Animal Farm Study Guide
Interesting Facts about Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution
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Vladimir Lenin was the first man to suggest that Russia change to a socialist government.
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Up until then, Russia was ruled by a CZAR, or a form of a king.
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The Russian peasants were suffering and starving, and Lenin’s ideal government would be the answer to
their prayers.
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The Bolsheviks established an army and took over control of the government from the Czar.
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When Lenin died, there were two men who could take over: Joseph Stalin or Leon Trotsky.
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Trotsky wanted equality for all, and tried to incorporate social reforms to improve the life of every
Russian. His goal was a UTOPIAN, or a perfect, society.
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Stalin waited until the time was right, building a strong police force and incorporating
PROPAGANDA to show that his method of ruling was right.
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Stalin took over Russia, forcing Trotsky into EXILE.
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Stalin created a system of government where Russians had very limited rights.
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Because of the desire to have the people be devoted to Russia, practicing religion was frowned upon.
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He abused the peasant population and took advantage of the Russian peasants by keeping them
uneducated and living in fear of the KGB, or secret police.
Study Guide for Animal Farm
Plot Questions
Directions: Please answer all questions in complete sentences.
Chapter 1
Who called the meeting of the animals and why?
How does the following quote show the simplicity of the animals? “Man is the only real enemy we have.
Remove man from the scene and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished forever” (29).
What are some examples that Old Major gives to support his argument?
Chapter 2
Give two examples of how the animals reacted to the pigs’ call for rebellion.
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2:
Write down three facts about the animal rebellion.
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2:
3:
List two conflicts the animals faced with each other after the rebellion.
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2:
List the Seven Commandments:
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7:
Chapter 3
What was the job of the pigs? How are they able to manipulate the other animals into doing all the work?
Write a two sentence summary comparing Boxer to Mollie.
What was Benjamin’s reaction the rebellion? What does that say about his character?
What phrase were the seven commandments shrunk to?
Chapter 4
How did the other farms react to the animal takeover of Manor Farm?
What happened to the humans when they tried to take the farm back?
Chapter 5
Write two examples of how Napoleon takes over the meetings when Snowball is talking.
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2:
What grand idea was going to improve the life of the animals? Whose idea was it originally?
Which animals did Napoleon recruit to maintain control over Animal Farm?
Chapter 6
Explain the following quote, “Nothing could have been achieved without Boxer, whose strength seemed equal
to that of all the rest of the animals put together” (74).
Give two examples of how Animal Farm is being accepted by the humans.
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2:
Give two examples of how the pigs are taking advantage of the other animals.
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2:
Who does Napoleon blame for the collapse of the windmill?
Chapter 7
Describe, in two sentences, what happened with the Hen Rebellion.
How does Napoleon corrupt the animals’ opinion of Snowball? How does this allow him to become more
powerful?
Chapter 8
Which two farms is Napoleon working with?
How does Napoleon use one farmer against another?
Why does Fredrick attack the farm?
What do the farmers accomplish at Animal Farm?
Chapter 9
What was Boxer’s goal before he retired?
How is Napoleon assuring pig rule for the future?
Name two things that Napoleon has ordered the animals to do.
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2:
Why do you think the Raven returns with promises of Sugarcandy Mountain in this chapter?
How does Napoleon repay Boxer for all his dedication and hard work?
Chapter 10
Name three examples of how the pigs have changed the rules throughout the novel.
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2:
3:
Why does the chant, “Four legs good, two legs better” frighten the animals?
Name two ways the pigs have become more like humans.
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2:
Explain the significance of the following quote at the end of the novel, “The creature outside looked for pig to
man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which”
(139).
Theme Study for Animal Farm
The following are the topics in Animal Farm that you will be studying for class discussion. Under each topic,
write three quotes from the book, including page numbers and speaker, that you think help support the theme.
You may write your answers on a separate sheet of paper!
Corruption: Though the idea of Animal Farm begins with the best of intentions, those intentions are
distorted leaving the animals in a situation that is worse than before.
1.
2.
3.
Importance of Educating the Lower Class: One of the reasons the animals are taken advantage of is
because they do not know any better. Even with attempts to educate them, success never occurs.
1.
2.
3.
Abuse of Language and Power: Squealer is able to manipulate the animals because of his speaking
ability. This allows Napoleon to take over control of Animal Farm and keeps the other animals uneducated and
under his control.
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3.