Modern prose and drama – November 2021

In Chapter 1, Old Major says, ‘All men are enemies. All animals are comrades’.
How does Orwell present Old Major’s speech as important to the events of Animal Farm?
Write about:

• the reactions to what Old Major says
• how Orwell presents Old Major’s speech as important to the events of Animal Farm

George Orwell utilises Old Major’s statement in Chapter 1 of Animal Farm to establish the overall tone of the novel. All men are enemies, as Old Major once said. The statement “All animals are comrades” serves as the impetus for the events in the story. This paper will investigate the responses to Old Major’s remarks and how Orwell portrays his statement as crucial to the course of Animal Farm.

At the start of the book, Mr. Jones, the human farmer, has an oppressive hold over the animals. They are mistreated and made to labour long hours without adequate rest or nourishment.