ANIMAL FARM CHAPTER DISCUSSIONS CHAPTER 4

VOCABULARY Shrewd-Able to judge people and situations very well and make good decisions. Perpetually-Happening so often that you become tired of the result. Fortnight-A period of two weeks. Tractable-Easy to deal with. Contemptible-Very bad and deserving no respect. Flogging-To hit someone very hard with a stick/whip as punishment. Irrepressible-Lively, confident and impossible to control/stop. Din-Loud, unpleasant noise that lasts for a long time. Smithies (smithy-singular)-A place where iron objects are made/repaired by a blacksmith.

VOCABULARY Skirmishing-Fighting that is not part of the main fighting in a war. Prodded-pushed Hobnailed- A large, heavy boot whose sole is fixed on with large nails. Gored-To injure with horns. Ignominious-Dishonourable, low, mean, despicable. Stunned-To be unconscious. Impromptu-Not planned/prepared Hawthorn-Small tree that produces red berries and thorns Posthumously-Given to someone after their death

Chapter 4 Animal Farm Pinchfield = Germany Mr Frederick = Hitler Pinchfield = Germany Mr Frederick = Hitler Foxwood = England Mr Pilkington = Winston Churchill Foxwood = England Mr Pilkington = Winston Churchill

The neighbouring farmers Note how the description of the farmers and their farms accurately describes the persons and countries they represent: Chapter 4 Foxwood (England ) large, neglected, old-fashioned, overgrown by woodland, pastures worn out, hedges in disgraceful condition Mr Pilkington (Winston Churchill) easy-going; spends most of his time fishing (relaxing instead of leading) Pinchfield (Germany) smaller and better kept Mr Frederick (Adolf Hitler) tough, shrewd (clever); involved in lawsuits; drives hard bargains

The battle of the cowshed  Represents the Russian Civil War soon after the rebellion  The animals are victorious because their attack is organised  Note Boxer’s reaction when he thought he had killed the stable lad – he realises that ALL life is sacred, even the life of your enemies  Note Snowball’s reaction to the unconscious stable lad – he is as cold and heartless as war itself is (no regard for the sacredness of life)  The victory gives the animals an opportunity to create decorative rewards and traditional ceremonies and anniversaries  Note that Napoleon and Squealer are not mentioned – they never participated in the battle (cowardice) Chapter 4

Mollie can’t adapt  Mollie = upper class  She liked the way things were before the Revolution because she was not mistreated and did not work.  She is vain and likes to be spoiled  The welfare of her fellow animal is not her concern  She does not feel like she gained freedom, but rather that she had lost what made her happy