Animal Farm Theme Thermometer – Interactive Literary Analysis Activity

Bring thematic analysis to life with the Animal Farm Theme Thermometer, an engaging and visual activity designed to help students track the rise and fall of a central theme throughout the novel. As students read, they’ll identify key moments, rate the intensity of a chosen theme (such as power and corruption, control through language, equality vs. inequality, or manipulation), and visually chart how that theme “heats up” over the course of the story.

Ideal for middle and high school ELA classrooms, this activity promotes close reading, critical thinking, and strong textual support—while making abstract ideas like theme more concrete and accessible.

What’s Included:
Guided theme-tracking chart with space for quotes, theme intensity ratings, and analysis
Visual thermometer template for interactive plotting
Reflection questions for synthesis and deeper understanding
Student-friendly format, perfect for individual or group work
Compatible with print or digital use
Skills Addressed:

Theme development across a text
Textual analysis and evidence
Visual representation of literary ideas
Critical thinking
Literary discussion and interpretation

Use For:
Literary analysis units
Formative assessments
Group work or class discussions
Differentiated instruction