SquealerÐŽ¦S Language Manipulation
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ÐŽ§All animals are equalÐŽXbut some are more equal than othersÐŽÐ (114). This equivocal claim comes from Squealer, a fictional pig who plays the critical role of master manipulator in George OrwellÐŽ¦s Animal Farm. Squealer excels in language manipulation, confusing the public, and applying a variety of propaganda devices. His brilliant oration helps the pigs satisfy their desire for money, food, and authority, and suppress the potential protest of other animals. In Animal Farm, Squealer usually appears after significant events in order to justify the pigsÐŽ¦ deeds. It is interesting to see how he skillfully explains things to other animals. Three important scenes clearly show his way of manipulating language. These are hoarding the apples and milk, distorting facts, and causing BoxerÐŽ¦s death.
In Chapter III, Squealer uses three devices to explain why the pigs should have apples and milk. He pretends to dislike apples and milk but points out that eating healthy food is essential for pigs to function properly. If the pigs can not function properly and therefore fail in their duty, ÐŽ§ÐŽÒJones would come back!ÐŽ¦ÐŽÐ(33) In this scene, Squealer uses three obvious language manipulations. First, he disguises having apples and milk as a sacrifice. He claims the pigs are reluctant to eat them, but they need healthy bodies to shoulder ÐŽ§ÐŽÒthe whole management and organization of this farmÐŽ¦ÐŽÐ (32). Second, he backs his arguments up with scientific evidence. In a passionate plea, he claims that ÐŽ§ÐŽÒmilk and apples (this has been proved by ScienceÐŽK) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pigÐŽ¦ÐŽÐ (32). Lastly, Squealer keeps emphasizing that Farmer Jones, the irresponsible former master, would come back. He takes advantage of the common fear that Jones would control the farm again, and gives the animals an idea that they have to support Napoleon and all of his decisions to prevent Jones from coming back. These propaganda devices seem effective enough; however, it is just a beginning.
Next, Squealer manipulates the animals by blaming Snowball and distorting history. Snowball is NapoleonÐŽ¦s opponent. Even though Snowball is chased out at the beginning of the novel, he is made the scapegoat and blamed for every wrongdoing and frustration among the animals. A scapegoat can draw the animalsÐŽ¦ attention to a common enemy, so they will not think too much about their corrupt leader or miserable life. Here, Squealer manages to convince Boxer that Snowball is in league with Jones from the very start:
ÐŽÒÐŽKI could show you this in his own writing, if you were able to read it. The plot was for Snowball, at the critical moment, to give the signal for flight and leave the field to the enemy. And he very nearly succeededÐŽXI will even say, comrades, he would have succeeded if it has not been for our heroic Leader, Comrade Napoleon. ÐŽKÐŽ¦exclaimed Squealer, frisking from side to side. (70)
The first sentence in this quote is a distortion. Squealer knows that Boxer cannot read, so whether Snowball wrote this or not will not affect his purpose. Moreover, he changes the other animalsÐŽ¦ memory of the Battle of the Cowshed by depicting SnowballÐŽ¦s actions as betrayal. He trumps up stories which give the credit to Napoleon, and which repel Snowball. Not only does Squealer modify the history of the Battle of the Cowshed, but he also changes the Seven Commandments