Chapter 6 Discussion Questions

1. What word, in the second paragraph, is used by Orwell in a heavily ironic way, to show that Napoleon is becoming more dictatorial?

Ans: The word Orwell uses is "voluntary".


2. What advantages are there for the animals in running their own farm?

Ans: They only had to feed themselves, not humans who only consumed without producing. The animal method of doing things was also more efficient and labour saving - e.g. weeding was done more thoroughly by the animals than by humans. No animal stole now, and thus, no fences or gates were needed to separate the fields.


3. In what way is Snowball so useful to Napoleon, even though he has been expelled from the farm?

Ans: Even though Snowball has been expelled from the farm, he is useful to Napoleon because he is the scapegoat. For example, although the windmill collapsed because of strong wind and because it was built weak, Napoleon blames Snowball for destroying it. Squealer also says that it was Snowball who probably spread lies about there being the resolution against engaging in trade and touching money.By making Snowball appear as the enemy, Napoleon can make himself look like the good guy who is needed in order for the animals to be safe and to survive.


4. How does Orwell show that to be literate, to be able to read and write, is not enough, if you cannot understand the significance of what you have read?

Ans: Clover thinks that she remembers a commandment against sleeping on beds. She is suspicious and so she asks Muriel to read the commandment to her. However, the pigs have already modified the commandment, thus Muriel does not realise that the original commandment was different from the modified one. Therefore, she cannot understand that the animals are being cheated by Napoleon and Squealer. Even though these animals can read and write to some extent, their education has not really benefited them because they fail to realise that they are being brainwashed by the 2 pigs.


5. Why do you think that Benjamin refuses to "grow enthusiastic" about the windmill?

Ans: He is someone who is always cynical and is also wise in the sense that he does not get overly happy/enthusiastic or overly sad. He just lives his life in a calm manner without much hope. He probably feels that it is no use to be very enthusiastic because their lives are not going to change.