Animal Farm: Key Theme: Equality (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Animal Farm mind map 

 The theme of equality in key chapters of Animal Farm:

What are the elements of equality in Animal Farm? 

• The owner of Manor Farm: Inequality is first depicted on Manor Farm through the character of Mr Jones and the way his oppressive regime creates a life of “misery and slavery” for the animals. While Mr Jones drinks heavily and lives a comfortable existence, the animals are left hungry and forced to work “to the last atom” of their strength.

• The Seven Commandments: Equality is briefly established after the rebellion through the creation of the Seven Commandments, which ensures that “all animals are equal”. However, as the novella develops, the pigs alter the Commandments in their favour, resulting in inequality between the pigs and the other animals: “some are more equal than others”.

• Imbalance between the animals: Inequality is evident in the growing imbalance between the animals. Napoleon and the pigs position themselves as leaders and dictate the way the farm will be governed. Despite claiming that they are fighting for the animals against evil humans, as “Man is the only real enemy”, the pigs only think of themselves.

• Conditions on the farm: Inequality is also presented through the working conditions on the farm as the pigs extend the working week to include Sunday afternoons. While the other animals work “like slaves”, the pigs spend their days eating, drinking or supervising work rather than actually working themselves.

The impact of equality on characters

The theme of equality is prevalent throughout the novella and has an impact on many characters.  

Why does Orwell use the theme of equality in his novella?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

• Establishes equality as the foundation of the revolution which creates hope among the animals

2. Plot driver 

• Drives the rebellion as the animals unite under the promise of equality to create a fairer system for all on the farm

3. Audience appeal 

• Highlights how revolutions often begin with the promise of equality but merely lead to new hierarchies and continued oppression

4. Narrative device  

• Creates irony as the animals believe they are equal while the pigs increasingly benefit from the inequality on the farm

Exam-style questions on the theme of equality

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of equality: 

• How does Orwell use the consequences of inequality to highlight the dangers of corruption and oppression? (You could start with the pigs’ initial promise of equality and contrast it with their gradual rise to power.)

• How does Orwell use the theme of equality to critique the hypocrisy of the revolution on the farm? (You could start with the idea that Animal Farm begins with the ideal of equality, but the pigs manipulate this concept to justify their privilege and control.)