Cat-Tuong Ngo Fletcher 3 English 2H 17 March 2023 In many societies there have been many cases of deceit, and for different reasons. Deceit can be used either positively or negatively, but deceit is widely perceived to always have a negative connotation. This can be observed in the novel Animal Farm by George Well, where deceit is used by Napoleon after the rebellion for his own benefit. Napoleon deceives other animals in order to gain power and control over the farm, which reveals the relationship between corruption and the vulnerable in societies. The desire for power is prevalent in Napoleon’s actions, and he is knowledgeable enough to come to the conclusion that almost all the other animals on the farm lack the education required to form …show more content…
A prime example of this is when Napoleon uses Squealer as propaganda. Squealer informs the other animals that Napoleon leads only because he is the only animal wise enough to, explaining that “‘No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?’” (Orwell 28). Using Squealer as propaganda is what causes the other animals to believe that none of them are fit to lead, with the exception being Napoleon. A lack of education amongst the animals played a major role in their persuasion, as lack of education is what makes the animals agree with Squealer and Napoleon in the first place. However, lack of education was also the only reason why no animal noticed that the propaganda was clearly deceitful. Later, Napoleon finds another way to take advantage of the uneducated by convincing the other animals to listen to an animal that has died. After Boxer’s death, Napoleon speaks about Boxer’s beliefs: “‘I will work harder’ and ‘Comrade Napoleon is always right’-maxims, he said, which every animal would do well to adopt as his own” (Orwell 63). Napoleon takes