Monday, January 11, 2010

In Animal Farm by George Orwell, the tune of the song "Beasts of England" is a mix of which two songs?

In Chapter One of Animal Farm, Old Major summons the animals to a meeting in the barn. During his speech, he sings a song called "Beasts of England," the tune of which is a combination of two other songs: "Clementine," a traditional folk ballad, and "La Cucaracha," a Spanish song often associated with the Mexican Revolution. The latter song is particularly apt, considering that Old Major is trying to inspire the animals to rebel against Mr. Jones and take possession of the farm.


Old Major is successful in his mission: the animals quickly learn the tune of "Beasts of England" and begin singing it themselves. The stage is now set for their rebellion and this song becomes the symbol of the animals' equality with and liberation from mankind.

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