How Does Stalin Use Propaganda In Animal Farm

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Upon opening a small novel childishly entitled Animal Farm, one might not expect to find a complex allegory for the corrupt Russian Revolution. George Orwell uses farm animals to represent the many leaders, figures, and societal groups that took part in the rise of communism in Russia. The novel tells the story of a group of barnyard animals overthrowing their farmer in pursuit of a government that would emphasize equality, one much like communism. However, the pigs leading the revolution soon become power hungry, and thus their once prized principle of equality is abandoned. In Animal Farm, Orwell uses Napoleon as a symbol for Joseph Stalin. Both Napoleon and Stalin controlled their citizens using fear and propaganda, implemented structured, …show more content…

Stalin used propaganda to glorify his image and persuade people to follow him. “Idol worship of leaders was a large part of Soviet Russia. Stalin was an idolized figure, and is pictured in many propaganda posters as a well put together, kind looking, yet still serious man” (Propaganda Posters). Napoleon used propaganda in much the same way. Elaborate poems and murals celebrating Napoleon are created and displayed for all to see. “Napoleon approved of this poem and caused it to be inscribed on the wall of the big barn… It was surmounted by a portrait of Napoleon…” (Orwell 95). Both leaders used fear to control their followers. Stalin used an unofficial secret police force with more power than even the army. “...under party leader Joseph Stalin, the secret police again acquired vast punitive powers...the NKVD became a direct instrument of Stalin for use against the party and the country during the Great Terror of the 1930s” (Secret Police). The violent NKVD was feared by all, and thus, citizens were less likely to act out against Stalin. Similarly, Napoleon used his nine dogs to instill fear in the hearts of the barnyard animals. "At this there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn" (Orwell, 1946). The leaders shared similar tactics to control their