The Seven Commandments
Are these good rules for the animals to live by? Can you foresee any problems arising from any of these rules?
If you were one of the animals, would you agree with Old Major? Explain.
Propaganda
The pigs spend a lot of time advocating for what they call Animalism. They call meetings and work hard to persuade the other animals to accept and embrace the doctrines of animalism. The song Beasts of England helps win the animals over because it stirs up emotions and conjures a desirable image of the future that any animal would be crazy not to want.
This song is an example of propaganda. Propaganda is communication aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position.
Brainstorm a list of examples of propaganda. Discuss what makes propaganda effective. What strategies are used?
Thought Questions
1. Name the three pre-eminent pigs on the farm and their main characteristics. (p1O)
2. What was the name given to the school of thought, which the three pigs had turned Major’s teachings into? (p11)
3. What was the situation which caused the beginning of the rebellion earlier than expected? (p12 & 13)
4. What did the animals decide to do with the farmhouse where Mr. Jones lived? (p15)
5. What was the final, and perhaps most important, of the seven commandments? (p17)
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