Propaganda In George Orwell's Animal Farm

Propaganda is the organized spread of ideas. It is an attempt to persuade a group emotionally, to promote a cause. In the fable, Animal Farm, George Orwell explores the use of propaganda on the animals. Equality and freedom are lost and they live a life where lies and terror rule. The scapegoat technique, card stacking and appealing to authority, are three propaganda techniques used by the strong to gain power and control over the weak. The scapegoat technique has the propagandist blaming everything on someone else. Napoleon makes Snowball into his scapegoat and blames all bad events on him, therefore nothing seems out of Napoleon’s control. In chapter six, the windmill is destroyed in a storm. Napoleon blames the bad weather on Snowball. Napoleon asks, “Comrades, do you know who is responsible for this? Do you know the enemy who has come in the night and overthrown our windmill? SNOWBALL!” (82). Napoleon’s propaganda takes a true leader and turns him into a common enemy. By making Snowball someone to fear, Napoleon is seen as a protector
In chapter six Boxer says, “I will work harder” and, “Napoleon is always right.” (75). These two slogans are his solution to all problems. Boxer’s unquestioning faith in Napoleon leads the pig to the powerful position of a ruthless ruler. To protect Napoleon’s hero image, Squealer “would talk with the tears rolling down his cheeks with Napoleon’s wisdom, the goodness of his heart, and the deep love he bore to all animals” (100). In chapter eight, Orwell writes, “It had become usual to give Napoleon the credit for every successful achievement and every stroke of good fortune” (100). The animals are no longer involved in decision making. Napoleon alone makes the rules. When the animals complain they are quickly silenced by the propaganda of