Animal Farm Book Test Study Guide

The Seven Commandments are reduced to one commandment. What is it?

All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others

Who can read?

All of the pigs, the goat, and the dogs

Summarize Animalism in one sentence.

Animalism is what it means to be an animal and how to act like an animal. (Four legs good two legs bad)

Why does Old Major think revolution is possible at Manor Farm?

He thinks a revolution is possible because he believes that people should make their own decisions and have the freedom that they deserve

What are Napoleon's ideas about education? Why do you think he believes this?

He thinks that the pigs should be the most educated. He probably thinks this because he educates some, but not as much as others so that he can still be in power and so that others won't question his authority.

If Boxer represents the ignorant working class, who does Mollie, with her affinity for sugar and ribbons, represent?

Mollie represents the upper class who doesn't care about what happens to her as it doesn't affect her.

Mr. Pilkington said that the lower animals on Animal Farm did...

More work and received less food than any other farm in the county.

Describe Moses

Moses is a raven that is also a pet of Mr. Jones. He tells tales and has a clever way of talking. He tells the animals about Sugarcandy Mountain, which animals go to after they die. He represents false hope

What were animals to do if they met a pig on the path?

Move over to the side

Who bought the wood? What was discovered about the banknotes?

Mr. Frederick, the banknotes were forgeries

Describe Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones is supposed to be seen as this annoying, rude person who doesn't care about anyone other than himself. He is an unkind master who indulges himself while his animals lack food therefore, he represents Tsar Nicholas II (of Russia)

Describe Muriel

Muriel is the white goat that lives on the farm. She is one of the more intelligent animals as she is able to read.

Who will raise the dogs? Why?

Napoleon because he can raise them to follow his orders and teach them things the others probably can't understand.

Who earned the Order of the Green Banner? How

Napoleon because he conferred it upon himself.

What was wrong with Napoleon when Squealer said he was dying?

Napoleon got drunk with the pigs and drank all the whiskey.

Explain the significance of the following quote... "...out came Napoleon himself, majestically upright, casting haughty glances from side to side, and with his dogs gambolling round him."

Napoleon is shown to feel even more superior to the animals in this part of the book. He is standing on two legs, with his dogs around him, a whip in hand, and he's sending a message to the other animals that he is leader. By changing the commandments it does not contradict his behavior or any of the other pigs.

Where did Napoleon say he would send Boxer for help?

Napoleon said he would send him to the Hospital

Snowball represents the benevolent leader who believes in the greater good of the entire society, yet there are hints that he too might not follow the Seven Commandments as faithfully as one would expect. Why? What do you learn from the passage above?

Nobody is perfect themselves and everyone has their own flaws. We learned that they would have to break rules in order to get the supplies they need.

What is the relationship between Snowball and Napoleon?

Not good

What was Old Major's dream about?

Of a world in which animals live without the tyranny of men: they are free, happy, well fed, and treated with dignity

Who dislikes wild animals such as rats and rabbits? Are they comrades?

Old Major doesn't like animals such as rats and rabbits. They took a vote and they were made comrades.

Describe Mr. Frederick

Shrewd, involved in lawsuits. hard bargainer. The tough, shrewd operator of Pinchfield, a neighboring farm. Based on Adolf Hitler, the ruler of Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, Mr. Frederick proves an untrustworthy neighbor.

Describe Mr. Whymper

Sly, short, cunning. He was smart enough to realize he could make good commissions. Mr. Whymper is supposed to represent their call for help in their struggle on the farm.

Who are the leaders of the rebellion? Why? What do you think will happen next?

Snowball and Napoleon. Snowball because he is a dreamer and peaceful. (Represents Leon Trotsky) Napoleon because he is a stronger pig who understands issues. (Represents Joseph Stalin) I think that the new leaders/"government" will work at first, but will eventually fail and collapse.

Describe Snowball

Snowball is an outgoing, quick talking, and inventive boar. He doesn't have the same depth of character as Napoleon. Snowball is also a peacemaker. His name starts with snow, and snow is white, and white means peace.

What happened to Snowball?

