Farmer Jones = Czar Nicholas II

• Farmer Jones– The irresponsible owner of the farm– Lets his animals starve and beats them with a whip– Sometimes shows random kindness

• Czar Nicholas II– Weak Russian leader during the early 1900s – Often cruel and brutal to his subjects– Displays isolated kindess

Characters• Old Major

– An old boar whose speech about the evils perpetrated by humans rouses the animals into rebelling.

– His philosophy concerning the tyranny of Man is named Animalism.

– He teaches the animals the song “Beasts of England”

– Dies before revolution

• Karl Marx– The inventor of communism– Wants to unite the working class to

overthrow the government.– Dies before the Russian Revolution

Animalism = Communism• Animalism– Taught by Old Major– No rich, but no poor– Better life for

workers– All animals are equal– Everyone owns the

farm

• Communism– Invented by Karl

Marx– All people are equal– Government owns

everything– People own the

government

Snowball = Leon Trotsky• Snowball

– Boar who becomes one of the rebellion’s most valuable leaders.

– After drawing complicated plans for the construction of a windmill, he is chased off of the farm forever by Napoleon’s dogs and thereafter used as a scapegoat for the animals’ troubles.

• Leon Trotsky– A pure communist leader who was

influenced by the teachings of Karl Marx.

– He wanted to improve life for people in Russia, but was driven away by Lenin’s KGB.

Napoleon = Joseph Stalin• Napoleon

– Boar who leads the rebellion against Farmer Jones

– After the rebellion’s success, he systematically begins to control all aspects of the farm until he is an undisputed tyrant.

• Joseph Stalin– The communist dictator of the Soviet

Union from 1922-1953 who killed all who opposed him.

– He loved power and used the KGB (secret police) to enforce his ruthless, corrupt antics.

Squealer vs. Propaganda Dept. of Stalin’s Government

Squealer• Big mouth, talks a lot• Convinces animals to

believe and follow Napoleon

• Changes and manipulates the commandments

Propaganda Department• Worked for Stalin to

support his image• Used any lie to convince

the people to follow Stalin

• Benefited from the fact that education was controlled

The Dogs vs. KGB (Secret Police)

The Dogs• A private army that

used fear to force animals to work

• Killed or intimidated any opponent of Napoleon

• Another part of Napoleon’s strategy to control animals

KGB (Secret Police)• Not really police but

forced support for Stalin• Used force, often killed

entire families for disobedience

• Totally loyal, part of Stalin’s power, even over army

Moses the Raven vs. ReligionMoses the Raven• Tells animals about

SugarCandy mountain• Animals can go there if they

work hard• Snowball and Major were

against him• They thought Heaven was a

lie to make animals work• Napoleon let him stay b/c he

taught animals to work and not complain

Religion• Marx said, “Opiate of the

people” – A LIE!• Used to make people not

complain and do their work

• Religion was tolerated b/c people would work

• Stalin knew religion would stop violent revolutions

Mollie the Mare vs. Vain, selfish people in Russia and world

Mollie the Mare• Was vain – loved her

beauty and self• Didn’t think about the

Animal Farm• Went with anyone who

gave her what she wanted

Vain, selfish Russian people• Some people didn’t care

about revolution• Only thought about

themselves• Went to other countries

that offered more for them

Boxer vs. Dedicated, but Tricked, Communist Supporters

Boxer• Strong, hard-working

horse – believes in Animal Farm

• “Napoleon is always right”, “I must work harder”

• Gives his all, is betrayed by Napoleon

Dedicated, but Tricked Supporters

• People believed Stalin b/c he was “Communist”

• Many stayed loyal after it was obvious Stalin was a tyrant

• Betrayed by Stalin who ignored and killed them

Benjamin vs. Skeptical people in and outside of Russia

Benjamin• Old, wise donkey who is

suspicious of revolution• Thinks “nothing ever

changes” – is RIGHT!• His suspicions are true

about Boxer and sign changes

Skeptical people• Weren’t sure revolution

would change anything• Realized that a crazy

leader can call himself “communist”

• Knew that Communism wouldn’t work with hungry leaders

Animal Farm Revolution = Russian Revolution

• Animal Farm Revolution– Was supposed to make

life better for all, but . . .• Life was worse at the end.• The leaders became the

same as, or worse than the other farmers (humans) they rebelled against.

