Animal Farm Text-Dependent Questions – Answer Key
Chapter 1
1. Why are all the animals going to the barn?
o
The animals gather in the barn because Old Major, the respected boar, has
called a meeting to share a dream he had and to speak about the
oppression of animals by humans.
2. Describe Boxer’s character (personality) and give examples of things that
show that.
o
Boxer is loyal, hardworking, and strong, but not very intelligent.
o
He is described as having tremendous strength and a steadfast nature.
o
His personal motto later in the story, “I will work harder,” shows his
dedication.
3. “The life of an animal is misery and slavery.” Old Major says that. Do you think
he was right about that? Why?
o
Old Major believes animals suffer because humans exploit them.
o
This is true in the story, as Mr. Jones abuses and neglects the animals,
taking their labor and giving little in return.
4. What do the humans do that makes them evil in Old Major’s eyes?
o
Humans take without producing, control the animals, and treat them as
tools rather than beings with their own worth.
5. What does Old Major warn the animals against doing after they defeat the
men?
o
He warns them not to adopt human habits such as living in houses,
wearing clothes, drinking alcohol, engaging in trade, or oppressing
others.
6. How does Old Major inspire the animals?
o
He paints a vision of freedom and equality, telling them about a world
where animals rule themselves.
o
He teaches them “Beasts of England,” a song about hope and rebellion.
Chapter 2
1. What are the animals preparing for? When do they think it will happen?
o
They are preparing for a rebellion against Mr. Jones.
o
They do not know exactly when it will happen but believe it is inevitable.
2. Read the paragraph about Snowball and Napoleon. What do you think it means
when the author says, “Snowball…..was not considered to have the same
depth of character.”
o
It suggests that Snowball is intelligent and idealistic, but he lacks the
cunning and ruthlessness that Napoleon has.
3. What is the name the pigs give to Old Major’s ideas?
o
They call it Animalism.
4. What are some objections the other animals have to working for the
revolution?
o
Some animals, like Mollie, are afraid of losing their comforts.
o
Others, like the sheep, do not understand why rebellion is necessary.
5. What are two things Mollie is scared she will lose after the revolution?
o
She fears she will lose her sugar and ribbons.
6. What finally convinces the animals to fight?
o
Mr. Jones neglects them, leaving them hungry, so they break into the food
store and fight back when Jones tries to stop them.
7. Why do they destroy the horse ribbons?
o
The ribbons represent human control and vanity, so they destroy them to
show they are free from human rule.
8. What rules are set out for the animals, who thought of them, and who writes
them?
o
The Seven Commandments of Animalism are created.
o
They are thought of by the pigs and written on the barn wall by Snowball.
9. What do you think happened to the milk?
o
Napoleon takes the milk for himself and the other pigs, showing early
signs of his greed and corruption.