New
New
Year 11
AQA

Boxer and the theme of education in 'Animal Farm'

I can describe how the character of Boxer is used to present Orwell's theme of education in 'Animal Farm'.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Boxer and the theme of education in 'Animal Farm'

I can describe how the character of Boxer is used to present Orwell's theme of education in 'Animal Farm'.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Those who are uneducated are at the mercy of their leaders.
  2. 'Animal Farm' is Orwell's treatise on the power and importance of language.
  3. Orwell shows those who are uneducated are prevented from being leaders.
  4. Boxer is the most useful character to explore when discussing education.

Common misconception

That Boxer is only presented as naïve and gullible.

Why does Napoleon set the dogs on Boxer? There are moments when Boxer begins to challenge what he is being told by the pigs.

Keywords

  • Gullible - Easily persuaded or willing to believe everything that others say.

  • Treatise - A piece of writing that explores a specific subject or idea.

  • Illiterate - You are unable to read or write.

  • Seminal - A work, for example a piece of writing, that is of great importance and influence.

  • Diligent - To work hard, in a careful and thorough way.

Using some of the key phrases from Orwell's essay is a great way to elevate responses.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Animal Farm' what is Boxer's repeated maxim?
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
"Ignorance is strength."
"Four legs good, two legs bad."
Correct answer: "I will work harder."
Q2.
In 'Animal Farm', what ends Boxer's life?
Old age
The windmill falls on him
Correct answer: He is sold to the glue factory
He is killed in a battle with the humans
Napoleon's dogs attack him
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm' what emotion does Boxer express when he thinks he has killed a farmhand?
Pride
Apathy
Anger
Correct answer: Regret
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', which animal "seemed quite unchanged since the Rebellion"?
Boxer
Correct answer: Benjamin
Clover
Mollie
Q5.
Match the characters from 'Animal Farm' to their descriptions.
Correct Answer:Boxer,"He was not of first rate intelligence"

"He was not of first rate intelligence"

Correct Answer:Benjamin,"read as well as any pig"

"read as well as any pig"

Correct Answer:Muriel,"could read somewhat better than the dogs"

"could read somewhat better than the dogs"

Correct Answer:Clover,"If she could have spoken her thoughts"

"If she could have spoken her thoughts"

Correct Answer:The sheep,"Four legs good, two legs bad"

"Four legs good, two legs bad"

Correct Answer:Snowball,"was best at writing"

"was best at writing"

Q6.
What is the ultimate irony in the pigs' approach to education in 'Animal Farm'?
The pigs become exemplary educators for all animals.
Education is completely neglected by the pigs.
Correct answer: The pigs use education to maintain their own privilege.
The animals refuse to engage in any form of learning.

6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Animal Farm', what does the quote "Boxer could not get beyond the letter D" reveal about him?
Boxer is highly literate.
Boxer is intellectually advanced.
Correct answer: Boxer struggles with literacy.
Boxer is an exceptional reader.
Q2.
In 'Animal Farm', how does Boxer's illiteracy contribute to his vulnerability?
It enhances his critical awareness.
It makes him a clear leader.
Correct answer: It means he is easily manipulated.
It allows him to challenge the pigs' control.
Q3.
What word beginning with 'G' describes someone who is easily persuaded or willing to believe everything that others say?
Correct Answer: gullible
Q4.
Which word describes someone who is working hard in a careful and thorough way?
seminal
obedient
Correct answer: diligent
lethargic
apathetic
Q5.
What is the primary focus of Orwell's essay, 'Politics and the English Language'?
Animal Farm's plot and characters
The influence of education on language
Correct answer: The manipulation of language by those in power
The benefits of clear and concise language
Q6.
Which word is missing in this quote from Orwell's essay 'Politics and the English Language': "If ___________ corrupts language, language can also corrupt__________."
Correct Answer: thought, Thought