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Year 10
Edexcel

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 7 and Napoleon's culture of fear

I can explain the events of Chapter 7 in ‘Animal Farm’ and understand how the pigs create a culture of fear.

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New
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Year 10
Edexcel

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 7 and Napoleon's culture of fear

I can explain the events of Chapter 7 in ‘Animal Farm’ and understand how the pigs create a culture of fear.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The animals are beginning to run out of food on the farm
  2. The hens are punished for refusing to give up their eggs
  3. The pigs run show trials which represent Stalin’s period of ‘Great Terror'
  4. The show trials act as a way of cultivating a culture of fear to keep the animals under control
  5. Napoleon’s totalitarian regime is fully realised and the revolution is not as promised

Common misconception

That Snowball really is responsible for the windmill collapsing and other events on the farm.

Explore the question, how do you know if propaganda is working effectively? When there is unwavering belief in its messages.

Keywords

  • Culture of fear - A culture of fear is a social environment where people are constantly scared or intimidated, often by those in power.

  • Totalitarianism - Totalitarianism is a form of government where an individual or small group have absolute control and power.

  • Publicised - If something is publicised it is made available for all to access.

  • Consolidate - To consolidate is to make something more certain and stronger.

  • Predetermined - If something is predetermined, it has already been agreed upon or decided.

This is a good opportunity to find examples of political scapegoating in the media and use to draw comparisons to the treatment of Snowball and how he is used as a political tool on the farm to manipulate the animals.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the animal's name from 'Animal Farm' to the correct description.
Correct Answer:Napoleon,A fierce and threatening boar.

A fierce and threatening boar.

Correct Answer:Snowball,Intelligent pig who is also a brave fighter.

Intelligent pig who is also a brave fighter.

Correct Answer:Boxer,Loyal horse known for his motto, "I must work harder".

Loyal horse known for his motto, "I must work harder".

Correct Answer:Clover,A devoted female horse who supports Boxer and the cause.

A devoted female horse who supports Boxer and the cause.

Correct Answer:Squealer,A clever and persuasive pig.

A clever and persuasive pig.

Correct Answer:Mollie,A white mare who loves luxury and eventually leaves the farm.

A white mare who loves luxury and eventually leaves the farm.

Q2.
In 'Animal Farm' what was the original goal of the animal's rebellion?
To gain more human allies.
Correct answer: To seize the farm and gain equality.
To negotiate better working conditions.
To create a monarchy with Mr. Jones as king.
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', what commandment do the pigs first doctor?
No animal shall drink alcohol.
All animals are equal.
Correct answer: No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall kill another animal.
Q4.
Complete the maxim that is created for less intelligent animals in 'Animal Farm' to remember the principles of Animalism? "Four legs good, ..."
Correct Answer: two legs bad, two legs bad., 2 legs bad
Q5.
In 'Animal Farm' what reasons does Squealer give as to why the pigs need the milk and apples?
Correct answer: To preserve their health.
Correct answer: Scientific evidence.
Correct answer: It's good for the pigs' brains.
The pigs find them delicious.
The pigs are selfish.
Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', what verb is used to describe Snowball, when moving towards Mr. Jones, in 'the battle of the cowshed'?
Sprinted
Correct answer: Dashed
Tiptoed
Dragged

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What definition best matches the term "culture of fear"?
A society where individuals are encouraged to express their opinions openly.
A community in which there's an absence of fear, characterised by trust.
Correct answer: A society where people are controlled through intimidation and threat.
A culture that promotes harmony and cooperation among its members.
Q2.
In Chapter 7 of 'Animal Farm', what was the primary challenge faced by the animals at the beginning?
A shortage of hay.
The need for better shelter.
Correct answer: Rebuilding the windmill.
A lack of clean water.
Q3.
In Chapter 7 of 'Animal Farm', who or what provided the most inspiration to the other animals during the difficult winter?
Squealer's excellent speeches.
Correct answer: Clover and Boxer's dedication.
The threat of violence from the dogs.
Napoleon's presence.
Q4.
At the end of Chapter 7 in 'Animal Farm', what is abolished?
Correct answer: singing 'Beasts of England'
eating apples
protesting
Q5.
What event occurs in 'Animal Farm' that reflects a disturbing parallel between the animals' society and the practices of totalitarian leaders like Stalin during the 'Great Terror'?
The successful completion of the windmill.
The prohibition of Beats of England.
The expulsion of Snowball.
Correct answer: The confessions and executions of animals.
Q6.
"In January food fell short." What sentence type is this and what is the effect?
An interrogative forcing the reader to ask why there is no food.
Correct answer: A declarative creating a serious tone to reflect the scarcity of the situation.
An imperative instructing the reader as to how the animals have no food.