Copy this chart to your journal HISTORICAL FIGURE CHARACTER DESCRIBE PARALLEL Karl Marx Old Major Old Major is the originator of the idea that becomes the basis of the animal rebellion – however, like Marx, the ideals behind it are soon forgotten Animalism | Communism Czar Nicolas II Josef Stalin Leon Trotsky The “Proletariat” (the working class) Pravda – the newspaper that worked as the propaganda organ of the Party The KGB, or secret police

Animal farm is an allegory that demonstrates how people can be manipulated and deceived through propaganda. Although it was inspired by and parallels the Russian Revolution and has historical significance, its themes are universal and timeless. It prompts readers to think critically instead of blindly accepting what they are told and understand how information is often distorted and slanted to mislead or scare people into action. Orwell challenges readers to recognize and resist injustices.

The Russian Revolution http://bit.ly/XNQmC3

Ah-ha! Old Major (Father of Animalism): Karl Marx (the original communist leader) / Lenin Napoleon: Joseph Stalin Squealer: Russian Media – Stalin’s version of the truth Snowball: Leo Trotsky – Stalin’s biggest enemy Boxer: The working class Mollie: Russia’s upper class Dogs: Military/police Hens: Peasant Farmers Pigeons: Communist World Revolution Sheep: The masses at large Moses: Russian Orthodox Church Benjamin: Bystanders

Old Major tells the animals of his vision of a better world. CHAPTER 1 | 1848 Old Major tells the animals of his vision of a better world. Karl Marx publishes the book Communist Manifesto, which outlines the basic ideas of communism. “Equality for all!”

CHAPTER 2 | 1883 & 1917 Old Major Dies The animals, led by Napoleon and Snowball, overtake Mr. Jones – the negligent owner of the Manor Farm The pigs set up the government – Animalism Snowball renames the farm Animal Farm Karl Marx dies The Russians, led by Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin, overtake Czar Nicholas II – the autocratic ruler The Bolshevik party take leadership of the newly formed government The country’s name changes from Russia to Russian Soviet Republic

CHAPTER 3 & 4 | 1917 – 1923 Mr. Jones tries to retake the farm, but fails due to Snowball’s superior strategy Followers of Czar Nicholas II fight the newly founded Russian Soviet Republic Army, only to lose

CHAPTER 5 | 1918 & 1925 Mollie leaves Animal Farm since she liked being cared for by humans Napoleon and the loyal attack dogs drive Snowball out of the farm and take over The upper class of Russia leave the Russian Soviet Republic Stalin and his supporters drive out Trotsky and take power after the previous leader, Lenin, dies

CHAPTER 6 & 7 | 1930s Napoleon uses Snowball as a target for any shortcomings of the pigs Napoleon and the guard dogs kill alleged supporters of Snowball’s plan to sabotage the windmill Stalin uses Trotsky as a target for any shortcomings the new dictatorship runs into Stalin performs purges against anyone he feels could rebel

CHAPTER 8, 9, & 10 | 1939 - 2013 Napoleon sells an unused pile of timber to the neighboring farm, owned by Mr. Frederick. Frederick goes back on his exchange by giving the farm forgeries Frederick attacks Animal Farm and destroys the windmill before being driven away by the animals Years later, Napoleon invites all the farms far and wide to a card game and he is openly praised for his work on the farm Stalin makes a pact with Hitler to not get in a war with each other Hitler breaks the pact by attacking the western borders, destroying much of the Soviet’s industry Back then and even today, world leaders accredited Stalin with the great work he did with Russia

 "There have been, are, and always will be pigs in every society, Orwell states, and they will always grab power. Even more cruel is the conclusion that everyone in the society, wittingly or unwittingly, contributes to the pigs' tyranny."