Essay On Propaganda In George Orwell's Animal Farm

In any story centering around power, whether it be historical or fictional, propaganda is a vital aspect. In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, propaganda is used widely and effectively. This story revolves around a group of animals who rebel against their unjust human masters and take over the farm they slaved on, but of course, propaganda plays a big part in the events further on. The mastermind behind so much of this manipulation is the ever talented pig, Mr. Squealer. His efficiency with words is why he was the right-hand man to possibly one of the worst leaders ever, Napoleon. Squealer’s use of propaganda allows him and Napoleon to gain the loyalty and obedience of the animals, squander the reputation of a well-loved animal, and falsify the cause of death of a comrade. At the center of the novella, is the pig, Napoleon. When he takes charge of the animals, many are unsure of him and especially his intentions. The animals have a hard time believing all that he says and only Squealer knows how to articulate what the animals need to hear in order to inspire trust and loyalty in them on behalf of Napoleon. “And he [Snowball] very nearly succeeded– I will even say, comrades, he would have succeeded if it had not been for our heroic Leader, Comrade Napoleon...And do you not remember, too, that it was just at that moment when panic was spreading and all seemed lost, that Comrade Napoleon sprang forward with a cry of 'Death to Humanity!' and sank his teeth in Jones's [original farm owner] leg?” (Orwell 81). During the Battle at Cowshed, readers may know Napoleon had no part, but Squealer takes a moment dear to the animals’ hearts and tells a story of bravery and dedication on Napoleon’s part, which inspire the trust and loyalty Napoleon needed from the animals. A quote from the narrator says, “now that Squealer described the scene so graphically, it seemed they did remember it.” (Orwell 81) As shown above, Squealer speaks so convincingly that the animals easily take what is said and form it in their heads as a truth they’d always known. Coincidentally, the truth does not work in …show more content…
After convincing the animals that they need a way to get electricity and make money, the animals are put to hard labor on the construction of a windmill. When the beloved horse, Boxer, is hurt while working and his days seem numbered, the leader Napoleon finds that retirement isn’t as profitable as animal meat. Boxer is sent off to a butcher, but the truth is manipulated and the horse is given a false death that only paints a picture of a kind-hearted Squealer and caring Napoleon. “He [Boxer] whispered in my ear that his sole sorrow was to have passed on before the windmill was finished. ‘Forward, comrades!’ he [Squealer] whispered. ‘Forward in the name of the Rebellion. Long live Animal Farm! Long live Napoleon! Napoleon is always right.’ Those were his very last words, comrades.” (Orwell 124) Squealer will have the animals believe in a glorified and completely false death, full of compassion and dignity as opposed to the bullet he likely received in the back of his head as he was carried away by a butcher. Squealer relays last words that were likely never spoken, words that further the cause of Napoleon, and showcase his truly mind-numbing