Animal Farm: Allegory and Allusion

Introduction

"All Animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others." In the reading of the satirical and dystopian novel Animal Farm about social revolution and disillusionment expressed through animals on a farm, we will be exploring the events that led up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. We will look at the causes and effects of this historical event and compare it with what is happening in Russia today. Why did Russia attack Ukraine? What is the history of our relationship with Russia, and where did it begin? Why is Russia our so-called "enemy"? We will analyze government systems like democracy, communism, and totalitarianism to understand their motivations and effects on the masses.

Essential Questions

• What is the relationship between a government and freedom?  

• How is change related to conflict?  

• How can an author promote social change through writing?  

• How can individuals gain and abuse power?  

• How can I use satire or allegory to increase social awareness of an issue or event?

• What is effective leadership?

• What is the relationship between Capitalism and Communism? Are their pros and cons for both Communism and Capitalism?

Learning Objectives

• Define, recognize, and provide examples of the literary devices allegory, fable, and satire.  

• Use historical context (namely the Russian Revolution) to better understand the novel and its intended purpose.  

• Demonstrate an understanding of themes allegorized in Animal Farm, such as complacency, ignorance, and greed for power.

• Construct a fable, satire, or allegory of their own.