The connection between a lack of voice and oppression in Orwell's 'Animal Farm'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the connection between a lack of voice and oppression in Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’.
Key learning points
- Many of the animals in 'Animal Farm' do not have a voice within the text.
- Arguably, we connect having a voice with having power.
- Potentially, Orwell is representing how the masses do not have a voice in political systems.
- Arguably, we see the pigs’ suppressing the animals language.
- Orwell implies that the animals' lack of linguistic ability contributes to their subjugation .
Keywords
Voice - to have a voice is to have an active and participatory role in making a decision or influencing something
Disenfranchised - not having the right to vote, or a similar right, or having had that right taken away
Suppression - the act of preventing something from being expressed or known
Subjugation - the action of bringing someone or something under domination or control
Common misconception
The animals in 'Animal Farm' are unintelligent and therefore cannot grasp complex language.
Conversely, we might suggest that the pigs' simplification of the animals' language suppresses their ability to use language to express themselves.
Teacher tip
You might extend the discussion in Task B by thinking about how a lack of linguistic ability can also lead people to be misled by people using persuasive language.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' for this lesson.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the events of Orwell's 'Animal Farm' in chronological order.
Q2.'The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events' is the definition of which of the following?
Q3.Which of the following is true of Orwell's 'Animal Farm'?
Q4.What does it mean to have a voice?
Q5.Which of the following is the definition of simplifying?
Q6.'Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority' is the definition of which word beginning with 'o'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Having a lack of voice means which of the following?
Q2.'The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control' is the definition of which of the following?
Q3.Complete the following quotation from Orwell's 'Animal Farm': “all questions relating to the working of the farm would be settled by a special committee of ”
Q4.'The act of preventing something from being expressed or known' is the definition of which of the following?
Q5.Complete this quotation from Orwell's 'Animal Farm': “the animals were dismayed by this announcement. Several of them would have if they could have found the right arguments.”
Q6.'Not having the right to vote, or a similar right, or having had that right taken away' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The connection between a lack of voice and oppression in Orwell's 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The connection between a lack of voice and oppression in Orwell's 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the ‘Animal Farm’: language manipulation and control unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.