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Year 10 - English

'Animal Farm': exploring Orwell's influences and purpose

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 why Orwell wrote 'Animal Farm'.

Key Notes

  • Orwell was influenced by his varied life experiences
  • Orwell was against authoritarian regimes and viewed his writing as a way to criticise the abuse of power
  • 'Animal Farm' is an allegory for the Russian Revolution
  • Orwell was a democratic socialist and against the ideals of communism which he saw as easily corruptible and flawed
  • 'Animal Farm' explores themes of power and hierarchy

Vocabulary To Learn

  • authoritarian: An authoritarian regime enforces strict obedience and the expense of personal freedoms.
  • allegory: An allegory is a story, poem or image that has a hidden message, typically a moral or political one.
  • socialism: Socialism is a political ideology that believes in equality and shared ownership of resources and production.
  • capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system that encourages profit making and private ownership of business and resources.
  • marxism: Marxism is a political theory based on the work of Karl Marx. It believes in collective ownership and the eradication of social classes.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • George Orwell was a communist.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Orwell was influenced by his varied life experiences. Orwell was against authoritarian regimes and viewed his writing as a way to criticise the abuse of power.

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

An authoritarian regime enforces strict obedience and the expense of personal freedoms.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: George Orwell was a communist. Correction: Although Orwell wanted an equal society, he viewed communism as corruptible and idealistic.

More Lessons In This Unit

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