Comparing the presentations of the different pigs in 'Animal Farm'
I can create nuanced, comparative character summaries to compare Orwell’s presentation of the pigs.
Comparing the presentations of the different pigs in 'Animal Farm'
I can create nuanced, comparative character summaries to compare Orwell’s presentation of the pigs.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Orwell presents the pigs in a nuanced way exposing both their positive and negative qualities.
- Summaries are a useful way to embed key character information.
- Exploring comparisons in summaries can offer a more nuanced perspective of characters.
Keywords
Revolutionary - A revolutionary is someone who actively works for or supports radical change in society.
Misguided - If you are misguided you have poor judgement and have been influenced in the wrong way.
Ruthless - A ruthless leader is someone who shows no compassion, empathy or mercy. They behave or act in a harsh and severe way.
Susceptible - If you are susceptible you are easily influenced or manipulated.
Nuance - Nuance refers to subtle or slight variations in meaning.
Common misconception
That there are "good" pigs and "bad" pigs.
For Orwell, all are susceptible to power and corruption. Orwell uses the pigs to critique the subtle and overt ways that this can be done.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Comparing the presentations of the different pigs in 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Comparing the presentations of the different pigs in 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Animal Farm: the pigs and power unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
"Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed?"
"No more delays"
"Fountain of happiness"
"Comrades!"
“Our lives are miserable, laborious and short.”
Exit quiz
6 Questions
"...reputation for getting his own way."
"...need to be ready to die for Animal Farm if need be."
"Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure!"
"Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers."
"...had a remarkable gift for composing songs and poems."