Squealer

Question 1

Beginning: “could turn black into white.”

Answer 1

1. Shows Squealer has the ability to manipulate.
2. Symbolises how Squealer can convincingly present deceit as the truth.
3. Shows how adept he is at distorting and revising history and is able to use persuasive language to fit Napoleon’s agenda.
4. Highlights the power dynamics where those in authority dictate the truth.
5. Orwell could be warning against the danger of unquestioningly accepting authority and encourages scepticism towards regimes.

Question 2

Middle: “Surely comrades, you do not want Jones back?”

Answer 2

1. He uses manipulative rhetoric to invoke a false sense of camaraderie and solidarity, he frames himself as an advocate for the animals.
2. Capitalises on the fear of Jones and exploits it, he coerces them into compliance.
3. He presents the pigs rule as the only feasible alternative to Jones.
4. Fragility of revolutions and the ease they can be undermined.
5. Alludes to how the Bolshevik party presented themselves as defenders of the revolution.

Question 3

End: “All animals are equal….more than others.”

Answer 3

1. Ironic and inherently contradictory asserts equality whilst upholding a hierarchy
2. Shows how they have bastardised the original commandments.
3. Stark reminder of how the pigs have transformed into what they originally criticised.
4. Highlights the perversion of the truth by authoritarian regimes.
5. Reflects how under Stalin’s regime where ruling class claimed to uphold socialist principles.