This GCSE English Literature quiz takes a look at language in Animal Farm by George Orwell. Language choice is one of the most fascinating aspects of Animal Farm. Deceptively simple language conveys the bewildering means by which a new utopia develops into another terrifying and oppressive regime. Napoleon and his propagandist Squealer, as well as the other pig leaders, use language as a weapon by changing history and obscuring the truth. In this text, those who are less literate and therefore unable to use language with the same ease and for the same range of purposes are at a terrible disadvantage.
Visual elements of a text, such as layout, font and illustration, are important, of course, but language is the primary medium through which a reader understands a text.
[readmore]Authors use language with precision. Beyond the literal meaning of each word you will find a wealth of symbolic meanings and other associations. Imagery, such as metaphor, simile and personification, and other literary effects are all created through the careful selection and combination of words. Dialogue, setting and characterisation all rely on an author’s skilful use of language.
Greater understanding rewards close attention to language choices. Allow yourself time to linger over words rather than being content with the surface meaning. What does the specific use of language suggest? Are you invited to think about anything else? The author has chosen this language carefully, which means that you should devote similar time and care to your analysis, enabling you to decipher the text’s deeper meanings.
Answer the questions below to develop your understanding of the way language choices affect our interpretation of a text.
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You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Form, structure and language
An unspecified consensus of animals agrees that Mollie's questions are stupid. Throughout the novella, the narrator voices the thoughts and perceptions of the pro-rebellion animals, but never those of the pigs or the sheep, who are only observed from the outside
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The verbs are active and chosen to provide a vivid image of the animals' great joy. Most of the other words illustrate the natural wonders filling the animals with ecstasy
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To the animals, machines which could accomplish all of their work for them belong in the realm of magic
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Napoleon's disdain for reasoned argument and persuasion is chilling
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The style of narration in these two sentences first creates unease, then the acceptance of the existence of words as proof that the commandment had not been remembered correctly. The association of reassuring phrases with the appearance of Squealer conveys his constant surveillance of the thoughts and beliefs of the other animals on the farm
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After Napoleon becomes the leader, the animals are ordered around rather than encouraged
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"Instructed" and "remark casually" contradict one another. The content of the instruction, its purpose and its method are all instances of deceit, a prevalent feature of the farm almost from the moment of its inception
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By mentioning the possibility of disbelief, Orwell draws attention to the way that the animals are compelled to question Squealer and his figures (at least in the privacy of their thoughts), even if they subsequently decide to believe him
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By the end of the novella, the animals have resigned themselves to their dreary lives, hoping for better days. Their one consolation is that they do not work for human beings any longer and have no master
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The most striking similarity in looks between the men and the pigs is the multiple chins each one has, designating their greed. Greed brings them together, along with their negative actions, such as lying, which are also motivated by greed
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