Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
1 of 14
About the Author
Although George Orwell requested that no biography be written about him, most of his work
is autobiographical and grew out of his experiences. From his writings and the reminiscences
of his friends, enough information has been gathered to help the reader understand Orwell
and therefore his writings.
He was born Eric High Blair in India in 1903, the middle child of a minor government
official. At eight, he was sent to an expensive prep school in England, but he was accepted at
a reduced tuition rate, and this caused him to be treated as a sort of "charity case" by his
snobbish peers. This marked his life with constant sense of failure, and a conviction that the
rich and strong made the world's rules. These feeling caused him to identify with the underdog and sympathize
with victims of poverty. He won a scholarship at Eton, and did well there, but rather than attending a university
after graduation he joined the Indian Imperial Police. He doubted the merits of imperialism, which made is job
in Burma unpleasant. He resigned after five years and went to Paris to write. During this time (1927-1932), he
wrote Burmese Days, The Clergyman's Daughter, Keep the Aspidastra Flying, Down and out in Paris and
London, and The Road to Wigan Pier.
In 1936, Orwell went to Spain to write newspaper articles about the Spanish Civil War, but instead he joined the
anti-Franco militia, backed by the Trotsky-ite Communists. He was wounded severely, and was discharged
from the hospital just in time to escape from the country. The Communists had outlawed the militia in which
Orwell had served. Disillusions with Communism, Orwell concluded that all revolutions fail because those
who attain power are corrupted by it, a theme that permeated his writing.
When he returned to England, Orwell and his wife lived in a small village where they kept chickens, geese and
goats, and grew vegetable and fruits. His friends recall that he had a great sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of animals, and was especially fond of horses. It may be that Orwell saw in nature the only true "Utopian
state" possible, and that he felt 20th-century man's move away from the land was a mistake.
Orwell's health prevented him from serving in the second world war, but he joined the Home Guard and worked
for the BBC. During this time, the British Ministry of Information sent out a directive to BBC new broadcasters
to play up the virtues of Bolshevism. (Russia was an Allied power during the war.)
Animal Farm was written during the closing years of the war, and was finally published in 1945. It had been
rejected by four publishers because of its theme. Publication of the book was timely, because it was just at this
point that the true aims and methods of the Russian Communists were beginning to come to light.
Orwell's health continued to fail. He produced one more book, 1984, and then died in 1950.
It is generally agreed that Orwell's purpose in writing Animal Farm was to warn the world about the dangers of
totalitarianism as well as to satirize the mentality of the revolutionary who believes Utopia is possible. From
his own experiences, Orwell developed his thesis: Power inevitably corrupts, and therefore revolutions
inevitably fail their purpose. New masters are necessarily corrupted by new power. A vicious circle is set up:
ABSOLUTE POSER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.
Orwell was strongly influenced by Jonathan Swift, who used his Houyhnhms and Yahoos as political symbols
in Gulliver's Travels, and by Charles Dickens, who had the optimistic hope that things would turn out all right if
people could just learn to treat one another decently.
Another important influence was Arthur Koestler's Darkness At Noon, also about the dangers of totalitarianism.
Animal Farm includes many of these same elements, telling much the same story in a different way.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
2 of 14
A Brief History of Communism in Russia
Since there are distinct political parallels in the allegorical Animal Farm, it is essential for students to have a
working knowledge of the major people and events in the Russian Revolutions and the years that followed it. A
list of specific parallels will be given later.
The capitalist system was flourishing in Europe and America in the mid-1800's, but the profits of businesses
were generated at the expense of workers who labored 14 to 18 hours a day under unsafe conditions. There
were no child labor laws, and wages were barely livable.
In 1847, an international workers' group asked a German philosopher, Karl Marx, to draw up a
plan for their organization. The group was called the Communist League [communism - classless
moneyless, stateless social order - structured upon common ownership of the means of
production], and its purpose was to unite the working classes of Europe. Mark wrote The
Manifesto of the Communist Party. It has been said that Marx was actually a socialist [socialism an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production - goods
produced for use rather than for profit - distribution each according to his or her contribution], and that
the Communism which developed later, bore little resemblance to his Manifesto.
