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Year 10 - English

Animal Farm: Orwell's structural and stylistic choices

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 has made specific choices about structure and style.

Key Notes

  • Orwell uses a simple and detached style to get his message across.
  • Orwell uses and subverts the conventions of a fairy tale.
  • Old Major's speech foreshadows the events of the novel.
  • Orwell uses the seasons to show the passing of time and the deterioration of the animals' living conditions.
  • 'Animal Farm' has a cyclical structure to reflect the cycle of oppression and the inevitability of hierarchy.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • foreshadowing: When a writer gives subtle hints or clues about future events in the story.
  • conventions: The features you would expect to find in a given genre.
  • genre: This categorises texts based on conventions and themes.
  • subvert: To defy or challenge typical conventions or expectations.
  • omniscient: To know or see everything.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That Orwell offers a solution to the problems he highlights.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Orwell uses a simple and detached style to get his message across. Orwell uses and subverts the conventions of a fairy tale.

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

When a writer gives subtle hints or clues about future events in the story.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That Orwell offers a solution to the problems he highlights. Correction: Focus on the cyclical structure and lack of resolution. How does this reflect Orwell's purpose? Is he just being critical and cynical?

More Lessons In This Unit

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