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Year 11 - English

The importance of food and drink motifs in 'Animal Farm'

Animal Farm: lies and deception

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the importance of lies and deception in 'Animal Farm'. They first look at deception, before developing their analytical skills by practising selecting judicious quotations and weaving context into their responses. They finally plan an essay on lies and propaganda.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how the motif of food and drink are used in 'Animal Farm'.

Key Notes

  • The pigs prioritise their personal greed over the values outlined by Old Major.
  • The apple could represent the parable of Adam and Eve and the fall from grace.
  • Food symbolises more than just greed, it symbolises hypocrisy.
  • The food the pigs take builds from the basics to luxuries, such as whisky.
  • Tracing motifs is an effective way to develop your essays.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Gluttony: over indulgence and excessive greed
  • Berate: to tell someone off or criticise them
  • Parable: a simple story used to convey a moral message or religious principle
  • Hypocrisy: to behave in a way that is different or the opposite to the beliefs that are presented

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Mollie is the only character interested in sugar as a luxury.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The pigs prioritise their personal greed over the values outlined by Old Major. The apple could represent the parable of Adam and Eve and the fall from grace.

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

over indulgence and excessive greed.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Mollie is the only character interested in sugar as a luxury. Correction: Napoleon orders sugar for his table and his consumption alone. What does this tell us about the hypocrisy of the pigs?

More Lessons In This Unit

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