Animal Farm

Gr 8 Up–Farm animals rebel against their slothful master and establish their own system of farm government. The rebellion begins in the vision of the animals’ elder statesman, the old boar Major. At a meeting attended by multiple farm animals, Major relates his dream of the day when the animals will manage their own affairs and enjoy the fruit of their labor rather than remaining slaves of the humans. After Major’s death the animals throw their master off the farm and set up their own government. Almost immediately, however, the government becomes corrupt. Eventually, one of the pigs assumes control and the latter stage of the animals’ existence is worse than it was under the humans. Finally, at the end of the story, the pigs who have assumed control resemble the humans to such an extent that it is impossible to tell which is which. The book has been used to illustrate literary forms, such as the beast fable, allegory, and parable. The animal characters talk and act like human beings, and the story has an obvious larger significance, specifically the Russian revolution of 1917. Another use for the book is to stimulate discussion of personal values. Students may explore their own feelings about human dignity, fairness, brotherhood, and the use of violence to achieve desired ends. What begins as good intentions can quickly turn sour when power is left unchecked. Almost 100 years after its publication, the allegory of this work remains a powerful study on how a dictator rises to power.