Hello and welcome to the lesson.

I'm Mrs. Butterworth and I am here to guide you through the learning today.

And this lesson is called "Symbolism in Animal Farm", which I find particularly interesting when we're thinking about Orwell's purpose.

So let's get started.

So by the end of the lesson you'll be able to identify and explain key symbols in Animal Farm.

So before we begin, let's just look at some key words that will help our understanding of the lesson.

They are microcosm, symbolism, hypocrisy, and ritual.

(mouse clicks) So the outline of our lesson, "Symbolism in Animal Farm", looks like this.

We're going to start by looking at the symbolism of places and landmarks in Animal Farm, then we're gonna move on to focus on food and drink and its significance in the novella, and then we're going to finish by looking at flags and rituals.

So let's begin with places and landmarks.

(mouse clicks) One of our key words was microcosm and I'd like us to explore that in a little bit more depth.

So a microcosm is somewhere small that encapsulates something much larger, so Animal Farm is a microcosm because it is a self-contained representation of a larger society and system.

So discuss, you may want to pause the video to give yourself time to do this, what elements of a larger society does Animal Farm symbolise? Well done, let's just share the answer.

So I have here that the farm and its animal inhabitants serve as a condensed and simplified representation of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union.

So we know that the different animals and other ideas in the novella actually represent different things from the Russian Revolution, but, more specifically, by using the farmers as a microcosm Orwell effectively conveys complex themes and is able to examine the elements of totalitarianism, social classes, political manipulation, revolution and betrayal.

So, arguably, yes, Animal Farm is a microcosm for the Soviet Union and the Russian Revolution, but equally it could be considered a microcosm for other societies too, so our modern day societies or other societies where political systems and equality, for example, are to be scrutinised.

(mouse clicks) True or false? Orwell uses the farm and its animal inhabitants as a microcosm to explore complex themes related to to the Russian revolution.

Well done everyone that said true.

Now justify your answer.

(mouse clicks) Well done to everyone that noticed it was B, that the farm and its inhabitants are a self-contained representation of a larger society and system.

The key word there is representation, and that's what makes Animal Farm a microcosm.

If we look in answer A, it says about the exact historical account and Animal Farm isn't an exact historical account, it is a representation.

(mouse clicks) Now another one of our keywords was symbolism, and I want us to explore this in a little bit more depth.

So symbolism is an effective way for writers to convey complex messages.

Now Orwell uses many symbols to explore his attitudes and perspectives on many different themes.

So let's read this short paragraph together.

As we read, can you consider what symbol from Animal Farm is being referenced? So Orwell uses symbolism to explore the ideas of progress and how this can be a positive thing for societies, but it can also be used as a tool of manipulation.

It is also used to emphasise how hard work and labour can be exploited by those in power to further their own gains.

(mouse clicks) That's right, well done to everyone that worked out that that was describing the symbolism of the windmill.

And I think what's really interesting about the symbolism of the windmill is this idea that the progress that is demonstrated in the windmill is actually very positive.

So it's a positive thing that the animals have been able to make this 'cause it shows how much they have progressed since the ownership of Jones, but unfortunately, because of the pigs' exploitation, it makes the symbolism of the windmill have a bit more of a negative influence.

So, yes, it is a positive thing for progress but it's a negative thing in the way it was used to control and manipulate the animals.

(mouse clicks) So I'd like you to consider this question.

How is the windmill used to manipulate the animals? Pause the video and discuss your ideas.

Excellent, well done.

Let's just gather and share some of those ideas that we heard.

So the first idea is that, yes, the windmill is used to manipulate the animals by being used as a diversion of blame, so the pigs continually blame Snowball for the collapsing of the windmill.

And they do this in order to divert blame from their failed leadership and incompetence, so they're passing the blame onto Snowball.

(mouse clicks) This idea of repetition and propaganda, now the windmill becomes a very important tool of propaganda.

It's constantly referred to and it's constantly used to justify all of the actions that the pigs are doing.

(mouse clicks) It also shows a gradual degradation of conditions for the animals, so the conditions that the windmill creates really impacts the animals, but they seem to think that their sacrifices are necessary for the greater good, but we can see they are hungry, they are cold, they're working too hard, all for this construction of the windmill.

And it is used as a false promise of a better future, so it's continually referred to as this goal of a better life, "Once the windmills completed everything will be better." And, again, this keeps the animals motivated.

(mouse clicks) We are onto our first practise task, and this is a discussion task.

So what I would like you to do is discuss the following questions.

In what way is Animal Farm a microcosm and what is the symbolism of the windmill? And I'd like you to use the discussion grid to formalise your ideas.

So before you begin, I'm going to show you an example.

So here is my discussion point, Orwell uses Animal Farmers as a microcosm.

So I've answered the question, and then I've used the discussion grid, so I've used more specifically to develop my idea.

So more specifically he uses the farm to serve as a condensed and simplified representation of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union.

Now it's your turn, so pause a video and I look forward to sharing our answers.

(mouse clicks) Wow, some really lively discussions there.

Thank you so much, everyone.

