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Year 10 - English

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 10 and considering the novella's structure

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 the events of Chapter 10 and consider Orwell's use of a cyclical structure.

Key Notes

  • 'Animal Farm' has a cyclical structure
  • The novella ends with the pigs being indistinguishable from men
  • Many of the original ideals have now been forgotten or completely subverted
  • Orwell shows how power and control are always inevitable
  • The commandments are simplified into one maxim, implying the pigs are better than the other animals

Vocabulary To Learn

  • futile: If something is futile it feels useless, pointless or unsuccessful.
  • doctored: If something is doctored it means it has been altered or manipulated in order to deceive people.
  • idealistic: Being idealistic suggests that you believe in the best possible outcome, even if it seems unrealistic.
  • cyclical structure: A cyclical structure is where the end of a piece of writing takes us back to the beginning or refers to the start.
  • subvert: If you subvert something you undermine, challenge or disrupt it.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That the revolution is a complete failure.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'Animal Farm' has a cyclical structure. The novella ends with the pigs being indistinguishable from men.

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

If something is futile it feels useless, pointless or unsuccessful.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That the revolution is a complete failure. Correction: Explore the quote "the farm was more prosperous now, and better organised". Who has benefitted? Would some consider this a success?

More Lessons In This Unit

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