Snowball was chased out of the farm by Napoleon's dogs. Almost killed.

Who received a reward during the Battle of the Cowshed?

Snowball, Boxer (Animal Hero, First Class) and the dead sheep (Animal Hero, Second Class)

Why do you think the humans were becoming angry and scared?

The humans were becoming angry and scared because they didn't want the animals on other farms to adapt to that idea and eventually start their own revolution.

What evidence is there in the novella that pigs start to change official documents, as well, to modify the past to suit their own needs?

The other evidence is that the animals start to break the commandments. (Start to trade, engage with humans, and sell products)

When Boxer is fallen, what does he say it is? Why do you think he is really sick? How close is he to retirement?

That it's his lung. I think he's sick because he was overworked and that he was going to die soon because of his age. He will retire in a month

What historical facts have changed?

The Commandments and what Snowball has done.

why are the Seven Commandments reduced to a single maxim; who learns it by heart?

The Seven Commandments are shortened so that they can remember them easier because they are stupid. The dogs and the pigs learn it by heart.

What can we establish about the relationship among the animals from this passage?

The animals are a close knit family and work together in order to obtain their goals for the rebellion.

Explain the significance of the following quote... "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

The animals are recognizing that the pigs and man are becoming one. They are like each other and it's hard to tell the difference. They wear the same clothes, they talk the same, and have stubborn and cunning personalities.

Explain why the animals need Moses and why the pigs now tolerate his presence? What has changed?

The animals need the motivation and they have lost hope and given up but Moses gives them hope again. The pigs want the animals to work and Moses motivated them.

What great change happened at the end of this chapter? Why?

The animals no longer sing the Beasts of England because Napoleon doesn't want them to and they never have a time where it makes sense to sing it.

What do you predict will happen?

The animals will realize that Napoleon shouldn't be ruling and that the old way was better.

What message was the author trying to convey?

The author was trying to convey that Napoleon had an oppressive rule and convinced animals that they are worse than they think and that common people were easily tricked and worked to death.

Which animals prove to be the quickest/slowest students and why?

The birds and sheep learn the slowest because they have smaller brains. Quickest- pigs because they are the rulers

Even though the human neighbors come as friends and meet the pigs on terms of equality, it transpires that the two parties do not trust each other. Which incident underlines this message? What do you think the author was trying to say?

The card incident when everyone started yelling at each other and getting mad. He was trying to say that even though the parties were alike, they couldn't cooperate together.

Who aren't hard workers?

The cat, Mollie, and Old Benjamin

What historical facts have changed? Give evidence.

The commandments have changed because when you look at the wall where they were originally posted, they have been re-written. Snowball's role has changed by the false information Squealer has been telling the animals.

Describe the Dogs

The dogs represent KGB (Secret Police) their job is to do whatever Napoleon tells them to do. They are very loyal and smart.

Describe Mr. Pilkington

The easygoing gentleman farmer who runs Foxwood, a neighboring farm. Mr. Frederick's bitter enemy, Mr. Pilkington represents the capitalist governments of England and the United States

What events lead to the beginning of the rebellion?

The events that led up to the beginning of the rebellion were Mr. Jones getting drunk and the farmers/workers not feeding the animals.

In what way is the function of the numerous processions on Animal Farm the same as that of Moses?

They were a distraction and it made them feel successful and that they accomplished something, which motivated them to do more.

When told that the Battle of the Windmill was a victory, Boxer says: ""Then we have won back what we had before". What does this mean?

They won back the windmill Fredericks men destroyed.

What do these changes mean when thinking about the Russian Revolution and communism? What might have actually happened in the past?

This happened in the Russian Revolution and the people got tired of the way the government was being controlling them.

Napoleon is wearing medals. Why is this significant?

This is significant because it shows his ego and his power.

"The Republic of the Animals which Major had foretold, when the green fields of England should be untrodden by human feet, was still believed in." What does this mean? Why is it significant?

