Animal Farm: Chapter I (pages 3-14)
Connected Texts: “La Marseillaise and the French Revolution," "The Russian Revolution of 1917"
Homework Directions: Read and annotate the assigned chapter(s) from and/or connected texts for Animal Farm, and then complete all parts of the homework below.
1. "As soon as the light in the bedroom went out there was a stirring and a fluttering all through the farm buildings" (page 3).
a. Literary Device: imagery
b. Definition:
c. Significance:
Part 3: Reading Questions
Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences. Cite textual evidence to support your answer.
1. What is the central argument of Old Major's speech?
。 Answer:
2. What is the message of the song, "Beasts of England" (pages 12-13)?
3. What is the tone of the song "The Marseillaise?"
o Answer:
4. Does Old Major's speech reflect the values of the Russian Revolution?
O
Answer:
written like a 9th grader
1. The central argument of Old Major's speech is the oppression and subjugation of the animals by humans. He calls for a rebellion against the human masters and the establishment of a society where animals are free and equal.
Cite: "And above all, no animal must ever tyrannize over his own kind. Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers" (page 7).
2. The message of the song "Beasts of England" is to unite the animals and inspire them to fight against their human oppressors. It portrays a vision of a future where animals are in control and enjoy a life of freedom and abundance, overcoming their current hardships.
Cite: "Beasts of England, beasts of Ireland
Beasts of every land and clime
Hearken to my joyful tidings
Of the golden future time" (page 12).
3. The tone of the song "The Marseillaise" is patriotic and revolutionary. It is filled with passion, determination, and a sense of unity among the oppressed people. The song inspires them to rise up against their oppressors and fight for their freedom.
Cite: "To arms, citizens!
Form your battalions!
March, march!
Let impure blood water our furrows!" (connected text "The Marseillaise").
4. Yes, Old Major's speech reflects the values of the Russian Revolution. He speaks of the exploitation of the working class by the ruling class and the need for a revolution to overthrow the oppressors. The principles of equality, unity, and rebellion against unjust authority that Old Major espouses align with the ideals of the Russian Revolution.
Cite: "Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. [...] Is it not crystal clear, then, comrades, that all the evils of this life of ours spring from the tyranny of human beings?" (page 5)