the pigs are comfortable
Pigs are getting more privileges – e.g. all the barley, beer, more food, etc
IRONY: the animals believe that “life nowadays had a greater dignity than it had had before.” (pg 99)
Anything significant about Orwell’s use of the word “Spontaneous” to describe the demonstrations? (2nd line)
“They found it comforting to be reminded that, after all, they were truly their own masters and that the work they did was for their own benefit.” -- IRONY
More IRONY: Animal Farm declared a Republic and Napoleon gets elected as President.
Republic refers to a state in which the government is made up of a team. Compare this with how the farm is being run by Napoleon
Note that Orwell is actually satirising (making fun of) nations that claim they are a Republic when actually they are obviously not
More lies about Snowball and Napoleon’s bravery -- 1st para (pg 101)
Re-appearance of Moses – what is Moses’ role?
If the pigs have to undo the lies spread by Moses, why do they allow him back on the farm?
Main incident: Sale of Boxer
Pg 102 – look at how Orwell portrays Boxer -- why do you think he does this just before making him collapse and get sold?
The great deception: what the pigs claim vs the truth
What is different about Benjamin’s behaviour in this chapter?
How does Squealer effectively convince the animals?
How does he squash the rumour that Boxer was being sent to be slaughtered?
How do you think the pigs got the money to buy more whisky? (last 3 lines, pg 107)
What are your feelings towards the animals? Pity? Anger? Disgust? Shock?
Who do you feel more strongly about? The oppressors or the victims?
Chapter 10
Many years have passed -- memories have faded
Snowball and Boxer are forgotten, and so is the rebellion and life before it -- refer to pg 109, 3rd para, lines 3-6 --> what sort of changes have taken place?
“Somehow it seemed as though the farm had grown richer without making the animals themselves any richer – except, of course, for the pigs and the dogs.” (pg 110, 1st 3 lines of 2nd para) -- significance of this?
“They could not remember. There was nothing with which they could compare their present lives” (lines 6-8, pg 111) -- significance of this quote? What does it show?
This is one of the reasons why the animals remain exploited and living in such miserable conditions
“And yet the animals never gave up hope” -- Why do you think so?
“No creature among them went upon two legs. No creature called another creature ‘Master’. All animals were equal” (pg 112, lines 7-9).
Can you identify 2 devices used here? (pg 112)
1.Irony
2.Foreshadowing
A surprising incident happens – the pigs start to walk on 2 legs
“There was a deadly silence” (3rd para, pg 113)
What do you think the mood is like in this scene?
Why do you think the atmosphere is so eerily silent? How do you think the animals are feeling?
The pigs have been breaking the commandments one by one. The total overthrow of all the rules of Animalism is finally shown through the sheeps’ new slogan, “Four legs good, two legs better!”
7 commandments changed to one
Pigs are very closely resembling humans -Carry whips to get work done, Walk on 2 legs, Sleep in beds, Live in houses, Trade and touch money, Wear clothes, Drink alcohol, smoke, etc
What happened to whatever they had fought for?
Meeting with neighbouring farmers – humans and animals meeting on equal grounds
Orwell is satirising (making fun of) the meetings that politicians from various countries have with one another
Humans claim that they are impressed with the way the farm is run – contrast with their earlier reaction
Claim that they face similar problems (e.g. labour)
‘If you have your lower animals to contend with,’ he said, ‘we have our lower classes!’ à what do you make of this statement?
A change Napoleon makes: reverting back to the old name Manor Farm instead of Animal Farm --> implications?
Shows that we have come full circle – life has returned to the state it was at, before the rebellion
Have the animals achieved whatever they had hoped for when they rebelled?
Ending of novel à violent quarrel erupts. Reason? Deeper significance of this?
For the animals observing from the outside, the voices and faces of the pigs and the humans seem to be the same --> what do you think Orwell is trying to put across to his readers?
Do you like the ending of the novel? How else could it have ended?
Why do you think Orwell chose to end the novel in this manner?
Answers to Term 2 practice essay qn
Note: These answers are main points with some evidence and elaboration only. You will have to provide your own interpretation and elaboration in your responses.
George Orwell uses his novel Animal Farm to show that Communism, despite its good intentions, is bound to fail. With close reference to what you have learnt in Animal Farm, explain why you think it is an ideal which cannot be attained. Give examples in your answer.
Intro: What is communism and why it was considered ideal --> equality, fairness/justice, each contributes what he can and takes what he needs. Is supposed to be classless and stateless.
Body:
- Communism often gives rise to dictators, for whom the lure of power is too hard to refuse.
