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Year 10
Edexcel

Animal Farm: Orwell’s structural and stylistic choices

I can explain why Orwell has made specific choices about structure and style.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Animal Farm: Orwell’s structural and stylistic choices

I can explain why Orwell has made specific choices about structure and style.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Orwell uses a simple and detached style to get his message across.
  2. Orwell uses and subverts the conventions of a fairy tale.
  3. Old Major’s speech foreshadows the events of the novel.
  4. Orwell uses the seasons to show the passing of time and the deterioration of the animals’ living conditions.
  5. 'Animal Farm' has a cyclical structure to reflect the cycle of oppression and the inevitability of hierarchy.

Common misconception

That Orwell offers a solution to the problems he highlights.

Focus on the cyclical structure and lack of resolution. How does this reflect Orwell's purpose? Is he just being critical and cynical?

Keywords

  • Foreshadowing - When a writer gives subtle hints or clues about future events in the story.

  • Conventions - The features you would expect to find in a given genre.

  • Genre - This categorises texts based on conventions and themes.

  • Subvert - To defy or challenge typical conventions or expectations.

  • Omniscient - To know or see everything.

Creative writing opportunity; students can explore the conventions of fairy tales and create their own versions in the style of Orwell.
Teacher tip

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

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.
In 'Animal Farm', what does the quote "uttered a high-pitched whimper" reveal about Napoleon's character?
His kindness and compassion.
Correct answer: His realisation as a totalitarian leader.
His fear of the other animals.
His indifference to the suffering of others.
Q2.
In 'Animal Farm', how does the quote "Never mind the milk, comrades!" reveal Napoleon's methods of control and corruption?
It highlights his concern for the animals' well-being.
Correct answer: It shows how basic needs are used to control the animals.
It signifies a gesture of generosity from Napoleon.
It symbolises the pigs' commitment to equality.
Q3.
Which literary device is employed in this quote from 'Animal Farm', "It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples"?
Correct answer: symbolism
simile
metaphor
irony
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm' which character is sent to the "knackers" in chapter 9?
Correct Answer: Boxer, boxer
Q5.
In 'Animal Farm', Orwell uses what type of structure?
Correct answer: cyclical
linear
dual narrative
retrospective
Q6.
Complete the quote from 'Animal Farm': "Let's face it: our lives are miserable, ..."
Correct Answer: laborious and short, laborious & short, laborious short, , laborious and short, , laborious & short

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is foreshadowing in literature?
A clear resolution at the end of a story.
Subverting key conventions.
Correct answer: Giving subtle hints or clues about future events.
Adapting an established genre.
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'G' describes a way to categorise texts based on shared themes and conventions?
Correct Answer: Genre, genres, Genres
Q3.
Which of these is not a convention of a fairy tale?
Once upon a time
Good vs evil
Heroes and Villains
A wise friend
Correct answer: Unhappy ending
Q4.
In 'Animal Farm', which quote from Old Major’s speech best foreshadows this quote from chapter 7: "They all cowered silently in their places".
Correct answer: “And, above all, no animal must ever tyrannise over his own kind.”
“Jones will send you to the knacker”
“a contract for four hundred eggs a week.”
"No animal must ever live in a house"
"Even when you have conquered him, do not adopt his vices."
Q5.
What does the cyclical structure in 'Animal Farm' emphasise?
A clear resolution at the end of the novella.
The triumph of good over evil.
The happy ending expected in fairy tales.
Correct answer: The inevitability of hierarchy and power.
Q6.
Complete the quote from 'Animal Farm': "It was a __________ winter."
harsh
Correct answer: bitter
cruel
gruelling