Marx foresaw a worker's revolt followed by a kind of paradise where each person would work according to his
or her ability and receive according to his or her need. Marx saw, as the final stage of this historical
determinism, worldwide economic equality.
Laws made conditions in Western Europe and America more tolerable for workers, and the world-wide
revolution never came to pass. Instead, the socialist party split into two factions. The moderate faction
advocated bringing about changes through legislation. The other group adhered to Marx's idea of revolution
Russia was being poorly mismanaged by a Czarist government, and most of
the Russian people were still underpaid laborers on land owned by wealthy
landlords. Communists were a small extremist group within the Russian
socialist movement. Leon Trotsky, a socialist revolutionary was forced to flee
Russia twice because of his anti-Czarist activities. In 1917, the Bolshevik
Party, led by Nikolai Lenin, successfully overthrew Czar Nicholas II, and the
Marx
Communist Party gained control of the government. Trotsky, who believed
Lenin
terrorism, was a valuable method for suppressing counter-revolutionaries, returned to take
a prominent position in the government.
At Lenin's death, there was a power struggle between Trotsky and Joseph Stalin. Stalin
gained control in 1926, and Trotsky went to Mexico, but was later assassinated. Stalin
deported to Siberia all those who did not agree with him. His secret police also used arbitrary
arrests, torture, and mass executions to maintain his dictatorship. Anyone could be a victim
of these purges for no apparent reason.
Stalin
The idealism of the Revolution had turned into a system no less terrifying than rule by the Czars.
There was no freedom in the new system, which was based on military bureaucracy. Forced labor created
wealth for the few while their own conditions changed little or grew worse. Terrorist police prevented uprisings.
The aim of totalitarianism is to make people less and less conscious, less able to make distinctions between
truth and falsehood, and unable to draw logical conclusions. This is exactly what happens to the animal-workers
in Animal Farm. The farm itself stands for Russia, and the characters and plot line all symbolize various people
and events in the Russian Revolution.
Censorship and propaganda are essential methods of controlling the proletariat and convincing them that they
are on the right path while those in other political systems are fools. These are important tools used by the pigs
in Animal Farm as well. See "Building a Dictatorship" for a related activity.
Trotsky
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
3 of 14
Summary
(Note: Parenthetical references indicate the political parallels between characters and events in Animal Farm
and those of the Russian Revolution.)
Manor Farm (Russia) is owned by Mr. Jones (Czar Nicholas II), who is a drunk and neglects his
livestock (the Russian people). Old Major, a patriarchal boar (Marxist-Leninist philosophy),
gathers the animals together and explains his theory to them. He tells them ant Man (capitalism)
is exploiting the animals and that the only answer is for them to rebel. He teaches them the song,
"Beasts of England" (the "Internationale"). The pigs (Communist party leaders) distill from Old
Major's ideas the philosophy of Animalism (Communism), and engineer the revolution. On a day
when conditions are particularly appalling (WWII), they break into the food bins and drive Jones and his hired
men (the White Army) off the farm. Mrs. Jones (the Czar's family and court) also flees, along with the raven
Moses (the Russian Orthodox Church).
At first, things seem to go well on the farm. The pigs have taught themselves to read
and write, and they paint the Seven Commandments of Animalism on the barn wall.
There are meetings every Sunday, and while everyone is supposed to participate
equally, it soon become evident that the pigs are taking charge, particularly Napoleon
(Stalin) and Snowball (Trotsky), although the two never seem to agree. A third pig,
Squealer, (Pravda) acts as the pigs' propaganda agent. He cleverly convinces the animals that Napoleon and
Snowball have their best interest at heart.
The horse, Boxer (the loyal industrial worker), helps the pigs' cause by working even harder
than he is expected to and by blindly accepting all the pigs' edicts with the phrase,
"Napoleon is always right." The sheep (the masses) help the cause along by drowning out
objections with endless chants of "Four legs good, two legs bad."
