If something is futile it feels useless, pointless or unsuccessful.

If something is doctored it means it has been altered or manipulated in order to deceive people.

Being idealistic suggests that you believe in the best possible outcome, even if it seems unrealistic.

A cyclical structure is where the end of a piece of writing takes us back to the beginning or refers to the start.

If you subvert something you undermine, challenge or disrupt it.

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 10 and considering the novella's structure

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

Modern text: first study

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In 'Animal Farm', how does the maxim "four legs good, two legs bad" change?

In 'Animal Farm', what are the original commandments replaced with? Complete the sentence: "All animals are equal but some animals are..."

What word beginning with 'S' means to undermine, challenge or disrupt?

"She was two years past the retiring age."

"So fat that he could with difficulty see out of his eyes."

"Since Boxer's death, more morose and taciturn than ever."

Match the character with their description from chapter 10 in 'Animal Farm'.

In 'Animal Farm', Orwell is suggesting that the revolution is futile. What does this mean? Pick synonyms that match the word.

They can be completely eliminated with determination and perseverance. 

That achieving complete equality is a realistic and attainable goal. 

That it always corrupts and that struggles are likely to re-emerge in any system

That the animals' ideals of a power-free society are fully realised by the end

What does 'Animal Farm's' cyclical structure suggest about the inevitability of power and hierarchies?

In 'Animal Farm', what is the name of the farm at the beginning of the novella?

It shows that the other animals don't like sitting up high.

It shows that Old Major is too large to sit with the other animals.

It shows that Old Major considers himself equal.

It shows that the animals have already established a hierarchy.

In chapter 1 of 'Animal Farm' what is the significance of Old Major being sat on "a raised platform"?

In 'Animal Farm' which character represents the uneducated working classes?

In 'Animal Farm' Pinchfield's farm is "smaller" and "better kept". What country does it represent?

"A tough, shrewd man, perpetually involved in lawsuits."

"But was too drunk to remember to shut the pop-holes."

Match the human character from 'Animal Farm' with their description.

In 'Animal Farm', what is the maxim the pigs use to represent the whole of the Animalism ideology?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 10 and considering the novella's structure

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.