animal farm, vocab Flashcards
what is the bourgeoise?
middle class (especially those with private property)
what does bowdlerise mean?
to modify by abridging, or distorting in style or content (especially a book or an account of history)
what is capitalism?
economic system characterised by private or corporate ownership operating in a free market
what is communism?
a classless system where the means, and process, of production are owned communally
what is a comrade?
a fellow member of an organisation, often associated with the military
what does complicity mean?
the fact or condition of being involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong
what does corrupt mean?
using a position of power to gain an advantage over others, typically for money
what does cynical mean?
believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere
what is a democracy?
political system where those in power are elected representatives
what is a dictatorship?
where absolute power is concentrated in a dictator, clique or organisation
what is a dystopia?
an unfair society where there is a lot of suffering, typically an imaginary society in the future, after something terrible has happened
what is does hegemony mean?
the position of being the strongest and most powerful, and therefore able to control others; a term typically associated with a country
what is a hierarchy?
system whereby things are organised or arranged by their importance (or perceived importance)
what is indoctrination?
the process of repeating an idea or belief to someone until they accept it without criticism or question
what is a microcosm?
a small place, society, or situation that has the same characteristics as something much larger e.g. animal farm is a microcosm of the russian revolution
what does obfuscate mean?
to make unclear
what is propaganda?
information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view
what is the proletariat?
working classes, especially industrial workers who lack their own means of production and hence sell their labour
what is a rebellion?
resistance or violent action organised by a group of people who are trying to change the political system in their country
what is a revolution?
the forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system
what is a scapegoat?
someone who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others especially for reasons of expediency
what does seize mean?
to take something quickly and to keep and hold it
what is socialism?
public ownership of property and natural resources; a cooperative view that society should own or control property for the benefit of all its members
what does totalitarian mean?
relating to a system of government that is centralised and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state