- power-hungry dictator, who gets increasingly corrupt and deceives those under him once he tastes pleasure. E.g. Nap gets all sorts of privileges, like living in the house, sleeping in beds, extra food, no work, beer, etc. --> injustice and no inequality.
- Even if the people show some signs of opposition, e.g. the hens who rebelled, or the 4 young porkers who opposed the abolishment of Sun morn meetings, they will be stifled by the dictator. Because of greed and the desire for unchallenged power, dictators often use intimidation and threat to control those under him and prevent them from rebelling. E.g. Nap uses his fierce guard dogs to chase Snowball out when the vote was going to go his way, and to growl at anyone who shows signs of having opposing views. How can this be Communism when there is clearly a dictator who strives to control?
- expects that people must hero-worship him. à the way Napoleon sets himself up as a cult personality. E.g. comes with security and appears with great ceremony in public, has food taster, etc. Clearly setting himself up as someone with a superior status.
- dictatorship/totalitarian state --> tries to control the way people think and behave, using propaganda to brainwash them (e.g. Napoleon uses Squealer to convince the animals that he is always right, and even confuses them about remembering the commandments wrongly when he has changed them to suit the pigs)
- ignorance of the working class. The working class is often illiterate and exploited and they fail to realise that they are still being exploited. E.g. in Animal Farm, the animals think that they have freedom and are their own masters even after Napoleon has clearly been established as the dictator. They think that as long as Jones is out of the farm, that they are the leaders, unaware that Napoleon has replaced Jones. They willingly get deceived because of their naiveté and are easily convinced by Squealer. For e.g. when Squealer tells them that Snowball is their enemy and he had been fighting on Jones’ side during the Battle of the Cowshed, despite some of them remembering that this was not the case, they allow Squealer to manipulate them into believing otherwise – that Napoleon was the hero of the battle. Their own stupidity and unquestioning loyalty contributes to the rise of a dictator instead of Communism, which is what they strove for at the beginning of the novel.
Conclusion:
- sum up arguments
George Orwell uses his novel Animal Farm to show that Communism, despite its good intentions, is bound to fail. With close reference to what you have learnt in Animal Farm, explain why you think it is an ideal which cannot be attained. Give examples in your answer.
Intro: What is communism and why it was considered ideal --> equality, fairness/justice, each contributes what he can and takes what he needs. Is supposed to be classless and stateless.
Body:
- Communism often gives rise to dictators, for whom the lure of power is too hard to refuse.
- power-hungry dictator, who gets increasingly corrupt and deceives those under him once he tastes pleasure. E.g. Nap gets all sorts of privileges, like living in the house, sleeping in beds, extra food, no work, beer, etc. --> injustice and no inequality.
- Even if the people show some signs of opposition, e.g. the hens who rebelled, or the 4 young porkers who opposed the abolishment of Sun morn meetings, they will be stifled by the dictator. Because of greed and the desire for unchallenged power, dictators often use intimidation and threat to control those under him and prevent them from rebelling. E.g. Nap uses his fierce guard dogs to chase Snowball out when the vote was going to go his way, and to growl at anyone who shows signs of having opposing views. How can this be Communism when there is clearly a dictator who strives to control?
- expects that people must hero-worship him. à the way Napoleon sets himself up as a cult personality. E.g. comes with security and appears with great ceremony in public, has food taster, etc. Clearly setting himself up as someone with a superior status.
- dictatorship/totalitarian state --> tries to control the way people think and behave, using propaganda to brainwash them (e.g. Napoleon uses Squealer to convince the animals that he is always right, and even confuses them about remembering the commandments wrongly when he has changed them to suit the pigs)
- ignorance of the working class. The working class is often illiterate and exploited and they fail to realise that they are still being exploited. E.g. in Animal Farm, the animals think that they have freedom and are their own masters even after Napoleon has clearly been established as the dictator. They think that as long as Jones is out of the farm, that they are the leaders, unaware that Napoleon has replaced Jones. They willingly get deceived because of their naiveté and are easily convinced by Squealer. For e.g. when Squealer tells them that Snowball is their enemy and he had been fighting on Jones’ side during the Battle of the Cowshed, despite some of them remembering that this was not the case, they allow Squealer to manipulate them into believing otherwise – that Napoleon was the hero of the battle. Their own stupidity and unquestioning loyalty contributes to the rise of a dictator instead of Communism, which is what they strove for at the beginning of the novel.
Conclusion:
- sum up arguments
Monday, April 14, 2008
Chapter 10 Discussion Questions
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.
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.
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.
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