Animal Farm Form Notes

Page 1

Overview:

Orwell wrote that animal farm was a primary ' a staire on the Russian revolution'. Animal farm in an allegory of the events that happened durig the Russian Revolution

Orwell makes use of the beast fable form for a particular reason. Sni

• Animal farm is a satire on political power. • A satire is a written attack that makes something look foolish or unpleasant. Ironic humour is used to draw our attention to what the author is attacking.

• Animal stereotypes: Orwell’s use of animals to represent different historical figures or ideals is satirical. He uses mainly negative representation, for example, the sheep (traditionally regarded as stupid animals) are used to represent the public as an unthinking mob. The satire is effective as Orwell expects us to be aware of how the characters should behave.

• Political – the symbols are obvious – as you would expect n an allegory. The farm represents Russia; napoleon represents Stalin. World events are reduced to the level of the farmyard. The satire also makes complex political events (such as the German invasion of Russia).

• Ridicule