Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-1-form-and-structure

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# Form & Structure

English Lit: AQA GCSE Animal Farm, topic 4.1.1

## Form

Here are different aspects of the form of _Animal Farm_:

### Beast fable

![Beast fable](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/5ef92bb3-dca6-420b-9d27-5a29d5bb3771/shutterstock_1013228968.jpg)

- A story in which animal characters are used to give serious moral messages, just as each key character or group of characters does in _Animal Farm_ (see character grid for more details). 
- By using animals, Orwell makes his story, and political message, appeal to a wider audience, whilst also ridiculing those who the animals represent.

### Allegory of Russian history

![Allegory of Russian history](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/93aef956-6c6d-4951-8fb3-38ced67b786e/shutterstock_186791741.jpg)

- To highlight the realities of Stalin’s regime.

### “A Fairy Story”

![“A Fairy Story”](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/37d01f68-8c19-48be-a358-931552b3fcae/shutterstock_669211216.jpg)

- This subtitle (not always used) reminds the reader that it is a work of fiction. 
- However, it also suggests that the story is going to have an adult and worldly lesson hidden in it.

### Satire

![Satire](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/7c585dbf-6ef7-4b68-ace7-d27db3585c50/shutterstock_382613890.jpg)

- When literature is written in a way which attacks someone or something and makes it look foolish. 
- Orwell uses humour (Napoleon is called __“Friend of the fatherless”__ in a poem and this is so far from the truth that it is humorous), exaggeration, and animals to represent political and historical figures. 
- Orwell uses satire to make the story and the complex historical and political issues easy for his audience to understand. 
- It is also very persuasive; through this form, Orwell can provoke both the reader’s sympathy, hatred and ridicule for his characters through this emotive form of writing.

## Structure

Here are key features of the structure of _Animal Farm_:

### Circular plot

![Circular plot](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/e26e7b9d-0e8f-4b17-92ff-b79affd8804d/shutterstock_618997706.jpg)

- At the start of the novel, Old Major says __“man is the only real enemy we have”__. 
- The novella ends with the sentence: __“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”__ 
- The novel also starts and ends with the farm being called __“Manor Farm”__ and it is governed by a cruel and ruthless leader and regime. 
- The novel has a circular plot, the revolution turns a full circle; everything new which is put in place is corrupted and the animals end up back where they began.

### Turning point

![Turning point](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/c0335506-8fac-404b-a7e0-b402dff13aaa/shutterstock_413651944.jpg)

- The turning point is in Chapter 7, where Napoleon executes anyone who could potentially oppose him (or arguably, it is in Chapter 5 when Snowball is chased off the farm). 
- After chapter 7, the tyranny and betrayal continues and becomes more and more brutal. 
- Anything linked to man is a symbol of corruption, and so when the pigs begin to wear human clothing, walk on their hind legs and carry whips, the reader can see that the farm has descended into tyranny.

### Seven commandments

![Seven commandments](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/0ebe042c-df10-43e7-88bc-0110b4535f81/shutterstock_112847326.jpg)

- The corruption and betrayal can be plotted through the changes in each of the seven commandments.

### Repetition

![Repetition](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/aea9ab34-f45a-4572-8b4a-de46515a68ca/shutterstock_214165009.jpg)

- From chapter 6, the phrase __“The animals worked like slaves”__ is repeated. 
- This is ironic as the animals are not free. It also reminds us of the extent that the animals have been controlled. They are __“slaves”__ and yet they do not realise it. 
- They have been manipulated, controlled and betrayed by a type of tyrannical regime which they originally fought to overthrow.

### Significance of the circular plot

![Significance of the circular plot](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/df916a1f-e158-447e-b032-dfa143168c2d/shutterstock_618997706.jpg)

- Orwell uses the circular plot to highlight the failure of the revolution and the cruelty and corruption of Napoleon and the pigs. He is also highlighting the failure of the Russian Revolution and Stalin’s corruption of communism.

