Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDFs, and guides for MBOSE Class 12 Alternative English textbook Imprints, Chapter 1, The Rebellion by George Orwell, which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
This chapter is an excerpt from George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm, a political allegory that uses a group of farm animals to explore themes of revolution, power, and inequality. The novel reflects events leading up to and during the early stages of the Russian Revolution, using animals to symbolise key figures and ideas.
Mr Jones, the owner of Manor Farm, locks the hen-houses one evening but forgets to secure the pop-holes. He is drunk and stumbles to bed, leaving his tasks unfinished. Once he and his wife are asleep, the farm stirs to life. The animals have heard about a meeting called by Old Major, a wise and respected boar, who wishes to share an important dream. The animals gather in the barn, taking their places according to their types, reflecting a sense of routine and order. Old Major, who has lived a long life and gained wisdom, speaks to the animals about their harsh existence. He describes the life of animals as full of labor and pain, only to end in cruelty when they are no longer useful.
Old Major points to humans, especially Mr Jones, as the source of their suffering. He argues that humans exploit animals, taking all the produce without contributing. Major proposes that the only solution is rebellion against human oppressors. He inspires them with a vision of a farm where animals are free and prosperous, without human control. He warns them not to adopt the habits of humans or become like their oppressors. He stresses unity and equality, planting the seeds of a new ideology he calls “Animalism.” As he concludes, he shares the song “Beasts of England,” which paints a hopeful picture of freedom and equality. The song evokes excitement and unity among the animals, who sing it loudly, waking Mr Jones. Alarmed, he fires his gun, and the animals scatter.
Old Major dies three days later, but his ideas take root among the smarter animals, especially the pigs, who develop Animalism. The pigs, particularly Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, work hard to educate the others. Snowball is quick and inventive, Napoleon is assertive, and Squealer is a persuasive speaker. Some animals are indifferent or question the teachings, but others, like Boxer and Clover, are loyal followers. Boxer, although not intelligent, is strong and hardworking. Mollie, the vain horse, asks superficial questions, reflecting her reluctance to give up luxuries.
The rebellion comes sooner than expected. Mr Jones’s neglect leads to starvation, and the animals, unable to endure it, revolt. They drive out Mr Jones and take control of the farm. The pigs establish new rules, called the Seven Commandments, to guide their society, stressing that all animals are equal. They rename the farm “Animal Farm” and prepare for a better future, though hints of inequality and questions about the milk arise, showing early signs of possible complications.
Video tutorial
Textbook solutions
Answer these questions briefly
1. a. Why did Old Major wish to hold a meeting at night?
Answer: He wished to hold a meeting at night because he had had a strange dream the previous night and wished to communicate it to the other animals.
1. b. What was his standing among the other animals of the farm?
Answer: Old Major was highly regarded on the farm, and everyone was quite ready to lose an hour’s sleep in order to hear what he had to say.
1. c. What did he wish to talk about?
Answer: He wished to talk about the nature of life on earth and the misery and slavery animals endure under human tyranny.
2. How was Benjamin, the donkey, different from the other animals? Describe his characteristics.
Answer: Benjamin was the oldest animal on the farm and the worst-tempered. He seldom talked, and when he did, it was usually to make cynical remarks. He never laughed, and he said he saw nothing to laugh at. However, he was devoted to Boxer, although he never openly admitted it.
3. List out all the animals of the farm. Write out one major characteristic of each.
Answer:
- Bluebell, Jessie, Pincher: The three dogs, loyal and attentive.
- The pigs: Intelligent and clever.
- The hens: Simple and hardworking.
- The pigeons: Free-spirited, perched up high.
- The sheep and cows: Contented but laborious.
- Boxer: Enormous and strong, but not very intelligent.
- Clover: Motherly and stout, protective.
- Muriel: A wise and quiet white goat.
- Benjamin: Cynical and reserved donkey.
- Mollie: A foolish, pretty white mare concerned with her appearance.
- The cat: Self-serving and lazy, seeking comfort.
- Moses: The tame raven, absent from the meeting.
4. ‘Man is the only real enemy we have.’ Explain with reference to context.
Answer: According to Old Major, man is the root cause of all problems the animals face, as he consumes without producing and enslaves animals, exploiting their labor and giving them the bare minimum to survive.
5. What advice does Old Major give to the other animals?
Answer: Old Major advises the animals to work night and day for the overthrow of the human race and to never adopt human vices or tyranny. He emphasizes the importance of unity among animals and teaches that all men are enemies and all animals are comrades.
