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.