• Russian Revolution– Was supposed to fix

the problems created by the Czar, but . . .• Life was even worse

after the revolution.• Stalin made the Czar

look like a nice guy.

More Characters

Pilkington Jones' neighbor, he finds a way to profit from Animal Farm by forming an alliance with the

pigs. Muriel

A goat who believes in the rebellion, she watches as Animal Farm slips away from its

founding principles. The Sheep

Not tremendously clever, the sheep remind themselves of the principles of animalism by

chanting "four legs good, two legs bad."

Characters and Their Historical Correlation

• Muriel: Goat, helps convey the rules/7 commandments • Mr. Jones: Manor Farm, Tsar Nicholas II• Mr. Frederick: Pinchfield Farm, Hitler/Nazi Germany• Mr. Pilkington: Foxwood Farm, Capitalist England/U.S.A.• Mr. Whymper: Human Solicitor, ties humans and animals

together• Jessie and Bluebell/Pups: Dogs, Stalin’s brute force-rep. of

Hitler’s brainwashed society• Minimus: Poet Pig, Manipulator of History (Songs)

Chapter 1 (Summary)• Drunken Mr. Jones to bed/animals meet in the barn• Major Wishes to pass his wisdom

– Talks about miserable lives and manipulation/born as slaves• Could live in luxury given the resources• Use the products of their labors

• Dream from the Previous Night– Live free and happy– Animals vs. humans (2 legged walking ‘creatures’)– Once they take the humans they can’t acquire their traits

• Ex: live in a house, sleep in beds, drink, smoke, $, clothes, trade (p. 31)

– “Beasts of England” ---an animal Utopia• Mr. Jones fires a shotgun and stops the commotion

Chapter 1 (Analysis)

• “Beasts of England”- the animals will finally be free from man’s domination—enjoy the fruits of their labors

• The song words lead to a ‘false reality’– (Reality vs. a Dream Utopia)

• Major’s simple belief is that ‘Man’ is the only reason for their evil (makes it easy for anyone non human to buy in to the situation– Idea touches on class struggle, surplus value, and domination– Idea is sincere, but it’s only a fantasy—just like . . .– Major states: “All animals are equal”

• Lenin dies just as Major-leaving his work unfinished• Ch. 1=Historic to period before and during WWI

– Ends with great unrest!

Chapter 2 (Summary)• Napoleon/Snowball description (35)• The Rebellion-Animals take farm and preserve the house• Animalism• Moses-Sugar Candy Mountain• 7 Commandments:

– 1. 2 legs is the enemy– 2. 4 legs or wings is a friend– 3. No clothes– 4. No bed– 5. No alcohol– 6. Not kill any other animal– 7. All animals are equal

Chapter 2 (Analysis)• Russian Revolution Becomes very clear

– Manor Farm- Part feudal, Part capitalist = Russia• Major represents Marx’s philosophy of communism, and Lenin

who enacted it = Animalism– Animals=working class (esp. Boxer and Clover)

• Pigs = intelligentsia (organized and controlled the Rev.)• Squealer = Propaganda• Moses = Russian Orthodox Church• Mollie = Bourgeoisie (Luxuries)• Russia began with noble ideas including moral dignity and

equality-quickly gone on Animal Farm• Orwell’s description of pre-rebellion misery-social inequality

and mistreatment of workers

Chapter 3 (Summary)• “4 legs good, 2 legs bad” -• Pigs take charge/superiority-

– take the milk– Raise the pups

• A lot of work is done- BOXER “I will/must work harder”• Flag with hoof and horn (Russian Flag)• Snowball and Napoleon fight• Pigs take human ways• Socialists goals became meaningless tools used for control• 4 legs/2 legs—what about wings?• Dog Army• Manipulation by Squealer-(p52 or last page of Chapter 3)

Chapter 3 (Analysis)• Boxer’s (People’s) blind faith in the system• Imbalance of knowledge and literacy

– Pigs/Stalin-sole guardians of Animal Farm/Russian principals• 7 Commandments

– Antihuman directive (no clothes), moral values (no kill other animal), utopian ideas (all animals equal)• 4 legs good/2 legs bad=not part of the above ideals

