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The theme of deception in 'Animal Farm'

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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how the theme of deception is presented in 'Animal Farm', using relevant examples.

Key learning points

  1. Deception is a key theme in ‘Animal Farm’.
  2. Orwell was cynical about religion and used the character of Moses to explore this theme.
  3. Discourse markers and time conjunctions can help contextualise quotes and and present your ideas logically.
  4. Methods of deception include the use of: euphemism, jargon, hyperbole, subversion and obfuscation.

Keywords

  • Euphemism - A word or phrase used to replace a negative, unpleasant or offensive word.

  • Jargon - Words used by specific professions or groups of people that can be difficult to understand.

  • Hyperbole - A type of exaggeration used to emphasise a point or idea.

  • Subversion - To undermine or contradict expectations or dominant ways of thinking.

  • Obfuscation - The act of making something unclear or confusing.

Common misconception

That Snowball isn't deceptive.

Does Snowball enjoy the "milk and apples" too? What is he awarded after the Battle of the Cowshed and how does this position Snowball?

Teacher tip

Set up an agree/disagree line to answer: "X is the most deceptive." Allow students to debate key characters and formulate their answers using evidence from the text.

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these best defines the act of manipulation?

Correct answer: The subtle or dishonest control or influence over others.
The act of leading by example.
The art of honest persuasion.
The skill of clear communication.

Q2.
In 'Animal Farm' what does Snowball think is the most important?

The seven commandments
Wealth
Power
Correct answer: Education

Q3.
In 'Animal Farm' how do the pigs initially justify taking the "milk and apples"?

They claim it's a reward for their hard work.
Correct answer: They argue that they need special nutrients.
They say it's to prevent the humans from getting them.
They don't provide any justification.

Q4.
In 'Animal Farm' which of these are examples of how Napoleon has built a 'cult of personality' on the farm?

Trading with Fredrick and Pilkington.
Correct answer: Awarding himself military decorations.
Secretly urinating on Snowball's windmill plans.
Correct answer: He is given names like "father of all the animals" and "terror of mankind".

Q5.
In 'Animal Farm', how does Squealer deceive the other animals about Boxer's fate?

He claims Boxer retired to a farm for old animals.
Correct answer: He says Boxer died peacefully in a hospital.
He blames the humans for Boxer's death.
He doesn't address Boxer's fate.

Q6.
In 'Animal Farm' what deceptive tactic do the pigs use to maintain control during the 'Battle of the Windmill'?

They stay out of sight and let the other animals fight.
They disguise themselves as humans.
Correct answer: They manipulate the animals with false reports of victory.
They fight alongside the other animals.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which character in 'Animal Farm' uses religious language to deceive the animals about "Sugarcandy Mountain"?

Correct answer: Moses
Napoleon
Snowball
Squealer
Minimus

Q2.
Which method of deception is being used in this quote from 'Animal Farm': "had to expend enormous labours every day upon mysterious things called "files," "reports," "minutes," and "memoranda."

euphemism
hyperbole
subversion
Correct answer: jargon

Q3.
Which word describes the act of making something unclear or confusing?

euphemism
Correct answer: obfuscation
jargon
subversion
hyperbole

Q4.
Complete this quote from Minimus' poem in 'Animal Farm': "Like the , Comrade Napoleon!"

Correct Answer: sun in the sky, Sun in the sky, sun in the sky., 'sun in the sky'

Q5.
Who said "religion is the opium of the people"?

George Orwell
Joseph Stalin
Correct answer: Karl Marx
Leon Trostky
Vladimir Lenin

Q6.
Contextualising a quote means...

adding isolated historical facts to your quotes.
retelling the plot in detail and in your own words.
stating when the quote was written and published.
Correct answer: giving a brief description of where it appears in the novella.

To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The theme of deception in 'Animal Farm', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...