Question

What is the original title of Animal Farm?

• A. Animal Revolution
• B. Animal Kingdom
• C. Animal Farm: A Fable
• D. Animal House

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Animal Farm: A Fable

Understanding the Title of Animal Farm

• The full original title of George Orwell's acclaimed novella is often cited as Animal Farm: A Fairy Story. However, the designation Animal Farm: A Fable is also highly appropriate and sometimes used, reflecting the core nature of the work.
• A fable is a literary genre characterized by animals or inanimate objects that speak and act like humans, often conveying a moral lesson. Animal Farm perfectly fits this definition, using farm animals to satirize political events and human behavior.
• The subtitle (whether 'A Fairy Story' or 'A Fable') was intended by Orwell to highlight the allegorical and moralistic nature of the book, framing it as a simple, cautionary tale.
• Over time, especially in the United States, publishers often dropped the subtitle to avoid the misconception that it was a children's book. This decision focused on the work's serious political commentary.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams:

• Author: The book was written by George Orwell, the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair. Knowing both names is crucial for exams.
• Publication Year: Animal Farm was first published in 1945.
• Genre: It is primarily an allegorical novella and a satirical fable. It's also considered a dystopian work.
• Historical Allegory: The novella is a scathing critique and allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent totalitarian regime of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union.
• Main Themes: Key themes include the corruption of revolutionary ideals, the dangers of totalitarianism, the manipulation of language (propaganda), and class exploitation.
• Notable Quotes: Iconic phrases like "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" encapsulate the book's core message and are frequently tested.