Animal Farm Discussion Qns for Chap 1

Please complete the answers for these questions. They are meant to be short answer questions but NOT one word answer questions. Most of them require some explanation so please take the time to write out your responses because they will help you understand the novel better.

1. Do you agree with what Old Major says about the "nature of this life of ours"? Why or why not?

Ans: Students can agree or disagree but have to be clear about their stand and justidy their answer. For exampls, if you agree with Old major, you have to explain that animals are unjustily treated by man because they are overworked, underfed, treated like slaves, and slaughtered once they are not useful.


2. Is Old Major right or wrong in saying that Man is the source of all the problems that animals face? Why?
--> when answering this question, please write whether this is a fair or unfair comment, looking both from Man's and the animals' perspectives. Please provide your answer in table format.

Ans: Students can say that Old Major is right or wrong, depending on their reasoning. In addition, they have to evaluate whether the statement is fair or not. For example, students can say that Old Major is right in saying that Man is the source of all the problems animals face, becuse it is man who overworks them without caring for their welfare, and who inflicts many injustices upon them. Or they could say that it is wrong to say that Man is the source of all the problems because much later in the novel, we realise that even after Man is removed and Napoleon takes charge, the animals still live a similar, if not worse, life. Therefore, it is greed for power that is the source of all problems rather than Man.

From Man's perspective, the comment would probably unfair. Man is the more intelligent one so he would naturally control animals. He depends on animals for their produce and in return, provides them with food and shelter. Thus, it is unfair to say that Man is the source of all the animals' problems. Since even when an animal rules over them (Napoleon) they are overworked, underfed and unhappy, it is not fair to blame Man totally.

From the animals' perspectives, the comment would be fair - Man is the one who takes away all their produce like their milk and their babies although he doesnt produce anything. He gives them only enough food to survive and mercilessly ends their lives when they are no longer useful.


3. What do you understand by the phrase "the tyranny of human beings"? (pg 17)

It refers to the unjust, unreasonble and cruel treatment of the animals by human beings.


4. Is rebellion your response to tyranny and oppression? Why or why not?

Ans: Students can choose to rebel or not but must provide reasons for their choice.For those who choose to rebel, they could say that they were so unhappy with the injustices carried out on them and that they had no freedom and hence, chose to rebel so as to be in control of their own lives.
For those who choose not to rebel, perhaps they can say that they would try to negotiate with Man first (assuming that animals and Man can communicate, since later on Napoleon does talk to the farmer he trades with). Or they could say that if they rebelled, they future would be uncertain and they would have no choice but to run the farm themselves,. finding food and shelter on their own even though they were not used to doing these things.

5. Why do you think the animals sing 'Beasts of England' so enthusiastically?

Ans: They are motivated by Old major's speech and the song gives them hope that they are going to have a better future, in which they are not exploited/ oppressed.