Animal Farm by George Orwell and When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1

In both extracts, the portrayal of battles between animals and humans highlights the conflicts of power and the struggle for survival.

Situations and Experiences Faced by the Characters

In the first extract from Animal Farm, the animals face oppression from Mr. Jones, representing tyrannical human authority. The sense of injustice is palpable as the animals endure hardship and abuse. Conversely, in the second extract from When Will There Be Good News?, the human characters are depicted as experiencing fear and vulnerability, yet their actions are motivated by differing values and moralities, leading to conflict with the animal world.

Character Reactions

The animals' reactions in Animal Farm are rooted in collective action; they band together to overthrow their oppressor, which builds a sense of camaraderie. In contrast, the human characters in the second extract often react with self-preservation instincts, leading to decisions that ultimately worsen their situations. This showcases the differing motivations between the two species and the varying stakes involved in their battles.

Use of Language and Techniques

George Orwell employs stark imagery and metaphors in Animal Farm, portraying the animals' plight vividly, which invokes empathy and moral outrage. In contrast, Atkinson's use of dialogue and character introspection enriches the human emotional landscape, allowing readers to see the complexity of their motivations. The contrasting styles underline the thematic dichotomy between the innocence of animals and the flawed nature of humanity.