Abusing Power: Animal Farm and Wicked History

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 3

8th Grade

Lesson 17 of 32

Objective


Explain how Squealer uses language and propaganda techniques to manipulate the other animals, and how the author uses this manipulation to develop dramatic irony.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell  — Chapter 9

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Orwell develop dramatic irony on pages 124-126? Support your answer with at least two pieces of evidence from these pages, and carefully explain your thinking. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • Considering the entire text thus far, how would you describe Boxer? What specific incidents and lines of text help to develop the reader's understanding of his character? Provide at least three pieces of evidence from chapters 1-8 to support your answer.

  • How is life for the pigs on Animal Farm different from the other animals? Provide at least three examples from this chapter to support your answer.

  • Read the following line from page 116: "They found it comforting to be reminded that, after all, they were truly their own masters and that the work they did was for their own benefit." Do you agree with this idea? Support your ideas with evidence from this chapter. 

  • How does Squealer use the propaganda technique of "testimonial" when he describes Boxer's death on page 124? Provide an example and carefully explain your thinking.

Discussion Questions

  • A number of animals have been killed in the book so far. Why is Boxer’s death especially tragic?

Vocabulary


Text-based

complicit

adj.

(p. 117)

involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing; to help someone commit a crime

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: Animal Farm by George Orwell  — Chapter 10

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • During what time period does this chapter take place?

  • What are conditions like for the majority of the animals?

  • What are conditions like for the dogs and pigs on Animal Farm?

  • How do the animals feel about living on Animal Farm? What do they hope for?

  • What new chant do the pigs teach the sheep? Why?

  • How has the pigs' relationship to humans changed?

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.8.3 — Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
  • RL.8.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
  • RL.8.6 — Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.

Supporting Standards

L.8.5
L.8.5.a
L.8.5.c
L.8.6
RL.8.1
RL.8.2
RL.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.1
W.8.1.a
W.8.1.b
W.8.4
W.8.9
W.8.9.a
W.8.10
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Lesson 16

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Lesson 18

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