# Pigs as Elite Rulers: An Examination of Power and Manipulation in George Orwell's *Animal Farm* In George Orwell's classic dystopian novel *Animal Farm*, the farm animals revolt against their human owner, Mr. Jones, in the hope of creating a society based on equality and justice. The pigs, being the most intelligent animals, quickly establish themselves as the leaders of the new society. However, as time goes on, the pigs gradually transform into the very tyrants they had initially sought to overthrow. This transformation is a central theme in the novel and serves as a powerful critique of the corrupting influence of power. [](https://media.newyorker.com/photos/64e624ed2e6afd130aaaa2b5/master/pass/230904_r42883.jpg) *Illustration of the pigs leading the revolution in Animal Farm* ## The Power of Persuasion: Napoleon and Squealer At the heart of the pigs' rise to power is their ability to manipulate and control the other animals through the use of propaganda and fear. Napoleon, the main antagonist of the novel, is a master of manipulation. He uses his right-hand pig, Squealer, to spread lies and distortions among the other animals, convincing them that the pigs' increasingly autocratic rule is necessary for the greater good. [](https://study.com/cimages/videopreview/videopreview-full/ck946276kb.jpg) *Napoleon and Squealer propaganda* For example, when the pigs begin to walk on two legs, Squealer explains to the other animals that this is a natural and necessary development, and that it is, in fact, the other animals who are regressing by not evolving in the same way. > "Comrades!" he cried. "You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. 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. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for YOUR sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples." > > (Orwell, 1945) In this way, the pigs are able to convince the other animals that their selfish actions are actually for the benefit of all, a classic tactic used by authoritarian regimes to maintain power. ## The Slippery Slope to Tyranny Another key aspect of the pigs' rise to power is their ability to rewrite history to suit their own needs. As the pigs gradually accumulate more and more power, they begin to alter the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the principles that had originally guided the revolution. By doing so, they are able to justify their own actions and maintain their grip on power. [](https://study.com/cimages/videopreview/naf5ermn7h.jpg) *Changing of the Seven Commandments* For example, the pigs change the commandment "All animals are equal" to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This subtle change not only legitimizes the pigs' power but also provides a convenient justification for their increasingly tyrannical behavior. ## Practical Implications: Power, Propaganda, and Manipulation The portrayal of the pigs as elite rulers in *Animal Farm* is a powerful illustration of the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of propaganda and manipulation. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance in the face of authoritarian rule, and the need for individuals to critically evaluate the information they are presented with. [](https://hai.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/styles/media/public/2023-02/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-02-24%2014.10.31%20-%20illustration%20of%20puppet%20master%20strings%20manipulating%20a%20person%27s%20arms%2C%20background%20in%20blue%20and%20red.png?itok=EQ3PqwXW) *Concept of power and manipulation* One practical application of this theme can be seen in the realm of politics. Politicians and political parties often use similar tactics to those employed by the pigs in *Animal Farm* to maintain power and control. By controlling the flow of information and using propaganda to shape public opinion, these groups can manipulate the public into supporting policies and actions that may not be in their best interests. Another example can be seen in the rise of authoritarian regimes throughout history. In many cases, these regimes have used similar tactics to those employed by the pigs to consolidate power and suppress opposition. By controlling the flow of information, manipulating the narrative, and using fear to maintain control, these regimes are able to maintain their grip on power, often for many years. ## Conclusion In conclusion, the portrayal of the pigs as elite rulers in George Orwell's *Animal Farm* serves as a powerful critique of the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of propaganda and manipulation. The novel's themes of power, propaganda, and manipulation are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1945. By exploring these themes, college students can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of power and the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in the face of authoritarian rule. For further exploration, students might consider researching historical examples of the corrupting influence of power and the use of propaganda and manipulation by political leaders and regimes. Students might also consider examining contemporary examples of these themes in the news and media, and exploring the ways in which these tactics are used to shape public opinion and maintain power. Additionally, students might consider the role of technology in the dissemination of information, and the ways in which social media and other online platforms can be used to spread propaganda and manipulate public opinion. References: - Orwell, G. (1945). *Animal Farm*. Secker and Warburg.