Book Set Two

Both of these stories are about Communist revolution and power. On the surface, communism sounds like a great idea - everyone puts in what they can, and everyone takes what they need. Unfortunately, most humans (and, as we'll see, animals) are not wired to work that way and quickly find ways to take advantage of this system. It's really easy for the powerful to rise. 

As you read, take notes on the things listed below. Be prepared to take a quiz over each book and write a comparison paper with direct quotes over these two books. 

Build Background: This novel was meant to be a cautionary tale about the Russian Revolution. The author, George Orwell wanted people to see the dangers of what could happen when people allowed themselves to be fooled that communism would work. He uses allegory by creating animals who represent Russian leaders and groups of people. Read a brief background about the Russian Revolution here. And see the connection chart here.

What you should be looking for:

• What is the central conflict in the novel? How does that conflict develop? (There are several layers here - don't jump right to your first idea). Where is the climax of the story? How is it resolved?

  • Be sure to also take note of sub-conflicts - how are they resolved?

• How do the pigs gradually take away power from the other animals? How are they able to manipulate them?

• Which of the characters see what is happening? What do they do about it? Why?

• Each of the characters represent either specific people or groups of people. Review the list attached above. How do you think the author did with selecting animals to represent people? Is it what you would have picked?

• What do you think the theme of the novel is? Remember that a theme is a statement of truth, not just and idea. 

  • NOT a theme - Love

  • CORRECT theme - Love is strengthened by overcoming hardships together.

Build background - Take a minute and read about the Chinese Cultural Revolution before you begin. _______________________________________________________________________________________

What you should be looking for:

• What is the central conflict in the memoir? How does that conflict develop? (There are several layers here - don't jump right to your first idea). Where is the climax of the story? How is it resolved?

  • Be sure to also take note of sub-conflicts - how are they resolved?

• How does Chairman Mao and his government gradually take away power from his people? How is he able to manipulate them?

• Which of the characters see what is happening? What do they do about it? Why?

• Ji-Li Jiang was a good kid who always tried to do the right thing and make her elders proud (just like many of you). Where are some moments where she started to question her government and it's leaders. What had she learned by the end of the book?

• What do you think the theme of the memoir is?

Spend a few minutes brainstorming connections between their conflicts, characters and themes. Try to develop a universal theme that you see shared across both books. Come to class with some ideas brewing that you can share in discussion.