So I'll just share one idea, although there were many, so well done, but let's just have a look at this one.

So this one says that Orwell uses the symbolism of the windmill to represent progress.

And then I've used the discussion grid by saying more precisely, so I'm really adding emphasis and development to my first answer.

So, more precisely, how progress can be utilised as a powerful tool of oppression and control.

The promise of the windmill and its improvement to the animals' lives, keep them motivated.

And there were many different ways to explore those questions, so really well done.

(mouse clicks) We are onto the second part of our lesson, and this is all about food and drink.

(mouse clicks) So look at these images, how do they link to Animal Farm? We've got the apples, it is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples.

The milk.

Many of us actually dislike milk and apples.

Whiskey.

The pigs had acquired the money to buy themselves another case of whiskey.

And sugar.

Besides, you do not need sugar.

(mouse clicks) So all of these images appear in Animal Farm.

Now Orwell is using the symbolism of food and drink to represent luxury, and also as a tool of oppression and control.

So let's look at a few of these symbols in more depth, so let's look at some of these symbols of food and drink in a little bit more detail.

So first of all, the milk and apples, and we get this quote from Squealer.

"Milk and apples, this has been proved by science, comrades, contain substances absolutely necessary to the wellbeing of a pig." Now this is really interesting because the milk and apples symbolise the unfair distribution of resources under a totalitarian regime.

So it is only the pigs that eat the apples and drink the milk, not the other animals at all.

And this is really unfair and goes against those original principles of equality that old major said in his speech.

And this exclusive access that the pigs have really shows an abuse of power.

You know, they indulge in these luxuries and not only do they do that, they then justify it as being essential for their leadership and wellbeing.

It's a very smart play in terms of the pigs, but also very unfair and unjust, and it really highlights the manipulation and exploitation of the working classes by those in authority.

Let's look at the next symbol.

So we have our whiskey, and these are our quotes.

"No animal shall drink alcohol, to excess." And, "After a little arguing, Squealer had been authorised to purchase whiskey." (mouse clicks) So whiskey is a really good symbol for the moral decay of the pigs as they continue to adopt human vices.

So it's a real symbol of the pigs' hypocrisy.

Now if you remember in chapter one, Jones is talked about as being drunk and irresponsible.

He's had too much beer to drink so he's forgetting things.

And as the novella progresses, the pigs then begin to do this.

And it shows their shift towards a more corrupt and oppressive regime as they distance themselves away from the ideals of the revolution.

And that drinking of the whiskey results in the changing of the commandment, so they add in that clause, don't they, "No animal should drink alcohol, to excess." So the whiskey, again, is this really important symbol of how they're becoming more like humans, and also the decline of their morals.

(mouse clicks) Then we have the sugar as well.

And we've got quotes here, so Molly is very worried about her sugar and she says, "Will there still be sugar after the rebellion?" And, "A little pile of lump sugar and several bunches of ribbons of different colours," and these are what are discovered in Molly's stool.

So the sugar symbolises the luxuries and excesses enjoyed by the ruling classes, and it's also used by the humans to manipulate and control Molly.

So Molly really struggles with the revolution because she's looked after by the humans, they feed her nice sugar.

So it's a way for the humans to maintain control and power, and for Molly, she can't bear to be without this luxuries and it actually results in her leaving.

And it also symbolises, the sugar, the sacrifices made by some of the other animals.

What does the pigs' consumption of whiskey symbolise? Well done everyone that said B, it's the pig's moral decay and departure from their revolutionary ideals.

It also shows how the pigs are becoming more and more like the oppressors they aimed to reject.

We have reached our second practise task, which is another discussion task.

This time we're discussing the question, how does Orwell use the symbolism of food and drink? And, again, I want you to use the discussion grid to really formalise those ideas, to develop and add emphasis to those arguments.

So let's look at an example.

Orwell uses the symbolism of milk and food throughout Animal Farm, so from the discussion grid I've used in particular the symbol of milk and apples represents the pig's manipulation and control.

They also symbolise the growing inequality between the pigs and the animals, so pause the video and discuss those questions.

I look forward to hearing your answers.

(mouse clicks) Well done everyone, there was some really well developed discussions happening there and I liked the use of the discussion grid to add emphasis and development, so really great work.

So let's just look at another example, just as feedback.

So here we can see that Orwell uses the symbolism of milk and food throughout Animal Farm, from the discussion grid it is as if they represent the luxury that is experienced in the upper and political classes.

More specifically, the symbols of whiskey and sugar reveal the inequality present in Animal Farm.

(mouse clicks) So we are now at the third and final part of our lesson today, which is all about flags and rituals.

(mouse clicks) So I'd like you to consider this question, why are flags so important and what do they represent? Pause the video to give you time to discuss your ideas.

Excellent.

Now let's just share some of those thoughts.

So, firstly, flags are important because they symbolise identity, unity, and allegiance.

We very often associate a country or a state's identity with their flags.

(mouse clicks) They serve as a visual representation of shared values, history and culture.

(mouse clicks) Flags instil a sense of pride, belonging and recognition.

