How Does Squealer Use Propaganda in Animal Farm

Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, is a political allegory that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. One of the key characters in the novel is Squealer, a persuasive and cunning pig who serves as Napoleon's right-hand and the farm's propaganda machine. Through his use of propaganda, Squealer manipulates the other animals on the farm, distorting their perception of reality and maintaining the pigs' control over the entire community. This essay will examine the various techniques Squealer employs to spread propaganda and highlight the theme of power and manipulation that his actions support.

The Power of Language

One of the main ways in which Squealer uses propaganda is through the power of language. He skillfully twists and manipulates words to create a false narrative that benefits the pigs and justifies their actions. For instance, when the pigs change the commandment "No animal shall sleep in a bed" to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets," Squealer explains this alteration by claiming that the pigs need the extra comfort to better serve the animals. By using the term "better serve," Squealer appeals to the animals' sense of fairness and convinces them that the pigs' privilege is necessary for their own benefit.

This manipulation of language aligns with the theme of power and manipulation. Through his words, Squealer asserts the pigs' superiority and convinces the other animals that they need the pigs' guidance to ensure their own well-being. This theme is supported by Squealer's use of propaganda, as he consistently presents the pigs as the only ones capable of making decisions for the benefit of the entire farm.

Fearmongering and False Threats

Another technique Squealer employs is fearmongering and the creation of false threats. He frequently warns the animals about the return of Mr. Jones, the original owner of the farm, suggesting that any dissent or disobedience will result in their lives becoming worse than they were under human control. Squealer presents the pigs as the only ones capable of protecting the animals from this impending danger, solidifying their position of power.

This fearmongering tactic plays into the theme of power and manipulation, as Squealer uses the animals' fear of the unknown to maintain control over them. By constantly reminding them of the potential threats and emphasizing the pigs' role as their protectors, he keeps the animals in a state of fear and dependency.

Revisionist History

Squealer also engages in revisionist history, altering the past to fit the pigs' narrative and maintain their authority. For example, when the animals question why the pigs are now consuming the apples and milk, which were originally meant for everyone, Squealer explains that the pigs need these additional provisions for their brainpower. He claims that, without the pigs' superior intelligence, Jones would return and the farm would descend into chaos once again.

By revising history, Squealer ensures that the animals' memory of the past aligns with the pigs' current actions. This manipulation of the truth supports the theme of power and manipulation, as the pigs rewrite history to justify their privilege and maintain their control over the other animals.

Conclusion

Squealer's use of propaganda in Animal Farm is a powerful tool that highlights the theme of power and manipulation. Through the manipulation of language, fearmongering, and revisionist history, Squealer successfully distorts the reality of the animals and maintains the pigs' control over the farm. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority. By understanding the techniques employed by characters like Squealer, readers can become more aware of the potential manipulation and propaganda they encounter in their own lives.

Bibliography

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1996.