Next door to Animal Farm are Pilkington of Foxwood (England, Churchill) and Frederick
of Pinchfield (Hitler, Germany). The tow aren't getting along, and both have reasons for wanting good relations
with Animal Farm, so nothing is done about the animal rebellion. Jones, however, assembles a group of men
(White Russians) to attach the farm (resistance to the Bolsheviks), but they are defeated and medals of honor
are awarded to Snowball and Boxer.
Mollie, the pretty carriage horse, (the bourgeoisie) defects to a nearby farm where she can continue a life of
comfort. The cat (individual thinker) makes no commitments. Benjamin the donkey (cynical intellectual) says
little and expects life to go as badly as it always has. But, for the most part, the animals work harder than ever
and receive shorter rations. This, of course, is deftly explained by Squealer, who tells them production is
actually up.
Snowball makes plans to build a windmill to mechanize the farm. When it comes to a
vote at a Sunday meeting, Napoleon suddenly summons the nine vicious dogs he has
personally trained from puppyhood (the secret police) to drive Snowball from the
farm (Trotsky's exile to Mexico). Napoleon, now in complete control, announces that
there will be no more Sunday meetings. The fierce dogs silence any objections (counter-revolutionary
thoughts), and once again Squeler is able to convince the animals that Napoleon is actually a paragon of selfsacrifice, working long hours to make proper decisions.
It is announced that construction will begin on the windmill (Stalin's five-year plans). The animals continue to
work harder, urged along by Boxer, who is literally working himself to death. The collapse of the windmill in a
storm is attributed to sabotage by Snowball. Napoleon has his dogs murder a number of other "traitors" who
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
4 of 14
supposedly are working against the farm (the blood purges), and this causes the remaining terrified animals to
question less and work more.
As the animals rebuild, they are informed that trade with the neighboring farms has begun. The animals seem
to recall that there was a resolution against trade with humans, but Squealer assures them they are mistaken.
Napoleon vacillates in the trade agreements, but finally sells some timber to Frederick (Nazi-Soviet pact).
Frederick's bank notes are counterfeit, and he soon attacks toe farm and blows up the windmill (Hitler's attack
on Russia)
The pigs, now living in the house and sleeping in beds, have taken to wearing green tail ribbons (red arm bands)
and drinking beer. An election is held, but Napoleon is the only candidate. When Boxer falls ill from overwork
and is taken away by the knacker [a person who buys worn-out or old livestock and slaughters them to sell the
meat or hides], Squealer tells the animals that he hospital bought the van from the knacker and is hasn't been
repainted yet. (The worker is used up and thrown away).
One day the animals hear the terrified neighing of Clover. When they run to see what is wrong, they see that
the pigs are walking on two legs. They are wearing clothes and carrying whips, and Napoleon is smoking a
pipe. The Seven Commandments that were written on the barn wall have been reduced to just one: "All
animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
A group of farmers come to the farm for a meeting with the pigs, and the
animals watch through he farmhouse windows as the pigs and men play
cards. A quarrel breaks out when Napoleon and Pilkington both play an ace
of spades (the Cold War). As the animals continue to watch, they are unable
to tell the pigs from the men.