(mouse clicks) And they foster a sense of community and solidarity among people who rally around them.

They really are quite powerful symbols.

(mouse clicks) They signify ownership and the claiming of space.

And, finally, flags are powerful symbols.

Here is an image of the flag that Snowball introduces into Animal Farm, and here is the description below it.

"So the flag was green, Snowball explained, to represent the green fields of England, while the hoof and horn signified the future republic of the animals, which would arise when the human race had been finally overthrown." So what does the flag in Animal Farms symbolise? So it symbolises the animal's aspirations for equality and freedom, and it also shows how the animals have claimed the farm for their own and they are control.

It's almost as if they have staked their flag in the land of Animal Farm and are saying, "This is ours." The flag also creates a strong sense of identity and unity, which is a positive thing but, unfortunately, again, this can be exploited.

And Orwell, again, nods to things from the Soviet Union and the Russian Revolution, and he uses a similar symbol to the hammer and sickle insignia on the Soviet flag.

The flag's importance is also emphasised in its inclusion in the rituals created on Animal Farm, let's look at some of these rituals.

So we have the ceremonial flag raising, so they talk about first came the hoisting of the flag.

The military awards.

So the animals decided unanimously to create a military decoration animal hero first class.

So after the battle of the windmill and the battle of the cow shed, we see these military awards being handed out.

They also have meetings, so every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock the animals assembled in the big barn to receive their orders for the week.

There's also parades, and it's interesting that Napoleon is the pig that instigates these.

So Napoleon had commanded that once a week there should be held something called a spontaneous demonstration.

And the singing of songs, so it says that, "Beast of England was the song of the rebellion." And we know how that song makes the animals feel, it really inspires and motivates them every time they hear or sing it.

So I'd like you to discuss these questions.

What do the rituals symbolise and how do they contribute to the pig's rise to power? So pause the video, and we'll share our answers in a moment.

Excellent discussions.

So let's just look at some feedback 'cause you might have discussed the following.

So you might have suggested how they symbolise tradition and legitimacy.

So all of these rituals come together to make Animal Farm look like a real and valid place, they reinforce the pig's authority.

And this is a very interesting one, they distort and rewrite history, making the animals believe in the righteousness of the pigs' rule by raising the memory in the original ideas of the revolution.

So as they move further and further away from the ideals, these rituals are used to mark that.

So eventually the pigs get rid of the meetings, which, again, shows their continued rise to power.

The rituals are also very good at diverting attention and maintaining order, so those parades that Napoleon instigates are really good at diverting attention from the serious issues.

And, if you remember, the sheep in those parades very often start bleating four legs, good two legs bad to kind of drown out any other sounds.

They foster loyalty and obedience and they create a sense of belonging, and this is a really clever one because these flags, these awards, these rituals, they make everyone feel included and like they belong, and this really enforces the commitment to the farm and its leaders.

So despite the growing disparities and the oppression, these rituals help maintain an air of celebration, belonging, identity, which are key to maintaining power.

(mouse clicks) So true or false, the flag in Animal Farm is red.

False.

Well done everyone that noticed that.

Can you justify your answer? Well done.

The answer is A, the flag is green to represent the green fields of England.

We have reached our final practise task.

Well done everyone, there has been a lot to get through this lesson and you have worked incredibly hard.

So what I would like you to do for our final task is just thinking about everything we have looked at in the lesson, is to complete the sentences, to create a summary of the use of symbolism in Animal Farm.

So the sentences are here, just fill in the blanks and we will share our answers in a moment.

So pause the video to complete the task.

(mouse clicks) Now let's share some feedback, so here is an example response that has been written.

You may have something different to this, it may be even better and that's absolutely fine.

You may also wish to use this answer to improve your own work or to add to it, so let's read it through together.

Orwell uses Animal Farm as a microcosm to represent the broader context of the Russian revolution.

The windmill is a powerful symbol as it represents progress and how this can be manipulated to maintain control.

Food and drink are used throughout the novel to illustrate the control and manipulation of the ruling class and the increasing inequality.

More specifically, the symbol of the whiskey emphasises the pigs' corruption and abandonment of the principles of the original rebellion.

Flags are important to Animal Farm because they represent ownership and power.

The green hoof and horn flag makes the animals feel a sense of identity and loyalty, which is exploited.

Rituals are used by the pigs to maintain order and control.

Overall symbolism is used effectively by Orwell to convey deeper themes and commentary on the nature of power, corruption and the dangers of totalitarianism.

(mouse clicks) Very well done everyone, you've worked incredibly hard today and I'm very grateful, so thank you.

Let's just remind ourselves of everything we have learned this lesson.

So we have learned that Animal Farm is a microcosm because it is a self-contained representation of a larger society and system, and we've got that key word there, representation.

The windmill represents how progress can better a society but can also be exploited.

Food is used to symbolise luxury and inequality, flags and rituals are used to both galvanise the animals and maintain control.

So I hope you enjoyed the lesson as much as I did, and I really hope to see you soon in the future.

Many thanks, bye.

(mouse clicks).