Allegory An allegory is a work of literature

Allegory • An allegory is a work of literature in which characters and events symbolize abstract qualities, such as greed, or real people and events. Allegories are written not only to entertain but also to teach a lesson or moral principle.

Fable • Orwell calls his novel a “fairy story”. But really, in addition to being an allegory, Animal Farm is also a fable. A fable is a story in which animal figures are used to teach a lesson about humans.

Theme • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Below are a list of themes we will run across in Animal Farm. As we read, try to identify how the novel conveys these themes. Power corrupts those who possess it. People’s ignorance contributes to their political and social oppression. Revolutions may result in a change of political power, but often most people’s lives stay about the same. In society, individuals are not treated equally. All societies contain individuals who will seize power for their own ends. Those in power sometimes try to revise history to fit a current political need.

Propaganda • Propaganda is a biased, one-sided communication meant to influence thoughts and actions of an audience. Methods used in propaganda are much stronger than those used in persuasion. A propagandist may conceal contradictory information and discourage debate. Propagandists may also lie, distort facts, and rely on very simple repetitive messages.

The Idea • According to Orwell, the idea for Animal Farm came to him one day when he saw a large cart-horse being driven by a little boy who would whip the horse when it tried to turn. “It struck me that if only such animals became aware of their strength we should have no power over them, and that men exploit animals in much the same way as the rich exploit the proletariat. ”