Animal Farm Essay Topics
1. How does the Langston Hughes poem, “Dreams” relate to Animal Farm? Why do the
“lesser” animals “hold fast to dreams” even when life on the farm has turned “cruel”? Why do
they want to believe in Old Major’s dream utopia? Is their need to “hold fast to dreams” part
of the reason why Napoleon and the pigs are able to obtain and then abuse their power?
 Formulate a clear thesis statement that relates to this topic.
 Ensure your thesis is not a plot summary.
 Ensure your thesis presents a particular interpretation / argument.
o Organize your essay around supporting this thesis statement.
o Use details from the text to support your response.
o Be sure to fully analyze the information that you include in the essay.
 While you are using the poem as a starting off point, the essay should
primarily focus on the novel and not on the poem.
Dreams
By Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
2. George Orwell called his novel a “Fairy Story.” If Animal Farm is a fable, what is the moral?
 Formulate a clear thesis statement that articulates Orwell’s objective in writing Animal
Farm.
 Ensure your thesis is not a plot summary.
 Ensure your thesis presents a particular interpretation / argument.
o Organize your essay around proving your thesis statement.
o Use details from the text to support your response.
o Don’t simply tell the plot. Highlight the morals Orwell is attempting to teach.
o Be sure to fully analyze the information that you include in the essay.