ATTENTION CLARK.

My synopsis is in September...i started it then, but published now. Also, please excuse the missing climax and plot summary...I read it so long ago I couldn't remember much of it hehe....

Book Synopsis: Animal Farm

Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Publication Date: 1946
Page Count: 139
Type: Fiction
Started On: 11/1
Finished On: 11/19
My Grade: B



1. Why did I decide to read this book?

I mainly decided to read this book because it was short. The normal page limit is 200, so when the opportunity arose to read a book shorter than that, I jumped at the chance. This book was also reccomended to me by a friend. I also liked the fact it was based on a farm. I've grown up on a farm my entire life, and this really drew me into the book.

2. Plot summary (avoiding major spoilers when possible).

Work, pain, suffering; the only things the animals of Manor Farm have ever known. After much debate, the animals decide to rebel against their tyrannical master, Jones. After successfully expeling Jones from the farm, the animals can finally live their lives the way they want to; with no human involvement. The pigs, the smartest of all the animals on the farm, assume the leadership role. With all of England looking on, the animals begin to build themselves a brighter future through Animal Farm. However, the pigs-lead by their self appointed leader, Napoleon, become greedy with their complete power over the farm. Will Animal Farm survive, or cease to exsist under the rule of the pigs?

3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?

The setting is a farm in England. The time period would be early 1900's. The setting is quite important to the novel because it is about a farm. England, however, has little to do with the story. The time period is very important because it shows technology available to the animals at the time.

4. Who are the main characters and what roles do they play in the novel?

The main characters are Napoleon, a boar; Snowball, a pig; Squealer, a pig; Boxer, a horse; and Jones, the owner of Manor Farm. Napoleon is the self-appointed leader of Animal Farm. Snowball is a very opinionated pig and is exiled, by Napoleon, from Animal Farm. Boxer is the main worker of Animal Farm, always doing more than his part to get a job done. Jones is the human whom the animals rebelled against for ownership of Manor Farm.

5. What/is are the main conflict(s) in the novel?

The initial conflict is the battle of the animals against the humans. However, as the story progresses, we see an internal struggle develop amongst the animals. Napoleon becomes more dicator like every day, to many animals dismay. Most animals are against Napoleon, but are too afraid to stand up. Another side conflict would be the power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball, ultimately ending in Snowballs exile from Animal Farm.

6. Describe the climax of the novel.

Throughout the story, the pigs become more and more humanized. This all finally builds up to a scene where we see the pigs actually walk on two legs. The other animals are distraught at his and do not know what to think. The pigs, who have preached about anti-humanity for so long, are suddenly quite human like. How well will this bode with the other animals?

7. What is the significance of the books title? Is it appropriate or would I change it to something else?

The books title is very significant. It is completely about an "Animal Farm". I believe it is an appropriate title. I wouldn't change it at all. It was a perfect selection for the book.

8. What is my opinion of the book?

Quite unique and humerous, I believe it lacked a good climax. All in all, a very well written novel. I really felt a connection to the animals as the author gave them human-like qualities. I could also relate with the day-to-day labors of the animals, having grown up on a farm myself. I give this book a B rating, mainly because I disliked the ending; too abrupt.

Journals 11/5 - 11/16

Journals

11/5

You won the lottery. What do you buy first?

I would buy the highschool a great atheltic facility. Turf, 8 lane rubber track, the whole shabang. I would also buy the pool an indoor pool to support the Keyser swim team.

11/6

Lottery winner... which of your friends/family get a chunk.

I wouldn't share any. I'm extremely greedy. It would be mine and all mine.

11/7

Lottery winner... will you still go to school/get a job.

I would definitely finish school and probably go to college. I wouldn't, however, get a job. That would be stupid if I was a millionaire.

11/8

Lottery winner... would you donate to charity?

I wouldn't donate a dime. It all gets misappropriated anyway. What would be the point?

11/9

Is it fair that the bulk of KHS fundraising goes to the sports complex?