Notes from class presentations:
Russia Prior to the Revolution
Russia After the Revolution
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
5 of 14
Parallels between Animal Farm and Actual Historical Events and Characters
1. Old Major .......................................................................................................................Marxism (Lenin)
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2. Jones .............................................................................................................................Czar Nicholas II
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3. Moses .......................................................................... Organized Religion (Russian Orthodox Church)
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4. Animal Rebellion ......................................................................................... Russian Revolution of 1917
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5. Napoleon .......................................................................................................................................... Stalin
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6. Snowball .......................................................................................................................................Trotsky
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7. Squealer......................................................................................................................................... Pravda
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8. Napoleon's dogs ................................................................................................................... Secret Police
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9. Foxwood Farm (Pilkington)...................................................................................... England (Churchill)
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10. Pinchfield Farm............................................................................................................. Germany (Hitler)
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11. Battle of the Cowshed ................................................................. Anti-Revolutionary Invasion of Russia
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12. Battle of the Windmill .......................................... Battle of Stalingrad (German invasion of Russia during WWII)
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13. Final scene (meeting of men and pigs) .................................................................... Teheran Conference
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14. Animals other than pigs and dogs ....................................................................................... the proletariat
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15. Building of the Windmill .................................................................................................... five-year plan
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16. Old Major's skull .................................................................................................................. Lenin's body
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17. Chasing away Jones ...................................................................................... disposal of Czar and family
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
6 of 14
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18. Animal Farm ....................................................................................................................... Russia/USSR
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19. Confessions and executions .............................................................................. Blood purges of 1936-38
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20. Selling of the wood ........................................................................................................ Nazi-Soviet pact
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21. Pigeons sent to incite other rebellions ............................................................ Communist Internationale
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22. Four porkers reject Napoleon's ideas ............................................................................... White Russians
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23. Mollie the card horse ....................................................................................................... the bourgeoisie
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24. Mr. Whymper (broker)............................... foreign agents of the Comintern (Communist International)
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25. Napoleon takes over the farm ............................................................................. Stalin becomes dictator
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26. Hoof and horn on flag ............................................................................................... Hammer and Sickle
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
7 of 14
Building a Dictatorship
Propaganda is the manipulation and control of language. Propaganda transmits more than one message,
depending on what the recipient whishes to hear or is told to hear. While propaganda is an essential ingredient
in a successful totalitarian regime, it is widespread in every country in the world. Invite your students to
examine the media to which they are exposed for examples of propaganda which fall into the categories below.
euphemism: use of words to soften the true meaning; "not a food reduction but a readjustment;" "Recyclable
container" (but only if you take it to a recycling center).
oversimplification: simplification covers the true meaning; "2 wings=2 legs, so birds are four legged
animals." "Made from recycled paper" (but only10%)
bandwagon: do something everyone else is doing; the sheep in Animal Farm chant "four legs good, two legs
bad" over and over. When environmentalism became a household word, companies all over the world suddenly
became "green."
internal contradiction [contradictory premises]: one part of a statement contradicts another part; "Work is
voluntary but rations will be cut." "You don't have to take the final exam but you pass he course."
faulty cause-and-effect reasoning: no logical cause is given or known for the effect; Misk and apples are
brain food." "Pigs must sleep in beds." "Brand X whitens best."
begging the question [ad misericordiam]: avoid answering the question by skirting the issue, often used by
politicians at press conferences
In addition to effective propaganda, other elements need to be present for a dictator to take control. Try to
elicit this list of elements from the students from their prior knowledge, and discuss each one and why it is
necessary.
supporters: the masses must be behind the leader and feel that his or her new ideas will make a real difference
in their lives.
ignorance of followers: It's important that the followers and supporters of the leader not be too educated.
They must follow blindly and without question.
scapegoat: There must be someone or something to blame for all the bad conditions the leader wants to
eradicate. Usually it is the leadership in power. Later, any problems which arise can be blamed on the
scapegoat.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
8 of 14
Propaganda Log
Page #
What is said or done (direct quotation if possible)
Example: “Milk and apples are absolutely
42
necessary to the well-being of the
pigs” (Orwell 42)
What is really happening
The pigs want the apples all to
themselves.
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name _____________________
Animal Farm Vocabulary
9 of 14
1—Read each of the following words below. Then, circle 6 that you do not know (it’s OK if you don’t know
more than 6 words—simply find 6 that you have never heard of before).
2—Search the novel to find the vocab word. Read the paragraph that it is in and try to figure out the word’s
meaning using your context clues.
3—Then, complete a VOCABULARY BOX like the example below for EACH of your SIX vocabulary words.
Draw these boxes on your own notebook paper.
This project is DUE on ______________, _____________________.
