Animal Farm: Orwell’s structural and stylistic choices
I can explain why Orwell has made specific choices about structure and style.
Animal Farm: Orwell’s structural and stylistic choices
I can explain why Orwell has made specific choices about structure and style.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Orwell uses a simple and detached style to get his message across.
- Orwell uses and subverts the conventions of a fairy tale.
- Old Major’s speech foreshadows the events of the novel.
- Orwell uses the seasons to show the passing of time and the deterioration of the animals’ living conditions.
- 'Animal Farm' has a cyclical structure to reflect the cycle of oppression and the inevitability of hierarchy.
Keywords
Foreshadowing - When a writer gives subtle hints or clues about future events in the story.
Conventions - The features you would expect to find in a given genre.
Genre - This categorises texts based on conventions and themes.
Subvert - To defy or challenge typical conventions or expectations.
Omniscient - To know or see everything.
Common misconception
That Orwell offers a solution to the problems he highlights.
Focus on the cyclical structure and lack of resolution. How does this reflect Orwell's purpose? Is he just being critical and cynical?
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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