Animal Farm: Key Theme: Propaganda (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Animal Farm mind map      

Propaganda is information that politicians or governments use to promote their own cause or worldview. It is often biased and misleading. Here is where the theme of propaganda features in key chapters of Animal Farm:

What are the elements of propaganda in Animal Farm?

• The Seven Commandments: The Commandments are used as a form of dishonest manipulation and they act as the core principles by which the farm is governed. However, to preserve their power and deceive the other animals, the pigs use the Commandments as propaganda and amend or remove any that do not benefit them.

• Squealer’s propaganda: Squealer is Napoleon’s Minister of Propaganda and he spreads false information, by manipulating language, statistics and history to justify Napoleon's decisions and rule. For instance, despite worsening conditions on the farm, he convinces the animals that life is improving under Napoleon’s rule. Similarly, he also rewrites Snowball’s heroic role in the “Battle of the Cowshed” and makes the animals believe that he was a traitor and that he was “in league with Jones”.

• Slogans: The pigs control the animals by simplifying complex ideas into slogans, for example, “Four legs good, two legs bad”. Due to the animals’ lack of education, Squealer’s use of simple slogans makes it easier for them to remember, making it an effective method of mass control. The animals simply repeat these slogans without ever fully understanding what they mean. 

• Fear and threats: The pigs use the threat of Jones returning to terrify the other animals into submission, thus keeping them under control: “Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?” The animals fail to realise that the manner in which the farm is governed by the pigs is similar to how it actually was under Jones. 

The impact of propaganda on characters

The theme of propaganda is prevalent throughout the novella and has an impact on many characters. 

Why does Orwell use the theme of propaganda in his novella?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

• Creates an atmosphere of control, manipulation and deception which enables Napoleon’s ruthless rule

2. Plot driver 

• Drives Napoleon’s rise to power and ensures the animals remain loyal and unquestioning

• Results in the rewriting of the Commandments and Snowball’s exile

3. Audience appeal 

• Serves as a warning about how propaganda can be used to manipulate truth and deceive the masses

4. Narrative device  

• Creates irony as the animals believe they are more free though they are actually more oppressed than before

Exam-style questions on the theme of propaganda

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of propaganda: 

• How does Orwell use the consequences of propaganda to highlight the dangers of misinformation and manipulation? (You could start with Squealer’s use of persuasive language to justify Napoleon’s actions and control over the animals.)

• How does Orwell use the theme of propaganda to highlight the power of language in maintaining political control? (You could start with how the pigs alter the Commandments and use slogans to suppress independent thought.)