This lesson plan helps students analyze the major themes, symbols and motifs in *Animal Farm* by George Orwell using a visual storyboard organizer.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 8–10 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major themes
| Theme | Description | Key scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Corruption of ideals | Revolutionary ideals are betrayed | The pigs rewrite the commandments |
| Propaganda | Language used to manipulate | Squealer's speeches |
| Class stratification | New elite replaces old elite | Pigs move into the farmhouse |
| Power and control | Absolute power corrupts | Napoleon's purges and executions |
Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The windmill | Progress, exploitation of labor |
| The barn | Collective memory, propaganda |
| Old Major's skull | Revolutionary ideology |
| The farmhouse | Corruption, privilege |
| Boxer's horseshoe | Loyalty exploited |
Motifs
- The commandments: Repeatedly altered to justify the pigs' behavior
- Songs and anthems: Propaganda and unity
- Alcohol: Corruption and excess
Activity: Storyboard the symbols
- Open Storyboard Creator with a 6-panel layout
- Choose 3 symbols from above
- For each symbol, create 2 panels showing it in the novel and explaining its meaning
- Add captions with chapter numbers
- Export PDF or share a live link