ch 6 & 7

Why did the hens rebel? What is ironic about this situation?

Because Napoleon was going to take their eggs and sell them. This is ironic because humans trade and Napoleon told the hens that they wouldn't be like them

How is Boxer portrayed? What do his efforts and his statements, "I will work harder" and "Napoleon is always right," represent?

Boxer is portrayed as an extremely hard worker and his statements represent unquestionable belief and loyalty in the leadership.

Boxer at first objects to the characterization of Snowball's behavior at the Battle of the Cowshed as treachery. Confused, he says, "I do not believe that [Snowball was less than brave or loyal at the battle]." But Squealer breaks down his resistance to the propaganda when he says that Napoleon has declared categorically that it is so. What is Bower's response?

Boxer says that since Napoleon said it, it must be true

As they look down on the farm, what are Clover's thoughts?

Clover is thinking that she will continue to follow her orders and not go out of line

Napoleon (and at this point he seems to be living up to his namesake), is growing more distant and is not seen in public very often. How does he deal with the rebellion of the hens?

He cuts down their rations, which kills some of them

What comment on human nature might Orwell be making in this exchange between Comrade Napoleon and Boxer?

He is claiming that people are easily shifted when they believe in something like their leader, and that propaganda is very persuasive to changing minds.

What is ironic and unstated about the opening paragraph?

In the opening paragraph, it's ironic because instead of working for humans, they are working for pigs that have the same goals that the humans did.

How does Napoleon use the propaganda technique of "the big lie"?

Napoleon is using Snowball as a scapegoat for the wind in blaming him for destroying the windmill. This deflects blame and causes fear.

What is suggested by the "very ugly look" Squealer gives Boxer? (Pg. 91)

Squealer is probably planning something for what seems like Boxer knows too much and should be stopped before he gets too smart for his own good.

Why does Squealer say the song, Beasts of England is no longer appropriate? What is sung in its place?

Squealer says it's no longer appropriate because it is singing about how they want to be free of the humans and start their own revolution, which already happened so it is not necessary anymore. Instead, a new song is written by minimus.

What is Squealer's task at this point?

Squealers task is to make the animals question their own thoughts and manipulate them into believing that he is right, called gas lighting.

The bloody scene in front of the farmhouse comes next. How might the confessions or killings relate to Russia in the 1930's?

Stalin staged a number of purges (show trials) that forced people to "confess" into their work with Trotsky.

On pages 75-77, Why are the animals becoming uneasy?

The animals are becoming uneasy because they don't remember what has happened in the past because nothing is written down.

When the blood-letting ends, what do the animals do? What are their feelings?

The animals huddle up and feel that what they witnessed shouldn't of happened but then they sing the beasts of england

Why does that author never comment on the injustices and lies, but only presents them to the reader?

The author doesn't put in his own commentary because he wants the readers to come up with their own opinions and realize how bad it has come to by themselves.

What else is Snowball blamed for?

The destruction of the windmill, breaking eggs, smashing windows and plotting to destroy animal farm with the help of neighboring farms (pinchfield).

What two meanings could be given to the phrase in that paragraph, "the animals worked like slaves"?

The phrase could mean that they are slaves to the pigs or that they are working really hard, just like slaves would.

In what ways are the pigs abusing their leadership offices?

The pigs are abusing their leadership offices by using the farmhouse, sleeping in the beds, not doing any work, walking up and hour later and eating all of the food products.

In what ways are the pigs beginning to behave like humans?

The pigs are beginning to behave like humans by engaging in trade and commerce by using an intermediary, Mr. Whymper.

How do the pigs justify the fact that they are now sleeping in bed?

The pigs change the amendments to say sleeping on the bed with sheets is not allowed so the pigs sleep on the beds without sheets. They also say that if they don't get a good amount of sleep, they won't be able to work as hard and if that happens, Jones will come back.