Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution
Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution
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Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution
What do you already know about Animal Farm and its connection to the Russian Revolution?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will understand how Animal Farm symbolises the Russian Revolution, can identify the key characters, and explain what they represent.
Animal Farm: A Brief Overview
Animal Farm is a novel by George Orwell. It tells the story of animals on a farm who overthrow their human farmer, only to face a new tyranny among themselves.
George Orwell: The Author
George Orwell was a British writer famous for his critical works about society and authority, especially totalitarianism.
What is an Allegory?
An allegory is a story in which the characters and events symbolise real-life people or events. Animal Farm is an allegory of the Russian Revolution.
The Russian Revolution: Context
The Russian Revolution in 1917 led to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of the Soviet Union, changing Russian society profoundly.
Connecting Animal Farm and the Revolution
Animal Farm
People overthrow the Tsar and try to create equality.
Animals rebel and try to create a fair society.
Russian Revolution
Old Major: The Inspiration
Old Major, the wise old pig, represents Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. He inspires the animals to rebel against human rule.
The Rebellion: Overthrow
The Rebellion symbolises the Russian Revolution of 1917, when workers and peasants overthrew their rulers.
Napoleon: The Dictator
Napoleon, a cunning pig, represents Joseph Stalin. He becomes the farm's oppressive leader, betraying the original ideals.
Snowball: The Idealist
Snowball symbolises Leon Trotsky. He is intelligent and idealistic, but is eventually exiled by Napoleon.
The Windmill: Progress or Propaganda?
The windmill project represents industrialisation in the Soviet Union. It is used to control and distract the animals.
Squealer: The Propagandist
Squealer, the persuasive pig, stands for state propaganda. He manipulates the truth to serve Napoleon's interests.
Boxer: The Hard Worker
Boxer the horse represents the working class. He is loyal and hardworking, but is ultimately exploited by those in power.
Moses: Religion
Moses the raven symbolises organised religion. He promises comfort (Sugarcandy Mountain), distracting animals from their suffering.
Mollie: The Bourgeoisie
Mollie, the vain horse, represents the upper classes who oppose change and miss their old privileges.
Check: Who Do They Represent?
Can you match each character to their role in the Russian Revolution? (Old Major, Napoleon, Snowball, Boxer, Moses, Mollie, Squealer)
Reflection: Lessons from Animal Farm
How does the story warn us about power and corruption? Write down one lesson you think Orwell wanted to teach.
The Fate of Animal Farm
As the story ends, the animals realise their lives have changed little. The pigs become indistinguishable from humans.
Key Quotes to Discuss
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." What does this famous quote mean?
Lesson Recap: What Have We Learned?
We've explored how Animal Farm mirrors the Russian Revolution, analysed characters, and uncovered Orwell's message about power.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
