Download Chapter 3 ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell

ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell
Chapter 3
1) Describe the situation on Animal Farm, as it exists during the idealistic days following the
revolution. How well did the animals work together?
2) What is the function of the pigs at this time? What indicators show problems in the
leadership of the new government?
3) Are all animals equal? Describe any “classes” or rankings of animals you see. What factors
indicate rank?
4) The animals had many difficulties but were able to overcome them due to Boxer. Who is he
and why is he so admired?
5) Describe the flag and state its significance in the book. What is this similar to? To what do
you think the hoof and horn on the flag correspond?
6) Define maxim. What were the Seven Commandments reduced to and why?
7) What are the Animal Committees? Which classes were particularly successful? Who spearheaded the committees?
8) Who was taking the milk? Name one of the arguments used to explain why the milk was
going to this group? Who was sent to explain why the milk was being used by the pigs?
9) What happened to the nine newly born puppies? Similarly, what happened under Stalin’s
rule that compared to this situation?
10) What is propaganda (see below)? What is an example of propaganda used at the end of
Chapter 3? Who is the source? What is really meant by this example?
Building a dictatorship
Propaganda: is the manipulation and control of language. Propaganda transmits more than
one message, depending on what the recipient wishes to hear or is told to hear. While
propaganda is an essential ingredient in a successful totalitarian regime, it is widespread in
every country in the world. Examine the media for examples of propaganda, which fall into
the categories below.
1.
Euphemism: use of words to soften the true meaning; “not a food reduction but a
readjustment;” “Recyclable Container” (but only if you take it to a recycling centre).
2. Oversimplification: simplification cover the true meaning; “2 wings = 2 legs, so birds
are four legged animals.” “Made from recycled paper” (but only 10%)
3. Bandwagon: do something everyone else is doing; the sheep in Animal Farm chant
“Four legs good, two legs bad” over and over. When environmentalism became a
household word, companies all over the world suddenly became “green.”
4. Internal Contradiction: one part of a statement contradicts another part; “work is
voluntary but rations will be cut.” “You don’t have to take the final exam but you
won’t pass the final course.”
5. Faulty Cause-and-Effect Reasoning: no logical cause is ever given or known for the
effect; “Milk and apples are brain food.” “Pigs must sleep in beds.” “Brand X
whitens the best.”
6. Begging the Question: avoid answering the question by skirting the issue; often
used by politicians at press conferences.
In addition to effective propaganda, other elements need to be present for a dictator to
take control. Try to elicit a list of elements from your prior knowledge, and discuss each
one and why it is necessary.
Supporters: the masses must be behind the leader and feel that his or her new
ideas will make a real difference in their lives.
Ignorance of Followers: It’s important that the followers and supporters of
the leader not be too educated. They must blindly follow without question.
Scapegoat: there must be someone or something to blame for all of the bad
conditions the leader wants to eradicate. Usually it is the leadership in power. Later, any
problems, which arise, can be blamed on the scapegoat.