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Year 10 - English

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 9 and exploring the character Boxer

Animal Farm: the pigs and power

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' by focusing on the pigs and how they weild power. Pupils first read the book before exploring symbolism, key characters and Orwell's methods. They finally hone their essay writing skills and write about the pigs' use of power.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what happens in Chapter 9 of 'Animal Farm' and track the character of Boxer, considering his role in the novel.

Key Notes

  • The animals' lives on the farm are no better than under Jones
  • Rations are reduced but not for the pigs or dogs
  • Boxer dies and is sent to the glue factory
  • Boxer is unaware of the power he has in his physical strength and the respect he commands from the other animals
  • Boxer is an allegory for Alexei Stakhanov

Vocabulary To Learn

  • superannuated: If you are superannuated it means you are old and no longer suitable for work.
  • readjustment: A readjustment is the act of changing something slightly to improve it.
  • reduction: A reduction is to make something smaller in size.
  • unscrupulous: If you are unscrupulous you behave in a way that is dishonest and unfair.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That the animals could not have stopped the revolution.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The animals' lives on the farm are no better than under Jones. Rations are reduced but not for the pigs or dogs.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'superannuated'

If you are superannuated it means you are old and no longer suitable for work.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That the animals could not have stopped the revolution. Correction: How does Orwell describe Boxer? He is physically powerful and commands respect. If he had intelligence could he have made a difference?

More Lessons In This Unit

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