The characters in 'Animal Farm' and who they represent
I can explain how the different characters in 'Animal Farm' represent historical figures and ideas.
The characters in 'Animal Farm' and who they represent
I can explain how the different characters in 'Animal Farm' represent historical figures and ideas.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution which Orwell uses to present his key messages
- Orwell is using the events of the Russian Revolution to comment on political power and totalitarian regimes
- Some characters represent historical figures
- Some characters represent social classes or wider ideas
Common misconception
Benjamin is a minor character in 'Animal Farm' and doesn't represent much.
Could Benjamin make a difference? Could he have used his intelligence? Benjamin's apathy has a key role in the pigs' reign.
Keywords
Represent - To represent something is to serve as a sign or a symbol.
Proletariat - Proletariat is a term coined by Marx to describe the class of people who do unskilled work.
Apathetic - If you are apathetic you are unwilling to take action, you show little or no interest or emotion.
Social class - Social class describes how people are grouped based on their income, job, and social standing, affecting their life chances.
Bourgeoisie - The bourgeoisie refers to a materialistic upper class that support and benefit from capitalism.
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The bourgeoisie.
Joseph Stalin.
Molotov and propaganda.
Leon Trotsky.
Tsar Nicholas II.
The working classes.