## Test yourself on Form & Structure

- What are the different aspects of the form of _Animal Farm_?
- What is the name given to a story in which animal characters are used to give serious moral messages?
- Which of these was a subtitle once used for _Animal Farm_?
- What does the circular plot of _Animal Farm_ highlight?
- What phrase from Chapter 6 is repeated?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/45bed650-4258-11e8-9c8e-b1f077ab1bf9/section/ecf88430-4329-11e8-909e-27126e7f3829/session)

- Previous topic: [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-key-themes.md)
- Next topic: [4.1.2 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-2-language.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE Animal Farm contents

### 1 Plot Summaries
- 1.1 Plot Summaries
  - [1.1.1 Chapters 1-2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-1-chapters-1-2.md)
  - [1.1.2 Chapters 3-4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-2-chapters-3-4.md)
  - [1.1.3 Chapters 5-6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-3-chapters-5-6.md)
  - [1.1.4 Chapters 7-8](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-4-chapters-7-8.md)
  - [1.1.5 Chapters 9-10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-5-chapters-9-10.md)
  - [1.1.6 Keywords](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-6-keywords.md)
  - [1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-5](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-7-end-of-topic-test-chapters-1-5.md)
  - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Chapters 6-10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-chapters-6-10.md)

### 2 Characters & Their Links to History
- 2.1 Key Characters
  - [2.1.1 Old Major](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-1-old-major.md)
  - [2.1.2 Snowball](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-2-snowball.md)
  - [2.1.3 Napoleon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-3-napoleon.md)
  - [2.1.4 Squealer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-4-squealer.md)
  - [2.1.5 Boxer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-5-boxer.md)
  - [2.1.6 End of Topic Test - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-6-end-of-topic-test-key-characters.md)
  - [2.1.7 AO2/3 - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-7-ao23-key-characters.md)
  - [2.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Boxer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-1-8-exam-style-questions-boxer.md)
- 2.2 Other Characters
  - [2.2.1 Mr Jones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-1-mr-jones.md)
  - [2.2.2 Clover](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-2-clover.md)
  - [2.2.3 Hens](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-3-hens.md)
  - [2.2.4 Sheep](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-4-sheep.md)
  - [2.2.5 Mollie](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-5-mollie.md)
  - [2.2.6 Benjamin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-6-benjamin.md)
  - [2.2.7 Moses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-7-moses.md)
  - [2.2.8 Mr Frederick](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-8-mr-frederick.md)
  - [2.2.9 Pilkington](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-9-pilkington.md)
  - [2.2.10 Mr Whymper](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-10-mr-whymper.md)
  - [2.2.11 End of Topic Test - Other Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-11-end-of-topic-test-other-characters.md)
  - [2.2.12 End of Topic Test - Other Characters 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/2-2-12-end-of-topic-test-other-characters-2.md)

### 3 Key Themes & Orwell's Purpose
- 3.1 Key Themes
  - [3.1.1 Education](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-1-education.md)
  - [3.1.2 Power & Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-2-power-and-control.md)
  - [3.1.3 Power & Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-3-power-and-language.md)
  - [3.1.4 Equality](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-4-equality.md)
  - [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-key-themes.md)

### 4 Language, Form & Structure
- 4.1 Language, Form & Structure
  - [4.1.1 Form & Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-1-form-and-structure.md)
  - [4.1.2 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-2-language.md)
  - [4.1.3 Symbols](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-3-symbols.md)
  - [4.1.4 Narrator & Allegory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/4-1-4-narrator-and-allegory.md)

### 5 Recap: Main Quotes
- 5.1 Characters Quotes
  - [5.1.1 Old Major Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-1-old-major-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.2 Snowball Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-2-snowball-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.3 Napoleon Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-3-napoleon-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.4 Squealer Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-4-squealer-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.5 Boxer Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-5-boxer-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.6 Clover Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-6-clover-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.7 Moses & Mr Frederick Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-7-moses-and-mr-frederick-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.8 Benjamin Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-8-benjamin-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.9 Sheep Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-9-sheep-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.10 Hens Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-10-hens-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.11 Mollie Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-11-mollie-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.12 Pilkington & Mr Whymper Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-12-pilkington-and-mr-whymper-quotes.md)
  - [5.1.13 Mr Jones Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-1-13-mr-jones-quotes.md)
- 5.2 Text Structure Quotes
  - [5.2.1 Education Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-2-1-education-quotes.md)
  - [5.2.2 Power, Control & Language Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-2-2-power-control-and-language-quotes.md)
  - [5.2.3 Propaganda Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/animal-farm/5-2-3-propaganda-quotes.md)