This means that Old Major didn't want humans to visit or walk the farm. This is significant because after he died, they did the exact opposite, and the whole plan was his idea

Why is this quote about the dogs significant? "It was noticed that they wagged their tails to [Napoleon] in the same way as the other dogs had been used to do to Mr. Jones"

This meant that the dogs were under full control of Napoleon who could sue them however he pleased an use them for getting insight on others.

What does the quote about Napoleon fathering 31 piglets and the rule about animals moving over for pigs tell you about the social stratification/segregation? Can you list any other examples of segregation in the novella?

This meant that the pigs were a higher class and should be treated better than the other animals. Another example is the pigs got all the milk, beer, apples, beds, clothes, and they get their own room in the house.

The pigs started walking on two legs... How does this act separate the pigs from the rest of the animals, underlining the idea of separate social strata? Which other element signals Napoleon's aspiration to become equal to humans, just like Mr. Jones?

This violates the commandment which pretty much started the revolution and the commandment that identified man as bad. It separates them as more superior to everyone else. Him wearing clothes, drinking, smoking, playing cards, and carrying a whip.

Who can eat apples? Why?

The pigs because they take them to help their "brain power"

At the end of the chapter, the milk disappeared. What happened to it? What does this mean?

The pigs take the milk after Napoleon distracts them. This shows the beginning of a corrupt government.

What was painted on the wall opposite the Seven Commandments?

The poem about Napoleon

What happens after Old Major dies, and before the rebellion?

The principles of a philosophy called Animalism were made

What propaganda is being spread on the farm? In chapter 7?

The propaganda being spread on the farm is how Snowball acted and how he is a traitor. But, also that they aren't running out of food.

What is the role of Sugarcandy Mountain in the animals' lives?

The role is that it gives them false hope and it gives them an example of something they can never have, but strive for anyway.

Describe the Sheep

The sheep are common folks/workers who weren't thought of as individuals but as a working whole.

What may be implied with the pigs changing their common history and what does the author suggest about the way human memory works?

The thing that may be implied is that humans change what they believe in so that they can't seem perfect and go through life with a clean slate/happy viewpoint.

What happened to the windmill?

The windmill is in ruins. Napoleon blames this destruction on Snowball, saying he came to the farm under cover of darkness to destroy the windmill. He even shows them pig footprints that seemingly lead to a hole in the hedge. The other animals are deeply shocked at Snowball's treachery.

What are the animals proud of?

They are proud of their accomplishments with their literacy and the effectiveness of the rebellion.

What do the animals do after the humans are run off of the farm?

They destroy all the instruments of oppression they can find, such as dog chains, whips, and the knives used to castrate the pigs.

What lies did the humans tell about Animal Farm?

They said that the animals were fighting each other and starving to death, or that they reverted to cannibalism.

What do the pigs begin to do that horrifies and amazes the other animals in chapter 10?

They start to walk on two legs.

What is the other farm animals' attitude to this division of roles?

They think it is natural for everyone to fall into social classes based on their skill set

Snout

animal nose

Sentimentality

being sentimental (emotional rather than logical)

In League With

working together with

Which sentence signals that the animals have already been convinced of Snowball's wrongdoings?

"The animals were shocked beyond measure to learn that even Snowball could be guilty of such an action."

Clamored

(clamor) strong demand for something by many people

Procured

(procure) to obtain

What are the following characters roles on Napoleon's dictatorship? - Dogs - Squealer - The Sheep

- Force/Military - Message Deliver/Persuader - Having people who will blindly follow him.

Parallels In Animal Farm... - A national anthem (The Star- Spangled Banner) - Awards for bravery during war (Purple Heart) - Set of rules to live by (Ten Commandments) - Commemoration days (Memorial Day) - A national flag (Stars and Stripes)

- The Beasts of England - Animal Hero, First and Second Class - The 7 commandments - Battle of the Cowshed and Midsummer Day - Green with a Hoof and Horn

In Napoleon's last speech, what changes does he make about: - The word "Comrade" - The boar's skull - The flag - The name of the farm

- They would no longer call each other "Comrade" - The skull was buried and they would no longer march past it. - There was no white hoof or horn anymore. - "Animal Farm" had been abolished and it went back to "Manor Farm"

Describe Mollie

A foolish, pretty white mare, who likes sugar and ribbons. She doesn't care about the rebellion, and only learns to read and spell her own name. She is vain and doesn't like hard work. She likes the attention that humans give her.

