New
New
Year 11
AQA
The importance of the windmill in 'Animal Farm'
I can explain the importance of the windmill in ‘Animal Farm’.
New
New
Year 11
AQA
The importance of the windmill in 'Animal Farm'
I can explain the importance of the windmill in ‘Animal Farm’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- At first the windmill signifies the battle for power between Snowball and Napoleon.
- The windmill becomes a symbol of hope when it is viewed as the key to a 'three day week'.
- The windmill becomes a symbol of corruption as the animals work harder than ever to rebuild it.
- The windmill physically represents the cyclical nature of the novella.
Keywords
Futility - having no effect or relating to something useless or pointless
Utopian - describes a perfect place or society
Laborious - needing a lot of hard work, time and effort
Motif - a repeated idea that occurs or is referenced throughout a text
Apathy - express an attitude of not caring and having little or no interest
Common misconception
The windmill is only presented as a negative.
Explore Snowball's initial plans. How does he view the role of the windmill? Orwell is showing how industry and progress can be exploited.
Opportunity for group work in Task A. This could take the form of a carousel where each station could focus on a chapter.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need access to a copy if '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 (2025), 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.
In 'Animal Farm' how does Napoleon show his contempt towards Snowball's windmill plans?
He tears them up.
He hides them in the farmhouse.
He sets them on fire.
He gives them to Mr. Whymper.
Q2.
In 'Animal Farm' how does Napoleon plan to get supplies to build the windmill?
Steal from the humans.
Get the animals to make supplies themselves.
Ask Mr. Jones for help.
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm' what reason does Napoleon give for the windmill collapsing in the wind?
He admits that the windmill's walls weren't built thick enough.
He states that nature is the most powerful force.
He blames Mr. Jones.
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm' what reason do the humans give for the windmill collapsing?
They blame Snowball and label him as an ally.
They celebrate Mr. Jones for reclaiming his land.
They state that nature is the most powerful force.
Q5.
What name is given to the windmill in 'Animal Farm'?
Old Major Mill
Commrades Mill
Manor Mill
Animal Farm Windmill
Q6.
Which word beginning with 'm' describes 'a repeated idea that occurs or is referenced throughout a text'?
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What initially motivated the animals to work diligently on building the windmill in 'Animal Farm'?
The chance to generate electricity for the farm.
The goal of increasing food production.
The motivation of a monetary profit.
Q2.
In Chapter 10 of 'Animal Farm', what purpose does the windmill serve?
Creating electricity to power neighbouring farms.
Enhancing food production for luxury living.
Generating power for the animals' stalls with electric light.
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm' the windmill is initially a symbol of hope. What does Snowball campaign for?
The four day weekend.
Equality for all.
The full manger.
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', Napoleon is resistant to the idea of the windmill and creates the slogan: "vote Napoleon and the__________"
Q5.
What language technique is being used in this quote taken from 'Animal Farm': "all the animals worked like slaves"?
Personification
Metaphor
Alliteration
Q6.
Which word beginning with 'a' describes Benjamin's attitude in 'Animal Farm'?