A microcosm is a small place or society that represents something much larger.

Symbolism is where writers use objects, characters, or elements in their work, to represent deeper ideas and themes.

is when someone pretends to hold certain beliefs, while their actions and behavior contradict or undermine these.

A ritual is a set of actions performed in a particular way with cultural, social or religious significance.

Symbolism in 'Animal Farm'

English

'Animal Farm': exploring Orwell's influences and purpose

'Animal Farm': reading and discussing Chapter 1

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 2 and exploring the three pigs

'Animal Farm': reading and discussing Chapter 3

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 4 and considering Snowball as a leader

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 5 and Napoleon's rise to power

'Animal Farm': reading and discussing Chapter 6

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 7 and Napoleon's culture of fear

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 8 and the pigs' corruption

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 9 and exploring the character Boxer

'Animal Farm': reading Chapter 10 and considering the novella's structure

The characters in 'Animal Farm' and who they represent

Animal Farm: the pigs and the power of rhetoric

Comparing the presentations of the different pigs in 'Animal Farm'

Exploring the different methods of control and leadership in 'Animal Farm'

Tracking important events and characters in 'Animal Farm'

Essay writing: selecting and exploring quotes from 'Animal Farm'

Animal Farm: Orwell’s structural and stylistic choices

Planning an 'Animal Farm' Essay

Essay writing: unpacking questions and writing theses on 'Animal Farm'

Essay writing: creating introductions and conclusions on 'Animal Farm'

Using context effectively in 'Animal Farm' essays

Evaluating and improving model essays on 'Animal Farm'

Planning and writing an 'Animal Farm' essay

Revising and editing 'Animal farm' essays

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' by focusing on the pigs and how they weild power. Pupils first read the book before exploring symbolism, key characters and Orwell's methods. They finally hone their essay writing skills and write about the pigs' use of power.

Modern text: first study

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

What word beginning with 'M' means a small place or society that represents something much larger?

In 'Animal Farm' which two are used to symbolise luxury and inequality?

In 'Animal Farm' which symbol represents progress as both positive and as a tool of exploitation?

In 'Animal Farm' what two elements make up the image on the flag?

A commitment to equality among the animals.

What do rituals in 'Animal Farm', such as the flag-raising ceremony and meetings, symbolise?

The dangers of totalitarianism and the corruption of power.

The necessity of following established rituals and traditions.

What is the main theme conveyed through symbolism in 'Animal Farm'?

What does the term "proletariat" refer to?

In 'Animal Farm', which character represents Joseph Stalin, the authoritarian leader of Soviet Russia?

A declaration of equality among all animals.

The pigs' adoption of human-like behavior.

The pigs' commitment to Old Major's ideas.

What does the phrase "four legs good, two legs better" symbolise in 'Animal Farm'?

With a happy celebration, symbolising the success of the revolution.

With the animals living in harmony, symbolising utopia.

With a violent quarrel, symbolising the inevitability of conflict.

With the return of Mr. Jones, symbolising the return to the old ways.

How does 'Animal Farm' end, and what does it symbolise?

Which words best describe Benjamin from 'Animal Farm'?

In 'Animal Farm', Orwell aims to explore power and corruption.  What do Benjamin and Boxer represent in relation to this theme?

Symbolism in 'Animal Farm'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance