Animal Farm: Key Points
Textual Evidences:
All Animals Live in Misery – Old Major, starts the speech with stating that their lives are full
of suffering, hunger, and hard labor.
“Our lives are miserable, laborious, and short.”
Man is the Enemy – He argues that humans exploit animals by taking their produce (milk,
eggs, labor) while giving them barely enough to survive.
“Man is the only creature that consumes without producing.”
Rebellion is Necessary – He urges the animals to overthrow humans to gain freedom and
control over their own lives.
“That is my message to you, comrades: Rebellion!”
A Vision of an independent (Communist) Society – He imagines a future where animals
govern themselves, work for their own benefit, and enjoy equality without oppression.
Unity Among Animals – He stresses that all animals must remain united, warning them never
to adopt human behaviors or turn against each other.
"Never listen when they tell you that Man and the animals have a common interest,”
The Principles of Animalism – His ideas lay the foundation for the philosophy that will later
become Animalism.
“Beasts of England" – He teaches the animals an old revolutionary song that inspires them to
dream of a better future.
Explicit Meaning/Relation with R.R:
Old Major as Karl Marx – Old Major represents Karl Marx, who introduced the idea of
communism, and the Russian Revolution. His speech, like The Communist Manifesto, calls for
rebellion against oppression, Like Old Major
Man as the Bourgeoisie (Capitalist Class) – Old Major describes humans as the oppressors,
just as Marx saw the bourgeoisie (owners and elites) as exploiters of the working class
(proletariat).
Animals as the Proletariat (Working Class) – The farm animals represent the workers and
peasants of Russia, who were suffering under the rule of the Tsar (e.g. M Jones) and later under
the elites (e.g. His Men).
Call for Revolution – Old Major urges the animals to overthrow humans, just as Marx
promoted the idea of a workers’ revolution to create a classless society.
Promise of Equality – He Saw a society where all animals are equal and free, similar to
Marx’s vision of communism, where workers would own production, and wealth would be
shared.
Warning Against Tyranny – Old Major warns the animals not to become like humans, just
as Marx feared that leaders might misuse power. This foreshadows Stalin’s dictatorship after the
revolution and also Foreshadows the Pigs in the ending.
“Beasts of England" as Revolutionary Propaganda – The song represents the inspirational
revolutionary ideals, much like how songs, slogans, and writings motivated Russian
revolutionaries.
Underlying Symbolism and Themes:
Tyranny & Oppression – Humans symbolize oppressive rulers.
The Idea of Revolution – The speech mirrors The Communist Manifesto.
Corruption of Power – Warning against resembling humans foreshadows betrayal.
Unity – "All animals are comrades" represents socialist unity.
Propaganda & Manipulation – Beasts of England symbolizes revolutionary hope and later
suppression.
Class Struggle – The division between oppressors (humans) and the oppressed (animals).
Revolution and Rebellion – A call for uprising against injustice.
Questions:
Q1. “Never listen when they tell you that man and the animal have a common interest”
Explain in your own words, whether Old major would have predicted any sign of corruption or
misuse of power in the future and How? Elaborate your opinion with reference to the historical
context. [15M]
Q2. How does Major persuade the animals to be inspired by his vision of rebellion with rhetoric,
feeling and sense? Which risks and virtues are put upon an over-persuasive leader, like Old
major? [10M]
Q3. How does Old Major discuss the hopes and accomplishments of a revolution, while also
discussing its potential flaws? Evaluate with reference to historical reference. [10M]
Q4. If Old Major dreams of a fair and equal society, why does he still divide animals and humans
into "us vs. them"? How does this conflict hint at future problems in Animal Farm? [6M]
Q5. In your Opinion, explain who Old Major represents in the Russian Revolution. Provide
evidences to support your argument. [4M]
Q6. How does the Commandment “Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad” verify that rats are
comrades, even though they have no part in the revolt or struggle against man?
