Animal Farm - A Dystopian Novel Study

In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore the startingly realities of a dystopian society that has some very harsh but real similarities to the modern world we know today.

"A farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. With flaming idealism and stirring slogans, they set out to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality. Thus the stage is set for one of the most telling satiric fables ever penned - a razor-edged fairy tale for grown-ups that records the evolution from revolution against tyranny to a totalitarianism just as terrible. When Animal Farm was first published, Stalinist Russia was seen as its target. Today it is devastatingly clear that whatever and whenever freedom is attacked, under whatever banner, the cutting clarity and savage comedy of George Orwell's masterpiece have a meaning and message ferociously fresh". - Citation provided at the bottom of the description.

Through this class, students will read the novel and participate in a Socratic Seminar discussion which involves open-ended questions that challenge readers to think for themselves. The questions and discussion will range from reading comprehension, literary analysis, historical connections, art analysis, and modern-day applications. We will also work through a collaborative journal to gather evidence of our discussion, observations, and analysis.

Below is the schedule that the class will follow:
Day One:
     - Welcome and Introductions
     - Author Information and Book Introduction
     - Historical Connections
     - Collaborative Journal Introduction and Activity
Day Two: Chapters 1 - 2
     - Animals of the Farm (A Who's Who)
     - Beliefs and Hopes for Animal Farm
     - Equality and "Beasts of England"
     - The Rules of Animal Farm
Day Three: Chapters 3 - 4
     - How the Farm is Run
     - Symbolism within Animal Farm
     - Pigs vs. Other Animals of the Farm
Day Four: Chapters 5 - 6
     - Character Development and Changes
     - Changes on the Farm and Misconceptions
     - Historical Connections
     - Name Symbolism
     - Symbolism of Animals and Man
Day Five: Chapters 7 - 8
     - Weather Changes and Symbolism
     - The Windmill Symbolism
     - Allegory
     - Historical Connections
     - Rebellions, Revolutions, Coups, and More!
Day Six: Chapters 9 - 10
     - Comrade Napolean
     - Animals and Men, Men and Animals
     - Theme, Symbolism, and Allegory

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York, Signet Classics, 1946.