Describe Old Benjamin

A old donkey, the oldest animal on the farm he is also depressed and sees the changes about the rulers being corrupt but realizes after it's too late

Harness

A set of straps used on animals

Who died during the Battle of the Cowshed?

A sheep

Why did the animals feel a "vague uneasiness" again (page 63).

Because Napoleon was doing actions similar to Jones and other events were making them feel like they did with Jones.

Why do the pigs consider the raven's idea as counter-revolutionary?

Because the Raven is with Jones' side.

What kind of 'government' does Animal Farm represent before Napoleon's seizure of power? Is democracy even possible?

Before it was more of a democracy. Now, democracy isn't possible.

Why are birds included in Animalism maxim? What do hands represent?

Birds are included because they are still animals, they just unfortunately only have two legs. Hands represent the 'mark of man' and an 'instrument with which he does all his mischief.'

Describe Boxer

Boxer is a large, dumb horse with a white stripe down his nose. He is respected for his steady character and work ability. He is of good character, loyal, and works his heart out.

In Squealer's speech about the Pigs taking the apples... How does he make the pigs sound unselfish and dedicated?

By pretending that they don't like milk and apples, but are eating them to protect the others.

Describe Clover

Clover is a large mare that had four foals and is approaching middle age. She has lost some of her beauty after her last foal. She is very motherly and caring towards everyone.

Summarize the events of the Battle of the Windmill.

Fredericks men came and shot some of the animals, Fredericks mean try to knock down the windmill. then the men ran away after the animals charged at them.

Describe Old Major

He is an old prize winning boar who is respected by all animals. He is also the pig that came up with animalism, white boar, highly regarded by other animals. Gave idea of the revolution

In Squealer's speech about the Pigs taking the apples... What threat does he use to convince the animals?

He says that if the pigs fail at staying healthy and don't rule effectively, Jones will come back.

Disheartened

Discouraged or having lost hope

Old Majors Speech Persuasive Techniques: - Rule of Three - Exaggeration - Alliteration - Repetition - Rhetorical Questions - Emotive Language

Examples: - "Let us face it: our lives are miserable, laborious, and short." - "Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself." - "Is it not crystal clear, then, comrades" - Comrades, never, enemies - "Now, comrades, what is the nature of this life of ours?" - "Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest, that the prosperity of the one is the prosperity of the others. It is all lies. Man serves the interests of no creature except himself. And among us animals let there be perfect unity, perfect comradeship in the struggle. All men are enemies. All animals are comrades."

What is the new maxim?

Four legs good, two legs better

Why does Snowball want to build a windmill? How did Napoleon feel? The other animals?

He wanted to produce electricity. Napoleon was against this idea but the other animals liked it.

As mentioned above, already Snowball must have predicted the inevitability of trading with humans and, consequently, contemplated betraying the original postulates of Animalism. But for his banishment, would Snowball have become a much different leader than Napoleon?

He would've been about the same because the power would've gotten to his head and it doesn't matter because they both broke the rules, showing a corrupt government.

Soon after becoming the new leader, Napoleon starts to rewrite history, beginning by changing Snowball's role in the course of historical events. How is Snowball's role changed?

His role has changed because he is made the enemy.

Describe retirement on Animal Farm. What ages do the animals retire? Why will they get?

Horses and Pigs-12, Cows-14, Dogs-9, Sheep- 7, Hens and Geese- 5. They were supposed to get a section of the land reserved for themselves.

Why are humans considered the enemies of the animals?

Humans are considered the enemies of the animals because they limit the animals abilities.

Why do you think Orwell chose to write an allegorical, fictional novel instead of non-fiction? Do you think his story is realistic?

I think he wrote it this way to make real life situations more understandable. I do think his story is realistic.