Chapter 1
Chapter 4
Ensconced (pg. 25)
Tractable (p. 56)
Laborious (pg. 28)
Ignominious (p. 58)
Enmity (pg. 31)
Impromptu (p. 59)
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Vivacious (p. 35)
Canvassing (p. 63)
Apathy (p. 36)
Procure (p. 66)
Gamboled (p. 40)
Eloquence (p. 69)
Chapter 3
Chapter 6-8
Acute (p. 46)
Resolution (p. 76)
Cryptic (p. 47)
Capitulate (p. 87)
Indefatigable (p. 49)
Lamentation (p. 111)
Square One
Vocabulary Word: ______________________
Sentence from the text: __________________
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Square Two
Dictionary Definition: ______________________________
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Square Three
Square Four
Use the word in a sentence: _______________ Draw a picture that demonstrates your understanding
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THIS IS AN EXAMPLE. PLEASE WRITE YOUR OWN VOCAB BOXES ON A SEPARATE PIECE
OF PAPER! J
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name ___________________________
Literary Terms
Fable
The fable is one of the oldest literary forms - much, much older than the novel or the short story. A fable is usually short,
written in either verse or prose, and conveys a clear moral or message. The earliest fables still preserved date back to 6th
Century Greece B.C.E. The author of these fables, Aesop, used animal characters to stand for human "types." For
example, a fox character might embody the human characteristics of cunning and cleverness. Though Aesop's animal
fables were ostensibly about animals, they were really instructional tales about human emotions and human behavior.
The animal fable has remained a popular art form in Western literature. In recent centuries, the French writer La Fontaine
published a series of animal fables - Fable Choisies (1668-94) - which earned him the reputation of world master of the
form. The most popular animal fables of the 20th Century are the Just So Stories (1902) written by Rudyard Kipling.
Kipling's fables were adapted by Disney in the movie The Jungle Book. Orwell admired Kipling and the Just So Stories
would seem to have influenced the form of Animal Farm. Orwell took the short animal fable and expanded it to the length
of a short novel in the form of an allegory.
Allegory
Most fables have two levels of meaning. On the surface, the fable is about animals. But on a second level, the animals
stand for types of people or ideas. The way the animals interact and the way the plot unfolds says something about the
nature of people or the value of ideas. Any type of fiction that has multiple levels of meaning in this way is called an
allegory.
Animal Farm is strongly allegorical, but it presents a very nice balance between levels of meaning. On the first level, the
story about the animals is very moving. You can be upset when Boxer is taken away by the horse slaughterer without
being too aware of what he stands for. But at the same time, each of the animals does serve as a symbol. The story's
second level involves the careful critique Orwell constructed to comment on Soviet Russia.
Yet there is no reason that allegory must be limited to two levels. It is possible to argue that Animal Farm also has a third
and more general level of meaning. For instance, the pigs need not only represent specific tyrannical soviet leaders. They
could also be symbols for tyranny more broadly: their qualities are therefore not simply the historical characteristics of a
set of actual men but are the qualities of all leaders who rely on repression and manipulation.
Satire and Irony
In a satire, the writer attacks a serious issue by presenting it in a ridiculous light or otherwise poking fun at it. Orwell uses
satire to expose what he saw as the myth of Soviet socialism. Thus, the novel tells a story that people of all ages can
understand, but it also tells us a second story— that of the real-life revolution. Irony results when there is a disparity
between what an audience would expect and what really happens. Orwell uses a particular type of irony – dramatic irony.
He relies on the difference between what the animals understand and what we, the audience, can conclude about the
situation at Animal Farm. We know just what the animals know, but we can see so much more of its significance than
they can. The conclusions we reach that the animals never quite get to – that the pigs are decadent, corrupt, and immoral –
are all the more powerful because we arrive at them ourselves, without the narrator pointing these things out directly.
Orwell uses dramatic irony to create a particularly subtle satire. Satire stages a critique of an individual, group, or idea by
exaggerating faults and revealing hypocrisies. The dramatic irony of Animal Farm achieves this aim indirectly. We see
the hypocrisy that the animals don't and therefore understand in this backward fashion that the book is deeply critical of
the pigs.
Payant
10 of 14
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name ___________________________
Animal Farm - Journal Topics
1. When the animals on neighboring farms san "Beasts of England," it angered and frightened their
owners. Describe a song or type of music you know that has this same kind of effect on others.
2. "Nothing could have been achieved without Boxer." Tell who Boxer symbolizes and what the windmill
represents. Then explain the deeper meaning of this sentence.