6. Which decision was put to the vote? What was the outcome?
Answer: The decision about whether wild creatures, such as rats and rabbits, were friends or enemies was put to the vote. The outcome was that it was agreed by an overwhelming majority that rats were comrades.
7. What are all the negative aspects of man that Old Major brought up at the meeting?
Answer: Old Major mentioned that man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, and he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Man sets the animals to work and gives back only the bare minimum to prevent them from starving, keeping the rest for himself.
8. Singing the song together gave the animals a sense of unity of purpose. How did the different animals react to the song?
Answer: The cows lowed it, the dogs whined it, the sheep bleated it, the horses whinnied it, and the ducks quacked it. They were so delighted with the song that they sang it right through five times in succession and might have continued all night if they had not been interrupted.
9. What are all the objects of control mentioned in the song?
Answer: The objects of control mentioned in the song include rings in the animals’ noses, harnesses on their backs, bits and spurs used on them, and cruel whips.
10. What ‘secret activity’ started after the death of the Old Major?
Answer: The secret activity that started after Old Major’s death involved teaching and organizing the other animals. The pigs held secret meetings in the barn, expounded the principles of Animalism, and prepared the animals for the Rebellion.
11. What do you understand by the term ‘Animalism’? Where did its seed germinate?
Answer: Animalism is the system of thought developed by the pigs from Old Major’s teachings. Its seed germinated from the ideas of Old Major.
12. What were the different reactions of the animals to Animalism?
Answer: Some animals embraced Animalism enthusiastically, like Boxer and Clover, who became faithful disciples. Others, like Mollie, were more concerned with their personal desires, and there were some who displayed apathy and did not understand the need for a rebellion.
13. Snowball and Mollie can be compared to people who do not look beyond their immediate needs. Explain.
Answer: Snowball and Mollie are depicted as characters who focus on their immediate concerns rather than the greater good. Mollie worries about luxuries like sugar and ribbons, while Snowball, although more thoughtful, still prioritizes ideas that address current challenges without deeper foresight.
14. The situation at the farm proved conducive for the rebellion earlier than it was expected. Explain why this was so.
Answer: The situation became ripe for rebellion due to Mr. Jones’s neglect and incompetence. He had fallen on hard times, became increasingly drunk, and failed to care for the animals properly, leading to hunger and frustration among them.
15. What was the first problem encountered after the rebellion? How was it resolved?
Answer: The first problem after the rebellion was the cows needing to be milked urgently. The pigs resolved it by milking the cows themselves, and they successfully collected five buckets of milk.
Answer these questions in detail
1. Do you agree with all that Old Major had to say at the meeting of the animals in the barn? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, Old Major’s speech is convincing in its critique of the exploitation of animals by humans. He emphasizes the cruelty and unfairness imposed on the animals, painting a clear picture of their misery and laborious lives. However, his extreme call for rebellion and elimination of humans raises questions about whether violence is the best solution. Some may agree with his points on equality and self-sufficiency, while others might see his ideas as too idealistic or impractical.
2. The term ‘comrades’ is used by Old Major for all the animals at the meeting. Do you think this was an appropriate choice of word? Why do you think so?
Answer: The term ‘comrades’ is appropriate because it invokes a sense of unity and collective purpose among the animals. It reinforces the idea that they are all equals in their struggle against human oppression. The word has socialist and revolutionary connotations, which align with Old Major’s vision of a society based on equality and shared labor.
3. Of all the animals on the farm, which one do you feel showed the best leadership qualities? Give reasons for your answer and relate them to the relevant situation.
Answer: Boxer, the cart-horse, demonstrated the best leadership qualities, such as hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Despite lacking intelligence, his physical strength and steadfast character made him a role model for other animals. He inspired them through action, as seen when he tirelessly worked to complete tasks and supported the Rebellion without question, symbolizing selfless service and strength in leadership.
4. Basic needs if not met, will lead to extreme reactions. This proved true at the farm. How and why did this happen?
Answer: The extreme reaction at the farm was a direct result of the animals’ prolonged deprivation and mistreatment. When Mr. Jones neglected to feed them, their hunger pushed them to break into the store-shed to get food. This sparked an unplanned rebellion as the animals, unable to bear their suffering any longer, rose up in anger, driving Jones and his men off the farm. The uprising was fueled by the animals’ unmet basic needs for food and humane treatment.
5. Each of the animals has been given certain human characteristics. Are these characteristics typical? What are the different kinds of people that you recognise in this chapter?
