Answers to Chapter 1 Discussion Questions

1. Do you agree with what Old major says about "the nature of this life of ours"? Why or why not?

Ans: Students can agree or disagree but have to be clear about their stand and justidy their answer. For exampls, if you agree with Old major, you have to explain that animals are unjustily treated by man because they are overworked, underfed, treated like slaves, and slaughtered once they are not useful.


2. Is Old Major right or wrong to say that Man is the source of all the problems animals face? Is it a fair or unfair statement to make? Why or why not? (Think of this from the perspectives of Man and the animals)

Ans: Students can say that Old Major is right or wrong, depending on their reasoning. In addition, they have to evaluate whether the statement is fair or not. For example, students can say that Old Major is right in saying that Man is the source of all the problems animals face, becuse it is man who overworks them without caring for their welfare, and who inflicts many injustices upon them. Or they could say that it is wrong to say that Man is the source of all the problems because much later in the novel, we realise that even after Man is removed and Napoleon takes charge, the animals still live a similar, if not worse, life. Therefore, it is greed for power that is the source of all problems rather than Man.

From Man's perspective, the comment would probably unfair. Man is the more intelligent one so he would naturally control animals. He depends on animals for their produce and in return, provides them with food and shelter. Thus, it is unfair to say that Man is the source of all the animals' problems. Since even when an animal rules over them (Napoleon) they are overworked, underfed and unhappy, it is not fair to blame Man totally.

From the animals' perspectives, the comment would be fair - Man is the one who takes away all their produce like their milk and their babies although he doesnt produce anything. He gives them only enough food to survive and mercilessly ends their lives when they are no longer useful.


3. What do you understand by the phrase "the tyranny of human beings"? (page 17)

Ans: It refers to the unkind, unfair and cruel treat ment of the animals by human beings. Humans are very demanding and inconsiderate.


4. Is your response to tyranny and oppression rebellion? Why or why not?

Ans: Students can choose to rebel or not but must provide reasons for their choice.
For those who choose to rebel, they could say that they were so unhappy with the injustices carried out on them and that they had no freedom and hence, chose to rebel so as to be in control of their own lives.
For those who choose not to rebel, perhaps they can say that they would try to negotiate with Man first (assuming that animals and Man can communicate, since later on Napoleon does talk to the farmer he trades with). Or they could say that if they rebelled, they future would be uncertain and they would have no choice but to run the farm themselves,. finding food and shelter on their own even though they were not used to doing these things.



Other areas students should be familiar with for Chapter 1:

• The different ways in which the animals behave as they go into the barn, and what it says about them --> initial impressions of the various animals
• Old Major's main idea and its significance
• The commandments as Old major first said them
• The reason(s) why 'Beasts of England' is sung so enthusiastically by the animals