Animal Farm - Chapter 3

Before reading this chapter and doing these exercises, read the following definitions

By heart – (remember, memorize by heart) remember very well
Committee – a group chosen to complete a specific task
Implements - tools
Indefatigable – tireless, cannot be made tired
Maxim – a well-known phrase that expresses an idea or rule
Obstinate – refusing to change your beliefs or ideas
Parasitical – like a parasite; taking advantage of
Resolution - a formal statement that expresses the decision of a group
Windfall – things (like fruit) that fall because of wind

Comprehension Questions

1. What are the animals proud of?
2. Who can read?
3. Who aren’t hard workers?
4. Who can eat apples? Why?
5. Who will raise the dogs? Why?
6. Summarize Animalism in one sentence.

Discussion Question

1. What do we learn about these characters abilities and personalities:

• Boxer
• Snowball
• Napoleon - What are Napoleon’s ideas about education? Why do you think he believes this? 
• Squealer
• Mollie
• Old Benjamin

Read the extract from Chapter 3 below. It is Squealer’s explanation of why the milk and apples are being kept by the pigs.

“Comrades!” he cried. “You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the wellbeing of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organisation of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for YOUR sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back! Surely, comrades,” cried Squealer almost pleadingly, skipping from side to side and whisking his tail, “surely there is no one among you who wants to see Jones come back?”

1. What reason does he give for the pigs needing milk and apples?
2. How does he make the pigs sound unselfish and dedicated?
3. What are some persuasive techniques he uses?
4. What threat does he use to convince the animals?