Question

What does Old Major urge the animals to do in his speech?

• A. Rebel against the pigs
• B. Rebel against the humans
• C. Obey the humans
• D. Rebel against lower animals

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Rebel against the humans

Old Major's Incitement to Rebellion in Animal Farm

• Who is Old Major?

  • Old Major is a wise and highly respected Middle White boar on Mr. Jones's Manor Farm.
  • He is a symbolic figure, representing a blend of Karl Marx (the ideologue who envisioned a classless society) and Vladimir Lenin (the revolutionary leader who put Marxist theories into practice).

• The Core Message of His Speech:

  • Old Major delivers a pivotal speech to all the animals in the barn, just three nights before his death.
  • His primary message is an urgent call for the animals to rebel against their human oppressors. He argues that humans exploit animals without contributing anything in return, consuming their produce while giving them only the bare minimum for survival.
  • He emphasizes that all the animals' misery, hunger, and overwork stem directly from human tyranny.

• Key Concepts Introduced in the Speech:

  • He introduces the concept of "Animalism", a philosophical system based on the principles of equality, liberation from human control, and the idea that all animals are comrades.
  • He articulates the belief that "all men are enemies. All animals are comrades." This forms the fundamental ideology of the future Animal Farm.
  • Old Major describes a utopian vision where animals live in peace and prosperity, free from human exploitation, once the revolution is complete.

• The Role of "Beasts of England":

  • At the end of his speech, Old Major teaches the animals a revolutionary song called "Beasts of England".
  • This song becomes the anthem of the animal revolution, inspiring hope and solidarity among them, and serving as a powerful symbol of their future liberation.
  • It encapsulates the ideals of Animalism and the dream of a world free from human control.

• Legacy and Impact:

  • Although Old Major dies shortly after delivering his speech, his vision and ideas deeply influence the animals, particularly the pigs (Napoleon and Snowball), who develop his teachings into a comprehensive system of thought (Animalism).
  • His speech serves as the catalyst for the Animal Rebellion that occurs soon after, setting the entire plot of the novella in motion.
  • The themes of oppression, revolution, and the struggle for freedom are central to his message and resonate throughout the entire novel.