Question

The setting of Animal Farm shows the process of how power turns the farm from a symbol of freedom to a place filled with fear and oppression under Napoleon’s rule of cruelty. An example of this is the windmill. The windmill, which was a symbol of hope and teamwork, becomes a way for the pigs to take advantage of the other animals, showing that their hard work is only benefiting the pigs. As the animals work harder for a dream that is slipping away, the setting makes it clear how their original hopes have faded. The difference between their dreams and their future despair reveals how hopes and dreams can disappear when power is abused.

Elaborate on the details and the importance of the windmill. This might be a good time to add another direct quote from the book. make it sound as an 8th grader and keep it at 5 sentences

Answer 1

The windmill in "Animal Farm" starts as a symbol of hope and collaboration among the animals, representing their dream of a better life. At first, all the animals work together enthusiastically, believing that the windmill will bring them increased food and leisure time. However, as the story progresses, the windmill becomes a tool for the pigs to manipulate the other animals for their own benefit. For example, even when the animals are exhausted, the pigs make them work harder, saying, "You do not imagine that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health." This quote shows how the pigs twist the truth to maintain power, demonstrating how their dreams have been corrupted into hard labor and oppression. The windmill, once a sign of unity, ultimately highlights the betrayal of the animals’ hopes and the dangers of unchecked authority.