Introduction
The interconnectedness and the importance of the following concepts, totalitarianism, power of language, and class warfare, are hard to overestimate in “Animal Farm” novel by G. Orwell. They have become the cornerstone of the literacy techniques employed. In this respect, it will be useful to explore each of them, with its unique techniques and how they are associated with each other in the novel.
Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism may be defined as non-democratic political regimes that strive to synchronize every element of life for the whole population using contemporary means like the media and political police. Although the animals’ original uprising was based on the notion that all animals are equal when they topple Mr. Jones, they start to imitate this repressive system – “Even though all animals are equal, some are more equal than others” (Orwell, 2021, p. 112). All citizens are subject to unrestricted authority in a totalitarian society – “This farm relies entirely on us for organization and administration” (Orwell, 2021, p. 134). The novel also demonstrates the function of propaganda in a totalitarian regime. Napoleon masterfully employs propaganda in the shape of the Seven Commandments from the moment he seizes control of Animal Farm to the very end. In the novel, the two most significant techniques shared by all totalitarian nations were reflected, the all-powerful political party of pigs and an overarching ideology that covers all facets of activities on a farm.
The Power of Language
Language is primarily employed to convey ideas, and as a result, it has enormous power. In the novel, it was used by dictators (pigs) to promote their ideas and instill fear and obedience in the other animals using several techniques, such as sporadically appearing in human clothes and human mimicking. It includes various slogans aimed at uniting the population – “Long live Animal Farm!” (Orwell, 2021, p. 67). Power may be established and maintained via language. The coercion on the farm was brought but using language – “Sure, that no one wants Jones to come back?” (Orwell, 2021, p. 105). Reversing is one of the most effective techniques used by this quote since it is better to live under the pigs than under humans, as assessed by animals.
Class Warfare
Orwell made a lot of references in his novel regarding class warfare. For instance, direct violence manifests itself in the form of the fight for the resources on the farm. The basis of the plot was the initial class struggle between pigs and men – “Everything that walks on two legs is the enemy” (Orwell, 2021, p. 25). Class warfare is also represented in the supposed theft of the fruits of labor by the bureaucracy – “almost all the products of our effort are taken from us by others” (Orwell, 2021, p. 31). “Animal Farm” demonstrates how varying levels of education and employment result in the formation of a class hierarchy, which in turn precipitates a class war.
Conclusion
From the research of three important concepts, it can be seen how language can be instrumental in inclining power and lead to social instabilities reflected in class warfare or conflict. Both dictators and revolutionaries imply language techniques to reach their goals, whether it is establishing a totalitarian regime with the absence of dissent or voicing against the wealthy social classes and poor working conditions. “Animal Farm” became a bright representation of these concepts, even though exaggerated. Orwell attempted to show how these, in his view, disastrous phenomena can lead to the destruction of society.
Reference
Orwell, G. (2021). Animal Farm. Oxford University Press.