Squealer and the corrupt use of Propaganda
The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is a ‘fairy tale’ describing the dangers of a dictatorial government. Orwell, through the character called Squealer, shows how propaganda can affect those in a communist society in a harmful way. Squealer was short and fat and was known to be able to change black into white. Through his persuasive talks, he was able to manipulate most on the farm.
In the novel, Orwell uses Squealer to show how propaganda influenced the other characters. Squealer is a clever but cunning pig who is highly intelligent and a very good speaker as well. The first time Squealer lies to the animals is when the animals find out that the milk and apples are being given to the pigs. Here, Squealer is sent to explain why the food had not been shared equally. "'Comrades! You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Milk and apples (this has been proved by science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organization of this farm depend on us.... It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples'. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back!'" In this speech, you can see how Squealer manipulates the animals and the many reasons he gives. He uses lies and threats to get what he wants. Squealer frightens the animals into surrendering with the threat of the return of Mr. Jones. He and the other pigs want the apples and milk for themselves and influence the other animals into believing that the pigs should have this luxury. By hiding their true objectives, the pigs are soon able to get hold of whatever they want with little conflict. Orwell uses Squealer to represent the Pravda, the Russian newspaper controlled by the government during Joseph Stalin's rule. In this newspaper, the government were able to use propaganda and get their views and ideas across to the public in this way.