BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSOn Manor Farm, the animals live under the harsh rule of a drunken, neglectful farmer named Mr. Jones. One night, a prize boar called Old Major gathers all the animals in the barn to share a dream he has had: a vision of England freed from human tyranny, where animals work for themselves and own the fruits of their labor. He teaches them a rousing song called "Beasts of England" and urges them to revolt before he dies. Three nights later, Old Major is gone, but his ideas take hold among the cleverest animals on the farm, two pigs named Snowball and Napoleon, who begin organizing the others around a philosophy they call Animalism, waiting for the moment when rebellion becomes possible.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Animal Farm
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Animal Farm. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a tame raven preach about a paradise called Sugarcandy Mountain?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Moses the raven spreads tales of a sky country where lump sugar grows on hedges and clover is in season all year. The pigs see him as a rival propagandist whose religious promises pull workers' attention away from rebellion.
- First half
In what book does a pig propose a windmill that would supply electric light, hot water, and a mangel-slicer?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Snowball envisions a windmill driving a dynamo that will warm stalls, run a circular saw, a chaff-cutter, and even an electric milking machine. The grand promise of leisure becomes the central battleground between him and Napoleon.
- First half
In what book do pigs move into the farmhouse and start sleeping in the beds between blankets?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The pigs take up residence in the farmhouse, eating in the kitchen and using the drawing room as a recreation room. When Clover suspects this breaks the Fourth Commandment, Squealer explains that the rule was only against sheets, which they have removed.
- Second half
In what book do dogs tear out the throats of pigs who confess to plotting with a banished comrade?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
After Napoleon orders confessions, four pigs admit to collaborating with Snowball and the dogs immediately rip their throats out. It marks the first executions on the property since the Rebellion, shattering the promise that no creature would harm another.
- Second half
In what book does a leader gallop drunk around the yard wearing the old farmer's bowler hat?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The night the pigs discover whisky in the cellars, Napoleon emerges wearing Mr. Jones's old bowler hat and gallops around the yard before disappearing inside. The image marks how far he has gone toward taking on the old master's habits.
- Near the end
In what book does a donkey gallop for the first time in his life, braying a warning?
✓ Answer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
When the knacker's van comes for Boxer, Benjamin gallops braying to fetch the others. It is the first time anyone has ever seen Benjamin gallop or show excitement. He is too late to save his old friend, but he understands what is happening immediately.
