Exploring Propaganda
Propaganda has been used to influence people throughout history. After reviewing
techniques and examples of propaganda, you will demonstrate how propaganda is
used in the novel, Animal Farm.
Propaganda Sites & Questions for Response
Propaganda Critic: http://www.propagandacritic.com
Read through the information on the links under “Common techniques” and briefly
define each technique.
Word games
Name-calling
Glittering generalities
Euphemisms
False connections
Transfer
Testimonial
Special Appeals
Plain Folks
Bandwagon
Fear
Wikipedia, “Propaganda”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda
Read through the explanation of Propaganda and write a brief, simple definition
in your own words.
Propaganda is
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Propaganda in Animal Farm
Now think about how some of these same propaganda techniques have been
used in the novel. Choose 2 of the instances provided below and demonstrate
how they are examples of propaganda.
Events from the Novel:
Ø Human farmers spread lies about how badly life is going on Animal Farm.
Ø The pigeons spread news to nearby farm animals to encourage their rebellion.
Ø Snowball and Napoleon campaign for leadership of the farm.
Ø Squealer spreads lies about Snowball to explain his expulsion from the farm.
Ø Squealer convinces the animals to follow Napoleon without question.
Use the following prompts to guide your explanation:
1. What method is being used?
2. What is the message being communicated?
3. Who is the target audience?