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Year 10
Edexcel

The characters in 'Animal Farm' and who they represent

I can explain how the different characters in 'Animal Farm' represent historical figures and ideas.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

The characters in 'Animal Farm' and who they represent

I can explain how the different characters in 'Animal Farm' represent historical figures and ideas.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution which Orwell uses to present his key messages
  2. Orwell is using the events of the Russian Revolution to comment on political power and totalitarian regimes
  3. Some characters represent historical figures
  4. 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.

It's a good idea to remind students not to become too fixated on every character and their counterpart. Having a basic understanding helps to interrogate Orwell's style and intention.
Teacher tip

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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What structure does Orwell use in 'Animal Farm'?
Correct Answer: Cyclical, circular, mirroring
Q2.
What word beginning with 'F' means that something feels useless or pointless?
Correct Answer: Futile, futility
Q3.
By the end of the novella, the pigs have changed all of the original commandments. How do they alter the last commandment? "all animals are equal but some animals are..."
Correct Answer: more equal than others, more equal, More equal than others, more equal than others., More equal than others.
Q4.
How does George Orwell's use of structure in ‘Animal Farm’ contribute to the novella’s impact?
It presents a continuous timeline, emphasising the characters' commitment.
It allows for a linear and predictable storytelling style.
Correct answer: It draws parallels between the initial ideals and the pigs' corruption.
Q5.
At the end of 'Animal farm', what is the name of the farm?
Correct answer: Manor farm
Windmill Farm
Animal Farm
Cowshed Farm
Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', how does the quote "Four legs good, two legs better!" symbolise a subversion of Animalism's principles?
It reinforces the equality of all animals.
It promotes the idea of humans being friends, not enemies.
Correct answer: It demonstrates the pigs' increasing resemblance to humans.
It reflects the animals' growing intelligence.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is 'Animal Farm' primarily an allegory for?
Correct Answer: Russian Revolution, Revolution, Soviet revolution, The Russian Revolution
Q2.
What does "proletariat" mean in the context of 'Animal Farm'?
The older middle class.
Correct answer: The working class.
The political class.
The bourgeoisie.
Q3.
In 'Animal Farm', who is associated with the quote, "Will there still be sugar after the rebellion"?
Boxer.
Correct answer: Mollie.
Napoleon.
Benjamin.
Moses.
Q4.
Match the character from 'Animal Farm' to who or what they represent.
Correct Answer:Mollie,The bourgeoisie.

The bourgeoisie.

Correct Answer:Napoleon,Joseph Stalin.

Joseph Stalin.

Correct Answer:Squealer,Molotov and propaganda.

Molotov and propaganda.

Correct Answer:Snowball,Leon Trotsky.

Leon Trotsky.

Correct Answer:Mr Jones,Tsar Nicholas II.

Tsar Nicholas II.

Correct Answer:Boxer,The working classes.

The working classes.

Q5.
In 'Animal Farm', which social class or idea is ranked as having the most power?
Working class.
Correct answer: Poltical class.
Religion.
Older middle classes.
The bourgeoisie.
Q6.
In 'Animal Farm', who or what does Moses, the tame raven, represent in the context of the allegory?
Karl Marx and his revolutionary ideals.
The working class and their unwavering dedication to labour.
The bourgeoisie and their materialistic values.
Correct answer: Religion and its role in soothing people and obscuring injustices.