Introduction
In this chapter, the animals face one of the most difficult periods on the farm. Harsh weather and food shortages make life increasingly challenging, while the leadership of Napoleon becomes more controlling and oppressive. As fear and propaganda begin to dominate the farm, the animals must confront the consequences of the changing power structure. This chapter highlights themes such as manipulation, loyalty, and the abuse of authority.
Task
Part A (40%)
Answer the following questions:
1. Describe the conditions on Animal Farm and the animals’ attitudes throughout the winter.
2. Old Major says about Man: “And you hens, how many eggs have you laid in this last year, and how many of those eggs ever hatched into chickens? The rest have all gone to market to bring in money for Jones and his men.” How does this compare to the situation with
the hens in chapter 7?
3. Why are the animals trying to hide the food shortage from humans?
4. What does the hens’ rebellion show about Napoleon’s leadership?
5. Why does Napoleon blame Snowball for many problems on the farm?
6. How does the execution of the animals change the atmosphere on the farm?
7. What is the significance of banning “Beasts of England”?
Part B
1. Reread the following passage:
“For five days the hens held out; then they capitulated and went back to their nesting boxes.” What is the best meaning of “capitulated” as it is used in the passage?
A. conquered
B. reassured
C. slaughtered
D. surrendered
2. Reread the following passage:
“Curiously enough, they went on believing this even after the mislaid key was found under a sack of meal.” How does this evidence develop dramatic irony in Chapter VII?
A. Readers know that Snowball is not really responsible for these problems on the farm, but the other animals are
unaware.
B. The animals know that Napoleon, not Snowball, is their real enemy, but the pigs are unaware of this realization.
C. The animals know that Snowball is not really responsible for these problems, but the readers are unaware.
D. The animals know that Napoleon, Squealer, and the pigs are lying to them, but the readers are unaware.
3. Why does Orwell choose to use dramatic irony throughout Animal Farm?
A. It emphasizes the animals’ ignorance of the pigs’ manipulation.
B. It highlights the animals’ need for the pigs’ continued leadership.
C. It develops the readers’ understanding of the dangers of rebellion.
D. It reveals Snowball’s plan to trick the animals and destroy Animal Farm.
4. How does blaming Snowball for the problems on the farm allow the pigs to benefit?
A. It allows the pigs to plan a new attack against Farmer Jones.
B. It allows the pigs to avoid being blamed for their failures on the farm.
C. It causes the other animals to forget about their problems since Snowball is gone.
D. It causes the other animals to question the pigs’ leadership and Old Major’s vision.
C: Write a Diary Entry
Write a short diary entry from the point of view of Boxer after the executions.
