Year 11 - English
The manipulation of language in Orwell's 'Animal Farm'
'Animal Farm': language manipulation and control
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore how language is used for control in 'Animal Farm'. They first look at the pigs' control of language, before exploring how the other animals' apathetic language contributes to their oppression. Pupils finally plan and write an essay about language manipulation.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how the manipulation of the law and commandments creates a sense of control in 'Animal Farm'.
Key Notes
- Orwell believed in the power of language and how it can be used to corrupt and control people.
- Arguably, we see this corruption and control through the pigs' manipulation of the commandments.
- Potentially, we might consider the commandments as representing religious language.
- Therefore, we may think that Orwell is commenting on how religion can corrupt and control people.
Vocabulary To Learn
- manipulation: an action designed to influence or control another person, usually in an underhanded or unfair manner
- commandments: a divine rule, especially one of the Ten Commandments
- control: the power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events
- corruption: dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery
- absolute: something complete, unconditional and final
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The concept of truth is something that cannot be changed.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Orwell believed in the power of language and how it can be used to corrupt and control people. Arguably, we see this corruption and control through the pigs' manipulation of the commandments.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'manipulation'
an action designed to influence or control another person, usually in an underhanded or unfair manner.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: The concept of truth is something that cannot be changed. Correction: Our perception of what it true can be altered by those around us.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How language creates social divisions in Orwell's 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
- Narrative voice and the concepts of truth and complicity in 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
- The connection between a lack of voice and oppression in Orwell's 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
- The connection between shifting language and shifting ideology in 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
- The consequences of complicit and apathetic language in Orwell's 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
- Writing a nuanced response on the manipulation of language in 'Animal Farm' Study Guide
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