Exploring Propaganda
Propaganda has been used to influence people throughout history. After reviewing techniques and examples of propaganda, you will create your own example to demonstrate how propaganda is used in the novel, Animal Farm.
Propaganda Sites
& Questions for Response
Propaganda Critic: http://www.propagandacritic.com
- Read through the information on the links under “Common techniques” and briefly define each technique explained.
Word games
Euphemisms
False connections
Transfer
Testimonial
Special Appeals
Plain Folks
Bandwagon
Fear
Wikipedia, “Propaganda”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda
- Read through the explanation of Propaganda and write a brief, simple definition of your own.
Propaganda is ____________________________________________________________
- Examine the examples of propaganda provided on this page. Print out and explain any two examples by responding to the following questions:
Example 1
Ø What method is being used? _____________________________________________________________
Ø What is the message being communicated? __________________________________________________
Ø Who is the target audience? _____________________________________________________________
Example 2
Ø What method is being used? _____________________________________________________________
Ø What is the message being communicated? __________________________________________________
Ø Who is the target audience? _____________________________________________________________
Propaganda in Animal Farm
Now think about how some of these same propaganda techniques have been used in the novel. Choose one of the instances provided below and create a poster or flyer to show this as an example of propaganda.
Events from the Novel:
Ø Human farmers spread lies about how badly life is going on Animal Farm.
Ø The pigeons spread news to nearby farm animals to encourage their rebellion.
Ø Snowball and Napoleon campaign for leadership of the farm.
Ø Squealer spreads lies about Snowball to explain his expulsion from the farm.
Ø Squealer convinces the animals to follow Napoleon without question.
Poster/Flyer Requirements:
ü Use either blank computer paper, construction paper, or poster board
ü Use colors and symbols for the background of the design
ü Must show specific instances of propaganda in the novel
ü Must be done neatly and show effort and understanding of propaganda