Animal Farm: Key Quotations (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)

Remember the assessment objectives explicitly state that you should be able to “use textual references, including quotations”. This means summarising, paraphrasing, referencing single words and the referencing of plot events are all as valid as quotations in demonstrating that you understand the novella. It is important that you remember that you can evidence your knowledge of the text in these two equally valid ways: both through references to it and direct quotations from it. 

Overall, you should aim to secure a strong knowledge of the text, rather than rehearsed quotations, as this will enable you to respond to the question. It is the quality of your knowledge of the text which will enable you to select references effectively.

If you are going to revise quotations, the best way is to group them by character, or theme. Below you will find definitions and analysis of the best quotations, arranged by the following themes:

• Propaganda
• Leadership
• Education
• Equality

Throughout the novella, many characters use propaganda to control the other animals on the farm. The characters use propaganda in different forms such as speeches, songs and poems.

“Man is the only creature that consumes without producing” – Old Major, Chapter I 

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter I of the novella and is stated by Old Major during his speech in the barn to the animals

Analysis

• From Old Major’s perspective, Man consumes without producing and he contends that the life of animals is one of “misery and slavery” due to their exploitation by Man
• This quote reveals the short-sightedness of Old Major as his concept that Man is simply evil and animals are simply good is too simplistic; however, it is the simplicity of his message which serves to unite the animals and to view Man as the only enemy

• Old Major’s emphasis on the word "only" suggests there are no exceptions to this and his repeated focus on Man means the other animals fail to see that the pigs are also their enemy

“The others said of Squealer that he could turn black into white” Narrator, Chapter I

Meaning and context

• This quote is the first description of Squealer at the beginning of the novella

Analysis

• Orwell presents Squealer as a skilful orator and this first description of him demonstrates how he is able to manipulate language to oppress the other animals on the farm
• The juxtaposition of the words “turn black into white” indicates that he is capable of persuading anyone of anything and that he is able to blatantly lie to suit his own agenda 

Paired quotation

"Vote for Snowball and the three-day week" Narrator, Chapter V

“Vote for Napoleon and the full manger” – Narrator, Chapter V

Meaning and context

• These two quotes in half-way through the novella in Chapter V and convey the slogans used by Snowball and Napoleon

Analysis

• Orwell uses Napoleon and Snowball to explore ideas about propaganda as the latter uses it to benefit the animals while the former uses it to threaten them
• The slogan “Vote for Napoleon and the full manger” reveals how Napoleon uses the fear of starvation in order to gain power
• In contrast, the slogan “Vote for Snowball and the three-day week” reveals Snowball’s desire to better the working conditions of the animals 
• Both Snowball and Napoleon use rhetoric in order to achieve power, but both quotes reveal their different motivations for doing so

“a more vivacious pig than Napoleon, quicker in speech and more inventive” – Narrator, Chapter I

Meaning and context

• This quote is located in Chapter I and describes the character of Snowball

Analysis

• Through this quote, Orwell highlights the differences between Snowball and Napoleon
• Snowball is described as “quicker in speech and more inventive” which alludes to his skill as an articulate orator who is able to convey his ideas to the animals 
• The word “vivacious” indicates that he is a spirited character who passionately believes in the principles of Animalism
• “more inventive” also alludes to his great imagination which is demonstrated through the many ideas and plans that he generates for the farm, such as the construction of the windmill

“too drunk to remember to shut the pop-holes” – Narrator, Chapter I

Meaning and context

• This quote is the opening line of the novella and describes Mr Jones 

Analysis

• As the opening line of the novella, Orwell immediately characterises Mr Jones as an irresponsible and self-indulgent leader who neglects his duties on his farm
• His neglect of the farm is evident when he forgets to “shut the pop-holes” which indicates his neglect in protecting his animals from harm
• Further, the quote reveals his fondness of alcohol which signifies his weakness as a leader which ultimately enables the animals to drive him off his farm

‘Snowball read it aloud for the benefit of the others’ – Narrator, Chapter II

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter II and conveys how Snowball reads the commandments aloud for the benefit of those animals who cannot read

Analysis

• Orwell largely presents Snowball in a positive light in the novella and this quote reveals the character’s aspirations for equality
• By reading aloud, Snowball attempts to use his knowledge to the other animals’ advantage and the use of the word “benefit” conveys his compassionate nature

“So far as he knew, he said, there was nothing worth reading” – Narrator, Chapter III

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter III and describes Benjamin

Analysis

• In this quote, Orwell reveals that Benjamin can read and write
• However, he fails to use his skills for the benefit of others
• “there was nothing worth reading” conveys his cynical attitude and Orwell uses this to underscore his message that education is meaningless if it is not followed up with actions 

“Get in the harvest more quickly than Jones and his men could do”- Narrator, Chapter II

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter II of the novel after the revolution has occurred

Analysis

• In this quote it is revealed how the first harvest is viewed as a success among the animals and indicates that the concept of Animalism has been effective in uniting all of the animals to work together for the common good
• The quote indicates that when people know they will receive the direct benefit of their labour, they will be more motivated and driven
• This can perhaps be seen as Orwell's own view

Paired Quotation

“All animals are equal” Old Major, Chapter I

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”, Commandment, Chapter X

Meaning and context

• The first quote appears at the beginning of the novella and is stated by Old Major; the second is found in Chapter X and relates to the amended commandment 

Analysis

• The first quote is part of Old Major’s speech and indicates his aspirations for equality
• The use of “all” indicates a collectiveness 
• The second quote is conveyed at the end of the novella and the revision of the original phrase reveals the corruption that has taken place on the farm
• The paradox reveals the impossibility for someone to be "more equal" than someone else as contradictory to the concept of equality
• It reveals the hypocrisy of those who assert the desire for equality but who give power and authority to a small elite