Animal Farm - Minimus's Peom
By Jeremy van der Struys
Last updated almost 4 years ago
19 Questions
Minimus
A pig who writes propaganda poems and songs praising Napoleon and Animal Farm. Minimus represents the takeover of art by propaganda in a totalitarian state that aims to control what its citizens think.
Beasts of England
Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland,
Beasts of every land and clime,
Hearken to my joyful tidings
Of the Golden future time.
Soon or late the day is coming,
Tyrant Man shall be o'erthrown,
And the fruitful fields of England
Shall be trod by beasts alone.
Rings shall vanish from our noses,
And the harness from our back,
Bit and spur shall rust forever,
Cruel whips no more shall crack.
Riches more than mind can picture,
Wheat and barley, oats and hay,
Clover, beans, and mangel-wurzels
Shall be ours upon that day.
Bright will shine the fields of England,
Purer shall its waters be,
Sweeter yet shall blow its breezes
On the day that sets us free.
For that day we all must labour,
Though we die before it break;
Cows and horses, geese and turkeys,
All must toil for freedom's sake.
Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland,
Beasts of every land and clime,
Hearken well, and spread my tidings
Of the Golden future time
1
1.
In Animal Farm, who is the first one to share the song 'Beasts of England' with the whole farm?
2
2.
What is the purpose of this song?
3
3.
In your own words explain why this song has such a deep and emotional meaning for the animals?
3
4.
What reason does squealer give for banning the song Beasts of England?
3
5.
In your opinion what do you think Napoleons real reason is for banning the song?
3
6.
Napoleon is slowly becoming paranoid. Name three things that show us that he is paranoid that the other animals and humans are trying to overthrow or kill him.
Comrade Napoleon
Friend of the fatherless!
Fountain of happiness!
Lord of the swill-bucket!
Oh, how my soul is on
Fire when I gaze at thy
Calm and commanding eye,
Like the sun in the sky,
Comrade Napoleon!
Thou art the giver of
All that thy creatures love,
Full belly twice a day, clean straw to roll upon;
Every beast great or small
Sleeps at peace in his stall,
Thou watchest over all,
Comrade Napoleon!
Had I a sucking-pig,
Ere he had grown as big
Even as a pint bottle or a rolling-pin,
He should have learned to be
Faithful and true to thee,
Yes, his first squeak should be
"Comrade Napoleon!"
2
7.
What poetic device is used in the first two lines?
2
8.
How is line 3 humorous?
2
9.
What is the tone of the poem?
2
10.
How does a word like "Oh" (line 3) effect the tone of the poem?
3
11.
Identify and explain the figure of speech used in line 6.
3
12.
What does the word "Comrade" mean and why is it used in this poem?
2
13.
Explain why Minimus has used exclaimation marks at the end of each stanza.
4
14.
Stanza 2 is clearly trying to make Napoleon out to be a God. Explain how.
4
15.
Explain what the poet is saying in stanza 3.
3
16.
Explain the use of humour in the final stanza.
Squealer painting on the Barn Wall
Napoleon has the poem "Comrade Napoleon" inscribed on the wall of the barn by Squealer. The poem now stood on the opposite end to the 7 Commandments and was capped by a portrait of Napoleon in profile.
3
17.
Which comandment does the action described above directly violate. Explain.
4
18.
Explain how this poem completely fools the other animals. Comment on the sort of languange and rhetoric used.
4
19.
Click the link bellow
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cult%20of%20personality
After reading the definition of "Cult of Personality" explain what it means. Use your own words and make specific references to examples within Animal Farm.