A Rhetorical Analysis of Propaganda in George Orwell's Animal Farm

Abstract

Following studies on the prevalence of rhetoric and propaganda in political speeches and literary discourses, this study investigated the prevalence of rhetorical strategies and propaganda devices in Old Major's speech in George Orwell's Animal Farm. The study draws on Aristotle's Theory of Rhetoric (Griffin, 2000) and Edward and Miller's (1936) seven propaganda devices as its theoretical framework. Content analysis was used as the conceptual framework for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that claim-justification and cause-and-effect reasoning anchored the logical reasoning in Old Major's speech. In addition, name-calling, glittering generalities, card stacking, and hypophora punctuated the propaganda devices in Old Major's speech. The study has implications for research, practice, and theory.