Animal Farm Essay Topics

1) Discuss the seven commandments. How did they change and why? Relate them
to the historical laws in place in the Soviet Union if possible.

2) Orwell felt that revolutions fail in that they result only in a change of tyrants. Use
specific examples to trace Napoleon’s rise to power and show how he is an
excellent example of Orwell’s philosophy.

3) “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Discuss this statement in

relation to Animal Farm.

4) Discuss Moses and Sugarcandy Mountain. What role do they play in gaining
compliance from the farm animals? How is religion shown in the novel?

5) Examine the use of propaganda to control the animals and their thinking. How
powerful is propaganda and should it be allowed?

6) Find examples of humour in the novel. Explain what purpose it serves and how it
supports Orwell’s overall message in the novel.

7) Boxer exemplifies Orwell’s idea that simple creatures work harder and harder for
causes they cannot admit no longer exist. Show how this is true for Boxer. What
cause is he fighting for and why will he not admit that this cause is dead?

8) How has Orwell used the animal fable to present his view of human nature?

9) Discuss the character of Squealer or Snowball

10) One of the themes of the novel is that people’s ignorance can contribute to their
political and social oppression. How does the animal’s behavior in the novel
support this theme?

11) The pigs became the leaders, and the other animals accept them because the pigs
are the cleverest. Should intelligence be the primary qualification for leadership?
What other qualities are important for a leader to have?

You will be allowed to bring in:

Your completed outline

Your Animal Farm book
“Steps for the Essay Draft”
 Essay Outline
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