Language as an Instrument of Control
Language as an Instrument of Control
Throughout history, language has been one of the most powerful tools used by political leaders to gain power, control masses, and perpetuate ideologies. Its use can be traced throughout human history from religious totalitarianism, communism, and even in our own democratically elected government. Wherever there is an organized ruling party or system of government, language will play a key role in its formation and operation. Author George Orwell was no stranger to this idea. Political oppression, corruption, and manipulation were themes used in almost all of his writing. One of the most obvious examples is his seventh novel, Animal Farm. The story serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917 and Josef Stalin’s reign as leader of the former Soviet Union. In the novel, Stalin is portrayed as the character of Napoleon (a pig). Napoleon, with the help of other pigs, gains political power and wields tyrannical rule over Animal Farm. A close inspection of Napoleon’s actions (and that of his cohorts) reveals his specific use of language as a means of manipulation and control over Animal Farm. After the overthrow of Mr. Jones and the establishment of Animal Farm, “seven commandments” are painted on a barn wall, separating them from humans and creating boundaries by which all animals should live. Throughout the novel however, the commandments are altered to cover up his wrong doings and expand his power. After Napoleons execution of certain animals he considered to be traitors, the sixth amendment, “No animal shall kill any other animal.” is rewritten, “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.” When Napoleon and the other pigs break the fourth commandment by sleeping in beds, the commandment is altered to “ No animal shall sleep in beds with sheets.” The character, Squealer, further perpetuates this idea explaining to the other animals, “A pile of straw in a stall is a bed… the rule was against
Throughout history, language has been one of the most powerful tools used by political leaders to gain power, control masses, and perpetuate ideologies. Its use can be traced throughout human history from religious totalitarianism, communism, and even in our own democratically elected government. Wherever there is an organized ruling party or system of government, language will play a key role in its formation and operation. Author George Orwell was no stranger to this idea. Political oppression, corruption, and manipulation were themes used in almost all of his writing. One of the most obvious examples is his seventh novel, Animal Farm. The story serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917 and Josef Stalin’s reign as leader of the former Soviet Union. In the novel, Stalin is portrayed as the character of Napoleon (a pig). Napoleon, with the help of other pigs, gains political power and wields tyrannical rule over Animal Farm. A close inspection of Napoleon’s actions (and that of his cohorts) reveals his specific use of language as a means of manipulation and control over Animal Farm. After the overthrow of Mr. Jones and the establishment of Animal Farm, “seven commandments” are painted on a barn wall, separating them from humans and creating boundaries by which all animals should live. Throughout the novel however, the commandments are altered to cover up his wrong doings and expand his power. After Napoleons execution of certain animals he considered to be traitors, the sixth amendment, “No animal shall kill any other animal.” is rewritten, “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.” When Napoleon and the other pigs break the fourth commandment by sleeping in beds, the commandment is altered to “ No animal shall sleep in beds with sheets.” The character, Squealer, further perpetuates this idea explaining to the other animals, “A pile of straw in a stall is a bed… the rule was against