The maxim of Animalism, "Four legs good, two legs bad" is about to change in the next chapter. Based on the past events, and what you know about the pigs, make a few predictions about the new maxim.

I think that the pigs will start walking. (Four legs okay, two legs good)

In the novella, the windmill is a recurring motif, taking on a number of symbolic meanings. In your opinion, what could the windmill stand for before and after its destruction in the eyes of the pigs and in the eyes of the remaining farm animals?

I think the windmill could represents unity because once snowball gets kicked out, it falls apart and they struggle to put it back together.

How did work change on Animal Farm?

It was less fair and animals didn't get equal rights.

What are some possible themes for Animal Farm?

Leadership and corruption, control of naive working class, lies and deception, and dreams and hopes

Describe Napoleon

Low-born; short; smart; ambitious; courageous. Was not much of the talker but he had a reputation for getting his own way. Napoleon also represents Stalin. Napoleon was a famous general who was very hard and serious who did whatever he set his mind to.

Who is the enemy? Why?

Man because they don't do any work but control and take everything they want without giving anything back.

What happened to many animals? Why?

Many animals were executed because Napoleon wanted to get rid of some of the animals and those who were considered to have worked with Snowball were executed.

How are the Other Farm Animals lifestyles after they've deviated from the initial ideas of Animalism.

Meanwhile life was hard. Worked hard Had to follow all rules Didn't get enough food Were treated as unequals Thought of as a whole and not individuals Were tricked Were uneducated

Who did not take part in the Battle of Cowshed? What does this say about them?

Mollie did not. This says that she doesn't believe in the rebellion

What happened to Mollie? Why?

Mollie got stroked by a farmer. She ran away to another farm. She also stole ribbons. She wanted to feel loved and wanted it to go back to way it was.

How, when and where was Napoleon's decision to commence trade with people made? Have the pigs used a similar method in decision-making before?

Napoleon's decision was made by himself in the meeting and he made it when they were running out of supplies and he didn't ask for other people's opinions. Pigs used similar method when deciding on who would get what roles, rations, or food.

The animals think that Boxer is going to the knackers. Napoleon says it is an old knackers van, but he really went to the hospital. Who do you believe? Do you have any evidence from the book?

No. Evidence from the book is that they needed money and food so they probably sold Boxer. Also, all he talked about was how Boxer believed in Napoleon.

One of the main principles of Animalism is "All animals are equal". Do you think this principle is still followed? Use the book to support your answer.

No. The pigs are treated better than all other animals. The commandment was even changed to "all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others"

How was Napoleon referred to formally?

Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon

Why do the animals dislike Moses' story about Sugarcandy Mountain? What is it a metaphor for?

Perhaps they want the animals to focus on work and not the afterlife. This is a metaphor for the Soviet Union and all the work they made people do and how government doesn't want people to be distracted from the main goal.

Who seems to be more important than the others; why? Write down the animals from the most to the least important, depending on where they sit.

Pigs seem to be more important than the others. The reason being that they have a higher education level. Pigs-horses-dogs-birds-sheep-donkey-cat

Why did Orwell choose the pigs as leaders, dogs as guards, horses as workers, etc. What traits do these animals and their historical counterparts have?

Pigs were chosen as leaders because they are seen as arrogant animals. Dogs are seen as protective, and horses are seen as strong animals who can withstand work.

What are the pros and cons of an animal rebellion?

Pros: a bad "government" will be replaced by a new one Cons: Security and Safety is gone, the new "government" has to be better than the old one or else it won't work, running a government is hard.

What would pigs wear on Sundays?

Ribbons

What are Snowball's oratory skills like and how does he get support?

Says lots of loaded language and is very persuasive. He gets his support through speaking to the animals and using logic.

What are Napoleon's oratory skills like and how does he get support?

Says very few words and doesn't talk much. He gets support through violence/fear.

Why does Napoleon take the nine newborn puppies into seclusion?

So he can teach them his values and morals.

Identify this reason on the basis of the above text passages from the text.

Some animals have a better education than others.

What changes have occurred to the principles of Animalism?

