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The Rebellion: MBOSE Class 12 Alternative English notes
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.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
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.
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
2. Old Major, the prize Middle White boar, was known as ______ on the farm. (Napoleon/Willingdon Beauty)
Answer: Willingdon Beauty
3. Boxer had a white stripe down his nose that made him look somewhat ______. (intelligent/stupid)
Answer: Stupid
4. Benjamin, the donkey, was the ______ animal on the farm and had a cynical attitude. (youngest/oldest)
Answer: Oldest
5. When asked why he never laughed, Benjamin said he saw nothing to ______ at. (cry/laugh)
Answer: Laugh
6. Mollie, the white mare, often worried about her ______ after the Rebellion. (mane/ribbons)
Answer: Ribbons
7. Old Major said that the root cause of the animals’ misery was ______. (Man/Nature)
Answer: Man
8. The animals agreed that whatever goes upon two legs is an ______. (enemy/friend)
Answer: Enemy
9. According to Old Major, all animals should consider each other ______. (brothers/enemies)
Answer: Brothers
10. The rats that crept out during Old Major’s speech were decided to be ______. (friends/enemies)
Answer: Friends
11. Snowball was considered more ______ than Napoleon. (talkative/vivacious)
Answer: Vivacious
12. The pigs named the principles derived from Old Major’s teachings ______. (Communism/Animalism)
Answer: Animalism
13. After the Rebellion, the farm was renamed ______ Farm. (Freedom/Animal)
Answer: Animal
14. Snowball wrote the Seven Commandments on the ______ wall. (barn/kitchen)
Answer: Barn
15. The pigs taught themselves to read and write using a book thrown out by Mr. Jones’ ______. (children/workers)
Answer: Children
16. After the Rebellion, the animals resolved that the farmhouse would be turned into a ______. (museum/school)
Answer: Museum
17. The first problem encountered after the Rebellion was the cows needing to be ______. (fed/milked)
Answer: Milked
18. Mollie asked if there would still be ______ after the Rebellion. (sugar/oats)
Answer: Sugar
19. The pigs found it difficult to teach Animalism to the animals because of their ______. (enthusiasm/apathy)
Answer: Apathy
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
2. Boxer was respected for his steadiness and strength.
Answer: True
3. Benjamin, the donkey, was always cheerful and humorous.
Answer: False
4. Mollie was a pretty, white mare who worried about sugar and ribbons.
Answer: True
5. The pigs were considered the cleverest animals on the farm.
Answer: True
6. Old Major believed that humans and animals had common interests.
Answer: False
7. The Rebellion was carefully planned in advance.
Answer: False
8. Moses, the tame raven, participated actively in the meeting.
Answer: False
9. The dogs voted for the rats to be considered comrades.
Answer: False
10. Snowball and Napoleon were two young boars being raised for sale.
Answer: True
11. The song “Beasts of England” inspired unity among the animals.
Answer: True
12. The first problem encountered after the Rebellion was the disappearance of the milk.
Answer: True
13. The pigs milked the cows successfully before starting the harvest.
Answer: True
14. Old Major taught the animals about freedom and equality.
Answer: True
15. The farmhouse was decided to be used as a place for the pigs to live.
Answer: False
16. The pigs reduced Animalism to seven commandments.
Answer: True
17. Mr. Jones was a kind and fair master to the animals.
Answer: False
18. Mollie eagerly accepted the idea of a ribbon-free future.
Answer: False
19. The rebellion happened because the animals were fed too much.
Answer: False
20. The animals were eager to sing “Beasts of England” multiple times.
Answer: True
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.
2. What was Old Major’s standing among the other animals of the farm?
Answer: He was highly respected. The animals were willing to lose an hour of sleep to hear him speak. His wisdom and experience made him a figure of authority, and his benevolent appearance added to the respect he commanded.
3. What did Old Major wish to talk about?
Answer: The nature of their miserable lives and the need to overthrow Man through a rebellion.
