Animal Farm Propaganda Essay

Nobody is safe from propaganda. George Orwell demonstrates this concept exceptionally in his novel, Animal Farm, with many examples. Even though the animals aim for a model community, a utopia where all animals are to be equal, there are still those hungry for power who manipulate speech. The pigs on the farm are the main figures that use propaganda, primarily with glittering generalities, testimonial propaganda, and hidden fears. From the use of vague statements or concepts, to slogans and the changing of the Seven Commandments, the pigs auspiciously use glittering generalities. They often get themselves out of dilemmas by using sophisticated sounding concepts that the animals do not completely understand. For instance, when Napoleon decided

Boxer, from the working class, adopted the maxim “Napoleon is always right”, as part of his personal motto. This statement backed up any doubtful information the pigs delivered. For instance, when they blamed Snowball a First Class Animal Hero, for the destruction of the windmill, the animals at first did not believe this. However, the tables were turned when it became apparent Napoleon firmly believed that Snowball was a traitor. Boxer gives in, despite his previous opinions. Since the animals respected and admired Boxer, Squealer uses his maxim to prompt the animals to work harder after Boxer’s tragic death. He lies by saying that Boxer’s last words were ‘’Forward Comrades!’ he whispered. (…) Long live Animal Farm! Long live Comrade Napoleon! Napoleon is always right” (124), even though these words never left Boxer’s lips. Also, it seems that the success of the farm is all credited to Napoleon. In the Battle of Cowshed, history was rewritten to make Napoleon the hero, and all of his errors are seen to be part of a strategic plan. After all, failure and Napoleon do not go hand in hand. All worship Napoleon. Minimus, the poet, even dedicated a poem, Comrade Napoleon, which highlights how godly and fatherly he is and how all must be loyal to him