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Year 10
AQA

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 4 and considering Snowball as a leader

I can explain what happens in Chapter 4 of ‘Animal Farm’ and consider Snowball’s role in ‘The Battle of the Cowshed’.

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Year 10
AQA

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 4 and considering Snowball as a leader

I can explain what happens in Chapter 4 of ‘Animal Farm’ and consider Snowball’s role in ‘The Battle of the Cowshed’.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The pigs position themselves as leaders and take advantange of the other animals' relative stupidity.
  2. The animals seek to spread news of their revolution to other farms.
  3. Snowball shows exceptional valour in the 'Battle of the Cowshed'.
  4. The simplifying of the commandments into one maxim, means the rules of Animalism lack nuance.

Keywords

  • Valour - If someone shows great courage in the face of danger, they can be said to be showing valour.

  • Propaganda - Propaganda refers to biased information, created to promote a political cause.

  • Maxim - Maxims are short statements expressing general truths or rules. In Animal Farm ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ is a maxim.

  • Nuance - Nuance refers to the subtle changes and variations in something’s meaning.

  • Hierarchy - A hierarchy is any system in which members of an organisation are ranked by authority or value.

Common misconception

All animals were equally responsible for the defence of Animal Farm.

Snowball and Boxer were instrumental in the victory. Mollie deliberately shied away and Napoleon was curiously unmentioned.

The creation of the awards (Animal Hero First and Second Class) present good opportunities for class debates about whether the true spirit of the revolution is continuing to be upheld.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
At the end of chapter three of 'Animal Farm', the pigs alone are allowed to eat the milk and apples. Which commandment does this break?
Correct answer: All animals are equal.
Whatever goes on two legs is an enemy.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
Q2.
Complete this maxim from 'Animal Farm': 'Four legs good, ...'
Correct Answer: two legs bad, two legs bad', 2 legs bad', 2 legs bad, two legs bad
Q3.
The character of Mollie from 'Animal Farm' represents which political class?
The proletariat.
Correct answer: The bourgeoisie.
The aristocracy.
Q4.
In chapter 3 of 'Animal Farm', Moses talks extensively of 'Sugarcandy mountain'. What does he represent?
Correct answer: Religion.
Communism.
Capitalism.
The bourgeoisie.
Nazism.
Q5.
What is the definition of the word 'nuance'? Here it is used in a sentence: 'His words carried a nuance of scepticism'.
Correct answer: Characterised by subtle shades of meaning.
Characterised by a very clear and explicit meaning.
Characterised by a vague meaning.
Characterised by a variety of contrasting meanings.
Q6.
The animals of 'Animal Farm' create 'Animalism'. What is it an allusion to?
Correct answer: Communism.
Socialism.
Capitalism.
Nazism.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the battle that takes place in chapter 3 of 'Animal Farm'?
Correct Answer: Battle of the Cowshed, Cowshed, cowshed, battle of the cowshed, Cowshed Battle
Q2.
Which two animals are awarded 'Animal Hero: First Class' in after the Battle of the Cowshed in chapter 3 of 'Animal Farm'?
Correct answer: Boxer.
Correct answer: Snowball.
The deceased sheep.
Napoleon.
Clover.
Q3.
The novella 'Animal Farm' makes allusions to other countries. Mr. Pilkington represents the Western powers of Britain and America and Mr. Frederick represents...
Correct answer: Germany.
France.
Russia.
China.
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', both Mr. Frederick and Mr. Pilkington have the same fear. What is it?
Correct answer: That their farms will see a similar revolution to that on Animal Farm.
That Jones will quickly return and be a competitor once more.
That Animal Farm will outperform their own farms.
That the revolution will damage the reputation of the farming industry.
Q5.
Which of the below best describes the actions of Snowball in the 'Battle of the Cowshed' in chapter 3 of 'Animal Farm'?
Correct answer: A fearless leader, winning the battle through his bravery and intelligence.
A strategic leader, but not one willing to get involved in the fight directly.
A co-operative leader, working in partnership with Napoleon.
An ineffective leader, whose actions nearly cost the animals the battle.
Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', the pigs introduce the maxim 'Four legs good, two legs bad'. Why might this suggest they could gain even more power?
Correct answer: The maxim lacks nuance and could be used to justify any of their behaviour.
Condensing Animalism into one maxim shows how successful the pigs have been.
They may use it to expel animals that fall foul of it e.g. Birds.
They may use it to generate a new swell of opposition to Jones and the humans.