3. According to Napoleon, "the truest happiness" is "working hard and living frugally." Why was it
important that the animals believe this? Do you feel his idea has any merit?
4. Most of the residents of Animal Farm have difficulty thinking clearly or reasoning this out to a logical
conclusion. Who or what is Orwell satirizing here? Why is education important to the prevention of
totalitarianism, why is it essential to be informed about current affairs and to vote, and why should
people value the privilege of doing so?
5. Compare your research topic with the comparable event/character in Animal Farm. Write a one-page
comparison between the fact (Russian Revolution) and fiction (Animal Farm).
6. George Orwell subtitled Animal Farm "A Fairy Story." Why? Just for ironic effect, or is there some
other reason? Why use animals and exaggeration instead of just writing a political essay?
7. Does Orwell seem to have an ideal political system in mind? Would he approve of any leaders? Could
the humans be good leaders if they weren't drunk and cruel?
8. Why are pigs the Stalinists? Is Orwell insulting Stalin? Or is he insulting pigs?
9. Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?
10. What responsibility do the other farm animals / citizens of a country have to their leaders? Are we
responsible for making sure that totalitarian governments don't take over, or is there nothing any of the
farm animals could have done about it?
11. Who seems to be wisest of the farm animals? Do they try to warn the others? If so, why does no one
listen?
12. Are the pigs portrayed as particularly smart? Is there something dangerous about their cleverness? If so,
does Orwell seem to distrust smart people?
13. What is the role of religion in Animal Farm? Do the farm animals have a kind of religion?
Payant
11 of 14
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name ___________________________
Animal Farm – Propaganda Poster
Define Propaganda: ______________________________________________________________________
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Assignment #1: Propaganda in our world today
1. Choose ONE form of propaganda to research and nd TWO examples of it. You may want to look in the
newpaper or magazines (hard copy or internet). Print or cut out your example.
2. Underneath each example, clearly label/identify the type of propaganda being used.
3. In a clear paragraph pasted on the poseter, please explain the type of propaganda you researched and
howit is effectively used in the examples.
Assignment #2: Propaganda in Animal Farm
1. Choose ONE example of propaganda used in Animal Farm and write a solid paragraph explaining how
hour selection clearly uses propaganda.
Checklist:
ü Is your poster organzied and demonstrates forthought and planning?
ü Does each assignment have your complete and correct heading?
ü Is everything labeled?
ü Do you clearly demonstrate that you understand propaganda and howit is used in both of your
assignemtns?
ü Does the paragraph for Assignment #2 have an original title?
ü Underline the topic sentence in each of your paragraphs.
ü Do you give solid reasoning and explanation in your paragraphs for how your examples use
propaganda?
ü Is everything typed?
Book Project Rubric
No Evidence
Does not reflect a thorough
understanding or adequate
reading of the book or
propaganda
Proposal, project &
assessment reflect an
inadequate reading or
understanding of the book
or propaganda.
Emerging /Gaining
Loosely organized superficially demonstrates
knowledge &
comprehension levels of
understanding
Project and explanation
reflect knowledge &
comprehension levels of the
book and its related themes
Does not demonstrate
thoughtful relationship
between project and story.
Not suitable for acceptable
project.
Evidence of some planning
but inadequate use of space
and less than expected
attention to detail.
Reflects shallow or
inadequate relationship
between project and story.
Damaged or in need of
quality control.
Inadequate effort
Falls short
Project appears constructed
w/o adequate planning and
attention to detail.
Payant
Proficient
Exemplary
Project sufficiently addresses
application/analysis levels of
understanding of the book and its
related themes and propaganda.
Rich, and reflective. Creatively
communicates a
synthesis/evaluation understanding
of the story and propaganda..
Project and explanation reflect
application/analysis levels of
understanding of the book and its
related themes and propaganda..
Project and explanation reflect a
synthesis/evaluation understanding
of the book and its related themes
and propaganda.
Project is attractive and
demonstrates adequate use of detail
and space.