It is 100% fair. All the money that is spent on the complex will be gained back after 2 or 3 seasons of football. For all the people complaining about football getting everything...if turf is installed soccer will play there as well.

11/13

Are the current speed limits reasonable?

They most definitely arent. I want to go fast! In fact, there should be no speed limits at all.

11/14

Whats on top of your Christmas list?

Well, an Xbox 360 would be at the top. However, my Ipod recently broke...so it has replaced the Xbox. My music is way more important than video games.

11/15

Have you been "naughty" or "nice" this year?

I've been nice this year. I expect oodles of presents for Christmas. I should be rewarded for my labors.

11/16

What is the most essential Thanksgiving menu item?

The mashed potatoes. Only if they come with gravy, though. Light colored gravy, at that.

Journal 10/29 - 11/2

Journals

10/29

Which CW character is your favorite?

My favorite character is Goober. I can definitely relate to him. The fact that he's a wide reciever is also pretty cool.

10/30

If you could change one thing from your past what would you change.

There are many things I wish I could change. I don't think I can narrow it down to one moment. I just wish I could've known then what I know now.

10/31

Promote a teacher to a new principal.

I would promote Mr. Kalbaugh to principal. He was one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. He was extremely smart.

11/1

Are you too old to trick-or-treat?

You're never too old to trick-or-treat. I personally just don't like going. It's way too cold for me.

11/2

Whats your dream car?

A '67 Mustang Shelby GT 500. Elanor. Enough said.

Journals 10/22 - 10/26

Journals

10/22

Would you rather have an easy class with lots of homework, or a hard class with little homework?

I would definitely prefer a hard class with little homework. I would rather stress my brain in school and get work done, and not have anything to do at home. I do enough work during school, why should I have to do more at home?

10/23

Which decade has the best music: 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's?

The 80's, by far, beheld the best music. What other decade could you find fret-burning guitar solos; screaming, gritty lyrics; and 8 minute minute long power ballads? No other decade even compares with the 80's.

10/24

Do you like to hunt?

I do enjoy a nice hunt. There's nothing quite like it. The waiting, the chase, and the kill.

10/25

9 weeks in - has your lunchline opinion changed?

I really enjoy the new lunchline. The setup has highly increased the lunch tray output per minute. This allows all of us to get our lunches much quicker.

10/26

Do you (or will you) play the lottery?

I plan on playing the lottery when I come of age. As of now, I sometimes purchase scratch off tickets (well, I get my father to purchase them.) However, I definitely don't plan on becoming a gambling addict!

Journals 10/15 - 10/19

Journals

10/15

Whats the most annoying pet naming convention?

I really dislike when people use the name of the animal. An example would be "Ms. Kitty". **EDITED**

10/16

Of all the pets you've had, which had the coolest name?

Well considering I've only had 4 pets in my life, cool names are few and far between. I've had 1 dog, 2 cats, and a gecko. The coolest name, however, would have to be Tiger- my gecko.

10/18

Suggest 3 journal topics.

1-What is your highest guitar hero score?
2-Whats the largest amount of money you've ever had?
3-Boxers, briefs, or a thong?

10/19

Great job and lousy pay or lousy job with great pay?

I believe I would prefer a lousy job with great pay. Who cares if you have a crappy job, at least you'll have a great home life. Unless, you spend more time at your job than you do at home.

Journals- 10/9 - 10/12

Journals

10/9

How do you like your eggs?

I definately like my eggs scrambled. Scrambled kicks over-easy's butt. Heck, if I can cook scrambled eggs, they have to be good.

10/10

Write me a get well card/message/sentiment.

Clark, I hope you get better. I mean it must be tough laying at home in bed while I'm slaving away in class.... So I wish you all the luck in the world.

10/11

Vote out three posters.

I wouldn't take any posters out. Posters are great. If you take any posts off I'll be thoroughly angry with you.

10/12

Are you satisfied with your grade?

Well, considering I don't know my grade, I really can't answer that. I hope I have a good grade in here. If I don't, at least its weighted!