Some of the Commandments have changed. (No animals shall drink alcohol, no animal shall sleep in a bed, no animals shall kill another animal.)

In Squealer's speech about the Pigs taking the apples... What are some persuasive techniques he uses?

Some persuasive techniques he uses are loaded language and an emotional appeal.

Cannibalism

Something that eats its own kind

Describe Squealer

Squealer is a boar with plump cheeks, a shrill voice, quick movements, and twinkling eyes. Napoleon's right hand man, spreads ideas. Is a brilliant talker. He is very persuasive. He spreads propaganda.

At this point, most animals truly believe Napoleon is responsible for all things good on the farm. For example, some hens said "Under the guidance of our Leader, Comrade Napoleon, I have laid five eggs in six days" (page 93). Why do all animals believe this?

Squealer persuades them into thinking it

Where do they take Boxer?

To a horse slaughterer.

What is Squealer's role?

To deliver messages and persuade people to believe in Napoleon.

Why does Napoleon want to plant barley? How does this affect the principles of Animalism?

To make alcohol. It affects the principles of Animalism because no animals is to drink alcohol yet Napoleon is planting barley so he can make alcohol and drink it.

What was Mr. Whymper's role?

To sell the things the animals produced.

What was Pinkeye's job?

To taste the food and make sure it wasn't poisoned.

Describe the Chickens/Hens

When Napoleon demands that the hens give up their eggs, they are not happy about it. The hen uprising is the first hint of rebellion at Animal Farm. Rather than give up their eggs to be sold to the humans, the hens drop them so that they are "smashed to pieces on the floor" Therefore they are rebellious animals who stand up for what is theirs.

What happens to young pigs when they get older? What does Jones do with old dogs?

When the pigs get older, they are slaughtered from their meat and the old dogs are drowned in a nearby pond. He ties a brick around their necks and drowns them in the pond.

Are there any similarities to human society?

Yes there are many similarities to human society based off of the characters thoughts and actions

Coccidiosis

a disease

Sow

a female pig

Drawing Room

a formal living room

Resolution

a formal statement that expresses he decision of a group

Dynamo

a machine that produces electricity

Scoundrels

a person who is cruel of dishonest

Demeanor

a person's behavior or appearance

Pretext

a reason that you give when you want to hide your true reason for doing something

Hullabaloo

a situation in which many people are confused or upset

Rations

a specific amount of food or supplies

Fifteen Stone

a stone is a unit of weight measurement (1 stone = 14 lbs)

Maxim

a well-known phrase that expresses a general truth about life or a rule about behavior

Pullet

a young chicken

Shrewd

ability to understand things

Posthumously

after death

Ignominious

causing disgrace or shame

Commanded a view

command+obj) a place where you can clearly see something

Idle

doing nothing; not working

Rash

done quickly and without thought

Tractable

easily controlled

Manifestly

easy to understand or recognize

Malignity

evilness

Expounded

explained in detail

Expulsion

forcing someone to leave

Treachery

harmful things that are done secretly

Ambush

hiding and waiting in order to attack

In principle

in a general way without paying attention to details

Parasitical

like a parasite; taking advantage of

Shrill

loud, high-pitched and piercing

Lowing

mooing like a cow

Scheme

plan

Sowing

planting seeds

Obstinate

refusing to change your beliefs or ideas

Stove in

smashed inward

Disciples

someone who accepts and spreads the teachings of a person

Superannuated

someone who is old and no longer useful

How are the Pigs Lifestyle after they've deviated from the initial ideas of Animalism?

the pigs seemed comfortable enough, and in fact were putting in weight if anything ... Pigs were living in luxury Were identical to humans Made and break all the rules

Windfall

things that fall because of wind (like fruit)

Indefatigable

tireless

Marshal

to arrange or prepare in an organized way

Milling Corn

to grind corn into a powder

Accumulated

to increase gradually over time

Gambol

to jump or skip about playfully

Infanticide

to kill babies

Square

to pay money that is owed

Rack

to think very hard in order to remember something

In a body

together

Implements

tools

Rheumy

watery

Accord

with one accord) (formal British English) all together