Project is beautifully constructed
w/masterful use of detail and
attention to spatial relationships
Reflects creative use of detail to
communicate significant element(s)
of the story.
Positively contribute to general
appearance.
Adequate representation of the
book.
Reflects unique or inventive
thinking tying visual elements of
project to underlying themes.
Enhance overall appearance.
Goes beyond the book.
Very Impressive
12 of 14
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name ___________________________
Animal Farm – Mini Research Assignment: Over the next few days, you will be researching topics related to the Russian Revolution, drawing
connections to the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell and teaching the class about the topic. You are to
research your assigned topic, using at least two different sources for information. Then you will look for
parallels as to how your topic relates to Orwell's Animal Farm as well as find textual quotations to support your
insights and arguments. You will then create and information PowerPoint presentation to help teach the class
about your topic.
Some of these topics are very broad, so present only the most key points and details – this means bullet points.
Additionally, you will need visuals on you page. Be sure to properly cite all of your sources.
Your PowerPoint should include the following:
Informational text about your topic(s)
Examples and explanations regarding connections to the novel for all subtopics
Photos, artwork, graphs, maps and/or illustrations relating to your topic(s)
A Works Cited - using proper MLA format (for the purpose of this presentation, cite sources at the
bottom of each PowerPoint page.
Grading Criteria:
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• Information (content)
• MLA Works Cited
• Textual connections/quotations
• Presentation
Russia Prior to the Revolution: Economics, Politics: Communism, Socialism, Peasant Life, Czar Nicholas,
etc.; Key Leaders of the Revolution: Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky; Key Battles: Revolution
of 1917, Anti-Revolutionary Invasion, Battle of Stalingrad, October Revolution; Maintaining Order: Pravda,
Russian Secret Police-KGB, Blood Purges; Neighboring Leaders: Churchill, Hitler, Nazi-Soviet Pact, Tehran
Conference; Other Key Players: The Proletariat & Bourgeoisie, The Russian Orthodox Church;
Progress/Life after the Revolution: Economics, Politics, Peasant Life, Stalin's 5-Year Plan (24)
Source (database):
author, _________________________ “article title” __________________________________________,
journal _________________________________ volume. _____ issue _____ (year) _____ : page(s) _____
database___________________________, most recent date of access (today’s date) _____________________
url _______________________________________________________________________________________
Source (website):
author, _________________________ “web article title” __________________________________________,
web page___________________________, publisher (bottom of page) ________________________________
date of e-publication ________________ most recent date of access (today’s date) ______________________
url _______________________________________________________________________________________
Source (book):
author, ________________________ “book title” ________________________________________________,
publisher (bottom of title page) ___________________________________ date of publication _____________
What this would look like on a sources cited page:
"George Orwell." Humanist 72.4 (2012): n. pag. Biography Reference Bank (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Aug. 2013.
"George Orwell Biography." The Biography Channel website. A+E Television Networks, LLC, 2013. Web. 2
Aug. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/george-orwell-9429833>.
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York: Signet Classics, 1996. Print. Biography from introduction.
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Animal Farm by George Orwell
Name ___________________________
If you have a person: who (name, basic birth/life/death info, parents) what (is he/she most famous for …) when
(was he/she in the public eye?) where (was he/she most famous?) why (what are his/her distinguishing
characteristics, i.e. what set his/her career apart from others ?)
If you have an event: who (was involved?) what (happened?; …were the repercussions of the event?) when (did
the event happen?) where (did the event happen? …was the event felt?) why (did this happen? What events set
the stage for this occurrence?)
Who:
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What:
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When:
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Where:
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Why:
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“Readers pay more attention when they relate to the text…. Readers naturally bring their prior knowledge and experience to reading,
but they comprehend better when they think about the connections they make between the text, their lives, and the larger world.” (10)
Harvey, Stephanie and Goudvis, Anne. Strategies That Work. York, Maine: Stenhouse Publishers, 2000
“Text-to-world—connections that readers make between the text and the bigger issues, events, or concerns of
society and the world at large” (21) How is this person, place, or event connected to Animal Farm?
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Summary (what I am going to share with the class)
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