Answer: Each animal has human traits that reflect typical human behavior. Old Major is like a wise elder or a visionary leader, Napoleon represents a dictator who seeks power, Snowball shows the characteristics of an idealistic leader, and Boxer symbolizes the hardworking and loyal common worker. Benjamin reflects a cynical observer who sees flaws but does not actively change things, Mollie is a representation of vanity and materialism, and the sheep are followers who do not think for themselves. These characteristics represent various kinds of people in society, from leaders and laborers to skeptics and the easily swayed.
6. Would you agree that the principles of Animalism were formulated in retaliation to the way man behaved with animals? Give a reason for each of the seven commandments.
Answer: Yes, the principles of Animalism were clearly a reaction to the oppression and exploitation inflicted by humans. Each commandment targets a specific grievance:
- “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy” arises from the cruelty humans inflicted upon the animals.
- “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend” emphasizes solidarity among animals against humans.
- “No animal shall wear clothes” signifies rejecting human practices and vanity.
- “No animal shall sleep in a bed” stems from viewing human comfort as a corrupting influence.
- “No animal shall drink alcohol” symbolizes rejecting human indulgences that lead to negligence.
- “No animal shall kill any other animal” is about maintaining unity and rejecting human-like violence.
- “All animals are equal” encapsulates the desire to eliminate human-like hierarchies and oppression.
7. What message does the author convey through this story?
Answer: The author conveys a message about the corrupting nature of power and the cyclical pattern of oppression. Through the rise of Animalism and the subsequent behavior of the pigs, George Orwell illustrates how revolutionary ideals can be manipulated by leaders to maintain their dominance. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and how easily well-intentioned movements can be subverted when power is left unchecked.
Appreciating form
This story can be read as a satirical allegory on what can happen in a society when absolute power is vested in one or a few individuals. Why do you think that the author chooses to create an animal allegory to convey his ideas?
Answer: The author chooses to create an animal allegory to convey his ideas because it simplifies complex social and political concepts, making them more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. By using animals to represent different societal roles and behaviors, George Orwell can illustrate the consequences of corruption and the abuse of power in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking. The use of animals also allows for a degree of detachment and humor, softening the harsh realities of political oppression while still delivering a powerful critique. The allegorical approach helps readers reflect on human society by observing the behavior of the animals and recognizing the parallels to real-world events and figures.
Beyond the text
1. Which one of the animals in the text do you relate to? Imagine you are the animal of your choice, and write a diary entry describing the meeting at night in the barn. Conclude with your reaction to the situation.
Answer: I relate to Clover, the motherly mare. If I were Clover, my diary entry would go like this:
Dear Diary,
Tonight we all gathered in the big barn. There was an air of anticipation as Old Major stood on the raised platform, ready to share his vision. I lay down carefully, making sure to shield the brood of ducklings with my foreleg.
Old Major’s words were powerful and stirring. He spoke of our lives being filled with hardship, labor, and suffering. He blamed Man for our misery and talked about a rebellion to overthrow him. It was a lot to think about, but I could not ignore the hope that shimmered through his words. I feel a mix of worry and anticipation.
Can we truly change our lives for the better? I hope so, for the sake of the younger animals and our future.
2. Do you think that the rebellion will be successful and lead to better long-term conditions for the animals? Write an appropriate conclusion for this story.
Answer: I believe the rebellion may initially seem successful, but whether it leads to better long-term conditions is uncertain. The animals’ unity and determination are strong, but maintaining equality and justice may become difficult as power dynamics shift. Over time, there is a risk that new leaders may become corrupt, and the cycle of oppression could repeat itself. My conclusion for the story would be: “The animals worked hard to establish their vision of a fair society, but as days turned into months, challenges emerged. Leadership struggles surfaced, and decisions made in the name of Animalism began to show cracks. The spirit of hope and freedom remained, but only time would tell if they could truly sustain a just and equal society, or if history would repeat itself under different rulers.”
Extras
Additional fill in the blanks
1. Mr. Jones locked the hen-houses but forgot to shut the ______. (windows/pop-holes)
Answer: Pop-holes
20. The song that united the animals was called ‘Beasts of ______.’ (Africa/England)
Answer: England
Additional true and false
1. Old Major held the meeting during the day.
Answer: False
21. Napoleon was known for his quick and inventive speeches.
Answer: False
Additional questions and answers
1. Why did Old Major wish to hold a meeting at night?
Answer: Old Major wanted to wait until Mr. Jones was safely out of the way.
28. What problem arose immediately after the rebellion, and how was it resolved?
Answer: The cows needed milking, and the pigs milked them successfully. The fresh milk was left unattended, and later, it mysteriously disappeared.
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