Symbolism in 'Animal Farm'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and explain key symbols in 'Animal Farm'.
Key learning points
- Animal Farm is a microcosm because it is a self-contained representation of a larger society and system.
- The windmill represents how progress can better a society, but can also be exploited.
- Food is used to symbolise luxury and inequality.
- Flags and rituals are used to both galvanise the animals and maintain control.
Keywords
Microcosm - A microcosm is a small place or society that represents something much larger.
Symbolism - Symbolism is where writers use objects, characters, or elements in their work, to represent deeper ideas and themes.
Hypocrisy - is when someone pretends to hold certain beliefs, while their actions and behavior contradict or undermine these.
Ritual - A ritual is a set of actions performed in a particular way with cultural, social or religious significance.
Common misconception
That the animals feel negatively towards the rituals and ideas put forward by the pigs.
Think about the response to Beasts of England. Is this same atmosphere created by Napoleon's parade? Why are the pigs' rituals different?
Teacher tip
An effective alternative task is to get students to design their own flags for their own ideal society and then explain the symbolism.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term "proletariat" refer to?
Q2.In 'Animal Farm', which character represents Joseph Stalin, the authoritarian leader of Soviet Russia?
Q3.What does the phrase "four legs good, two legs better" symbolise in 'Animal Farm'?
Q4.How does 'Animal Farm' end, and what does it symbolise?
Q5.Which words best describe Benjamin from 'Animal Farm'?
Q6.In 'Animal Farm', Orwell aims to explore power and corruption. What do Benjamin and Boxer represent in relation to this theme?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word beginning with 'M' means a small place or society that represents something much larger?
Q2.In 'Animal Farm' which two are used to symbolise luxury and inequality?
Q3.In 'Animal Farm' which symbol represents progress as both positive and as a tool of exploitation?
Q4.In 'Animal Farm' what two elements make up the image on the flag?
Q5.What do rituals in 'Animal Farm', such as the flag-raising ceremony and meetings, symbolise?
Q6.What is the main theme conveyed through symbolism in 'Animal Farm'?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Symbolism in 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Symbolism in '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: the pigs and power unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.