– Propaganda was used to ignore their own unhappiness/shift focus

• Squealer = Propaganda to control the people• Satire – “Good of the State” –emphasizes Russia’s own

downfall-pokes fun

Chapter 4 (Summary)

• The Short Version– Battle of Cowshed– Medals: Animal Hero First Class• Snowball and Boxer

Chapter 4 (Analysis)• Allusion: Julius Caesar (Snowball studying JC’s campaigns)• Russian Interwar Period• Trotsky: In order for Communism to work, it has to be global• Domino Effect = Non communists become communist

– Pres. Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson used this to justify military involvement in Turkey, Greece, and Vietnam

• Rumors spread of Russia• People fight but don’t understand what their fighting for

– Their own oppression = Irony• Orwell was (perhaps) denouncing Comm. & non-Comm.

– Mr. Jones = Irresponsible/Neglect– Mr. P = Doesn’t do anything

Chapter 5 (Summary)• Mollie decides to change sides• Napoleon/Snowball argue a lot

– Each campaign for supporters• Windmill plans completed – debate over the project• Snowball is attacked and ousted• Napoleon takes power (Pig Power)• Boxer adds to his ‘catch phrase’ “I will work harder”

– “Napoleon is always right”

Chapter 5 (Analysis)• Napoleon rises as did Stalin

– Snowball/Trotsky is banished• Stalin has his own secret police (intelligentsia) = Dogs• 3rd World Country (p64)- Build technology/electricity

– Stalin first balked at it, then adopted it as his own idea• Orwell was part of a Trotskyist group in the late 1930’s during the

Spanish Civil War– Could be why Snowball is looked at in a positive manner

• Importance of technological advances in Russia is essential– Much effort was put into the overall change– As previously mention-Stalin shunned it at 1st, then took it as his own

Chapter 6 (Summary)• Work weeks were now 60hr/wk and work on Sundays• Food rations were cut• Animals eager to take more work b/c it’s for their own benefit• Mr. Whimper-Human solicitor introduced

– Used to obtain outside goods needed (iron, nails, paraffin oil)• Pigs now live and sleep in farm house• Commandments changed

– No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets• Storm destructs windmill

– Supposed work of Snowball• Snowball is given a death sentence

Chapter 6 (Analysis)• Government Oppression (not just in Russia)

– Overworked working class– Government justified luxuries – Propaganda is used to cover up mistakes

• Governments tend to blame others for their own deficiencies and wrong doings to keep their own standing– Ex: Communist Russia vs. Trotskyism– Ex: U.S.A. vs. Communism

• By shifting the blame it is easy to manipulate• Orwell’s idea: Tyranny is Cyclical

– More Power = More Corrupt = Become what is was in 1st place• Pigs evolve into grotesque human beings-increased resemblance of humans

Chapter 7 (Summary)• Harsh winter w/ food shortage – Animals are misled• Humans don’t believe Snowball ruined wall-rebuilt at 3’ thick• Egg shortage- increased export/morally wrong

– Hens rebel and 9 die• Snowball’s supposed visits to farm- Everything blamed on him

– ‘Tied’ to Pinchfield (associate of Mr. Jones)– Battle of Cowshed bravery taken away and used against him – Napoleon’s battle bravery is hyped up– Squealer’s persuasion makes them believe

• Napoleon stages a purge and takes more power– Pigs are forced to falsely confess to conspiracy w/ Snowball

• They are said to be ‘Trotskyists’ and immediately killed • Boxer stands up for the animals-Napoleon immediately stops Boxer• Egg rebellion confession- 3 more hens killed

Chapter 7 (Summary Cont.)• Boxer’s explanation of problem at hand

– The fault is our own = WORK HARDER• Clover wonders how farm could have gotten like it is

– Animals not smart enough to figure it out• Squealer: “No more beasts of England”

– Song only applies to the rebellion-no need for rebellion now• New song with no inspiration

– “Animal Farm. . .”- Glorifies the situation

Chapter 7 (Analysis)• Stalin’s 5 year plan for agriculture resulted in starvation of

millions– Industrial production was also down

• Violent tactics of oppressive governments– Massive class divisions in egalitarian/true communist society

