Explore the ways that written and spoken language are used as a tool of control in Animal Farm.
The pig’s knowledge of technical farming aspects from their ability to read, allows them to assume leadership positions.
From the very start of the book the pigs are portrayed as the brains of the farm. We are first presented with this aspect when, in chapter 1, the pigs reveal that they have learnt to read and write:
“The pigs now revealed that during the past three months they had taught themselves to read and write (pr.3 pg.23).”
As intelligent characters, the pigs assume leadership positions after Old Major death. Napoleon, Snowball and Squealer take charge of the farm and take it upon them to organize and prepare the Animals for the revolution. As leaders of Animal Farm they introduce the commandments, teach the other animals how to read and write and host meetings with the other animals. As we further progress in the book, we
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Squealer… was sprawling beside it, and near at hand there lay a lantern, a paintbrush. And an overturned pot of white paint (pr.2 pg.108).”
The pigs use their forms of propaganda to manipulate the animal’s thoughts by eliminating any strand of question or suspicion from their thoughts and channeling general opinion.
In multiple instances in Animal Farm when the animals start doubting the pigs, the pigs jump in and explain to the animals. For example, when the pigs are discovered to have been hoarding the apples and milk for themselves, the pigs gather the animals and explains how apples and milk are essential for the amount of brain power the pigs use:
“"Comrades!" he cried. "You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege…The whole management and organization of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for YOUR sake that we drink that milk and eat those