Animal Farm by George Orwell: Analysis
Animal Farm, written by George Orwell in 1945, is an allegorical novel which is also a reflection of Joseph Stalin’s rule during the Russian Revolution. Key characters and events in the novel symbolise major people and events around the Revolution and in particular, the character of Squealer who plays the role of a propagandist. Through exploring the speeches made by Squealer, the power of propaganda is revealed as he manipulates the thoughts of the animals to the advantage of the pigs.
First of all, Napoleon's leadership is secured through Squealer's speeches.. Squealer convinces the animals that Napoleon makes optimum decisions for the animals. As Squealer explains the new arrangement after Snowball’s expulsion, he reinforces Napoleon’s importance as a leader through spreading ‘the maxim [of] “Napoleon is always right”’(p.41) and continuously threatens them as he emphasises his 'one false step, and our enemies would be upon us, surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back? (p.41).' Squealer’s propaganda has planted the seeds of Napoleon’s superiority in the minds of animals. Furthermore, Squealer deflects blame onto Snowball to increase the authority of Napoleon. After the destruction of the windmill, Squealer scapegoats Snowball as he explains how ‘[Snowball has been] Jones’ secret agent all the time’ (p.58-59) to make the animals continue thinking, ‘If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right (p.60).' Napoleon’s leadership is strengthened through diminishing Snowball. Napoleon’s power is supported through continuous repetition of Napoleon’s superiority and inciting fear in the animals.
Besides securing Napoleon’s dictatorship, Squealer’s words also allow the pigs to have a better quality life than the other animals on the farm. With Squealer’s manipulative explanations, the pigs gain themselves more resources and food. Squealer falsely states that ‘[pigs] dislike milk and apples’, but it is the ‘sole object…to preserve [their] health’ since ‘the whole
First of all, Napoleon's leadership is secured through Squealer's speeches.. Squealer convinces the animals that Napoleon makes optimum decisions for the animals. As Squealer explains the new arrangement after Snowball’s expulsion, he reinforces Napoleon’s importance as a leader through spreading ‘the maxim [of] “Napoleon is always right”’(p.41) and continuously threatens them as he emphasises his 'one false step, and our enemies would be upon us, surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back? (p.41).' Squealer’s propaganda has planted the seeds of Napoleon’s superiority in the minds of animals. Furthermore, Squealer deflects blame onto Snowball to increase the authority of Napoleon. After the destruction of the windmill, Squealer scapegoats Snowball as he explains how ‘[Snowball has been] Jones’ secret agent all the time’ (p.58-59) to make the animals continue thinking, ‘If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right (p.60).' Napoleon’s leadership is strengthened through diminishing Snowball. Napoleon’s power is supported through continuous repetition of Napoleon’s superiority and inciting fear in the animals.
Besides securing Napoleon’s dictatorship, Squealer’s words also allow the pigs to have a better quality life than the other animals on the farm. With Squealer’s manipulative explanations, the pigs gain themselves more resources and food. Squealer falsely states that ‘[pigs] dislike milk and apples’, but it is the ‘sole object…to preserve [their] health’ since ‘the whole