• Stalin also had ‘show trials’ (trials w/ preset outcome)– Forced people to admit Trotskyism– People tortured until admission then executed

• Stalin kept a common enemy- Trotsky– Create fear for people-no one challenged his rule

• Manipulated statistics- illusion that all is good/better• Fear installed b/c people believe propaganda• An indestructible dictatorship formed-far from communism

Chapter 8 (Summary)• No kill commandment is changed to “. . . w/out cause”• Animals work harder to rebuild windmill• Very cold winter with famine• Napoleon takes title of “Leader”• Minimus writes a poem on barn praising Napoleon• Controversy between Frederick and Pilkington w/ firewood• Windmill is finished-Mr. F. and men blow it up– Several animals are killed/Boxer is injured

• Pigs get drunk• Squealer caught w/ paint brush (changing commandments)– Animals not smart enough to figure it out

• Alcohol Commandment Changed to “. . . In excess”

Chapter 8 (Analysis)• Overall idea of manipulated rules and govt. to benefit the

politically and militaristic powers• Minimus’s Poem: great irony/satire of patriotic rhetoric

– Creates a misdirection (propaganda) for the public• Pilkington vs. Frederick Incident

– Russia/Stalin’s back and forth nature of siding with Germany and then the Allies at the outset of WWII

– @ last moment, Stalin signs a non-aggression pact with Hitler– Hitler (Frederick) betrays his word and invades Western Russia killing

25 million Russians and destroying much of the infrastructure built up during the Russian Revolution

– This is known as the Battle of Stalingrad

Chapter 9 (Summary)• Start to rebuild the Windmill• Boxer grows weak• Food Shortage Evident (but not for Pigs and Dogs)

– They say it’s still better than Mr. Jones’s era• Napoleon has 31 piglets w/ 4 sows-builds a schoolhouse• Spontaneous demonstrations promoting animal farm• Animal farm declared a Republic- Napoleon named Pres.• Snowball has rumored to say “Long live humanity” during the battle of

cowshed• Sugar Candy Mountain stories started again by Moses• Boxer fails and collapses

– Arranged for ambulance (Glue Factory)– Boxer announced as incurable and had died (False info)

Chapter 9 (Analysis)• Blatant downfall of Animal Farm/Russia• Boxer’s death is ironic

– He worked for the good of all, but is sold for the good of a few– Boxer is sold for alcohol– His death breaks a lot of commandments

• Death in a Glue Factory increases the dramatic power of Orwell’s words

• Russian administration exhausted its worker resources and then discarded them

• Return of Moses means shift of focus of working class– Stalin brought back the Russian Orthodox Church after WWII

• Spontaneous Demonstrations= Ironic b/c they weren’t spontaneous, they were all planned out for propaganda

Chapter 10 (Summary)• Many years have now passed (Dead: Muriel, Pincher, Bluebell, Jessie, Mr.

Jones, . . .)• Windmill is now used for corn = more $• Pigs and dogs are still in luxury• Other animals still accept the goals of the original Rebellion

– This is a world free of humans with equality for animals• Squealer is now walking on his hind legs only

– Sheep adopt the maxim: “4 legs good, 2 legs better”• Only 1 commandment is left!

– “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”– Napoleon smokes pipe, others read, use radio/phone, wear clothes

• Napoleon and Pilkington toast each other- No more Comrade• Name changed back to Manor Farm• Card Game-Ace of Spades played at the same time (Nap/Pilk)• No longer distinguish the card players from the humans/pigs

Chapter 10 (Analysis)• Totalitarian Communism (controlled by the state/dictator)

– No socialism or utopia at all• Napoleon B. (France) used to be thought of as great during his

conquest until he crowned himself emperor of France– Instead of abolishing aristocracy, he formed it around himself

• Hope is help until the end-provides dramatic contrast• Original ideas by Major/Marx = Dream/Philosophy• Very shocking language- evolution of events• Cooperation of Russia and the West during WWII is evident• Quarrel over what both desire but can’t have is evident

– WORLD DOMINATION• Banquet shows coop w/ Eng./U.S.A./Russia during WWII• Stalin dies in 1953