4. How was Benjamin, the donkey, different from the other animals?
Answer: Benjamin was cynical and rarely spoke. He never laughed because he saw nothing funny and often made pessimistic remarks.
5. Describe Boxer, the horse.
Answer: Boxer was nearly eighteen hands high, immensely strong, and respected for his work ethic. Despite his strength, he was not very intelligent and often relied on his steadiness of character to earn respect from the other animals.
6. Describe Clover, the horse.
Answer: Clover was a stout, motherly mare who had not regained her figure after her fourth foal.
7. How did the hens and pigeons settle during the meeting?
Answer: The hens perched on window-sills, and the pigeons fluttered up to the rafters.
8. Who were the first animals to arrive at the meeting?
Answer: The three dogs: Bluebell, Jessie, and Pincher.
9. What did Mollie, the white mare, do when she came in?
Answer: She daintily entered, chewing on sugar, and hoped to draw attention to the red ribbons in her mane. Her focus on her appearance and desire for human-like luxuries made her somewhat shallow compared to the other animals.
10. What decision was put to the vote at the meeting?
Answer: Whether rats were comrades or enemies.
11. What was the outcome of the vote on rats being comrades?
Answer: The majority agreed that rats were comrades, with only the dogs and the cat dissenting.
12. How did Major describe Man?
Answer: Major called Man the only real enemy, saying he consumes without producing and keeps the animals in misery by stealing the fruits of their labor.
13. What habits of Man did Old Major criticize?
Answer: Old Major criticized Man for living in houses, wearing clothes, drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, handling money, and exploiting animals by taking everything they produced.
14. What solution did Old Major propose to the animals’ problems?
Answer: To overthrow Man through a rebellion, work night and day for freedom, and ensure that animals never fall into the same corrupt ways as humans.
15. What must the animals never do, according to Old Major’s advice?
Answer: They must never adopt Man’s vices, like living in houses or sleeping in beds.
16. How did the animals react to the song “Beasts of England”?
Answer: The animals were filled with excitement and sang the song repeatedly, with even the stupidest animals picking up the tune. Each species made their characteristic sounds, creating a sense of unity and enthusiasm.
17. What happened when Mr. Jones was awakened by the animals’ singing?
Answer: He fired his gun, scattering the animals and ending the meeting abruptly.
18. What happened to Old Major three nights after the meeting?
Answer: He died peacefully in his sleep. His body was buried at the foot of the orchard, and his teachings left a lasting impact on the animals, prompting them to prepare for the rebellion.
19. What did the pigs do after Old Major’s death?
Answer: The pigs began organizing and teaching Animalism to the other animals. They met in secret and explained the principles, though some animals had difficulty understanding and accepting the ideas.
20. Who were the two main pigs leading the movement?
Answer: Snowball and Napoleon.
21. How was Snowball different from Napoleon?
Answer: Snowball was more vivacious and inventive, while Napoleon was fierce and always got his own way. They had contrasting personalities but worked together for the common cause.
22. Describe Squealer, the pig.
Answer: Squealer was nimble, persuasive, and an excellent speaker. He could convince the other animals by turning “black into white.”
23. What was the first action the animals took after the rebellion succeeded?
Answer: They chased Jones and his men off the farm and closed the gate behind them.
24. What did the animals decide about the farmhouse?
Answer: They unanimously agreed to preserve the farmhouse as a museum, declaring that no animal should ever live there.
25. What new name was given to the farm after the rebellion?
Answer: Animal Farm.
26. How did the pigs ensure everyone knew the new laws?
Answer: The pigs wrote the Seven Commandments on the barn wall in large, white letters for all to see and memorize.
27. What were the Seven Commandments of Animalism?
Answer:
- Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
- Whatever goes upon four legs or has wings is a friend.
- No animal shall wear clothes.
- No animal shall sleep in a bed.
- No animal shall drink alcohol.
- No animal shall kill any other animal.
- All animals are equal.
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.
