Directions
Begin by reading through the provided rubric carefully. Take note of the criteria and expectations outlined.
Next, read the essay thoroughly. Pay attention to how the content aligns with the rubric.
As you read, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the essay based on the rubric criteria.
Prepare to participate in the class discussion by gathering your insights. Think about specific examples from the essay that illustrate your points.
Be ready to share your evaluation and analysis during the discussion, referencing the rubric to support your comments and conclusions.
Essay Evaluation Rubric
| Criteria | 4 (Excellent) | 3 (Proficient) | 2 (Developing) | 1 (Needs Improvement) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction and Thesis | Engages the reader; thesis is clear, debatable, and well-connected to the topic. | Provides context but lacks engagement; thesis is clear but could be stronger. | Introduction or thesis is unclear or vague. | Missing or unclear introduction; thesis absent or unrelated to the essay. |
| Topic Sentences and Organization | Clear, focused topic sentences; logical organization with seamless transitions. | Most topic sentences are clear; organization is generally logical with minor lapses. | Topic sentences are unclear or inconsistent; weak organization. | Topic sentences are missing; organization is confusing or chaotic. |
| Evidence and Concrete Details | Specific, relevant, well-integrated evidence with correct MLA citations. | Evidence is relevant but could be more specific or varied; mostly correct citations. | Evidence is limited, vague, or not clearly connected; incorrect citations. | Insufficient or irrelevant evidence; missing or incorrect citations. |
| Commentary and Analysis | Insightful analysis; explains how evidence supports thesis; connects to themes. | Explains evidence but lacks depth or originality; broader connections are weak. | Commentary is superficial or repetitive; limited broader connections. | Commentary is absent or unrelated; analysis is unclear or nonexistent. |
| Style, Grammar, Transitions, and MLA Formatting | Polished, error-free writing; transitions are seamless and enhance flow; MLA formatting is accurate throughout. | Minor grammatical or formatting errors; transitions are present but could improve flow. | Noticeable grammar and formatting errors; transitions are inconsistent or awkward. | Frequent errors in grammar, transitions, or formatting make the essay difficult to understand. |
| Conclusion | Effectively summarizes argument; provides a thought-provoking closing. | Summarizes essay but lacks originality or a strong closing statement. | Weak conclusion with minimal connection to thesis. | Conclusion is missing or disconnected from the essay. |
Jessie Phillips
Mr. Delgado
ELA 10.6
23 January 2023
Comrade Napoleon Wears No Clothes: Propaganda and the Porcine Persuader in Animal Farm
In Animal Farm by George Orwell, propaganda emerges as the chief weapon wielded by the pigs to manipulate and control the other animals. The story’s opening chapters lay the groundwork for how propaganda techniques, deftly employed by Squealer and the other pigs, lead to the subversion of the animals’ utopian ideals and the establishment of a totalitarian regime. Orwell’s keen insight into the mechanisms of propaganda serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for vigilance against its manipulative power. Through an analysis of Chapters 1 and 2 of Animal Farm, it becomes clear that techniques such as bandwagoning, glittering generalities, and name-calling were instrumental in consolidating the pigs’ dominance over the farm.
From the earliest moments of the rebellion, the pigs leverage bandwagoning to unify the animals and ensure their compliance. In Chapter 1, Old Major’s speech galvanizes the animals with a shared sense of purpose, warning them of their exploitation under human rule (Orwell 1). However, it is in Chapter 2 that this technique fully materializes. Squealer repeatedly emphasizes phrases like “we are all comrades” to create the perception of collective unity (Orwell 8). This carefully crafted illusion convinces the animals that dissent would mean betraying the revolution and their fellow creatures. By fostering the notion that “everyone” supports the pigs’ leadership, Squealer makes it socially and emotionally difficult for the animals to question their authority. The fear of exclusion compounds this bandwagon effect. Orwell demonstrates how the animals, driven by a desire for belonging and safety, uncritically adopt the pigs’ views. As a result, the pigs gain a crucial foothold in securing their position at the top of the farm’s social hierarchy.
Another pivotal propaganda technique in the early chapters is glittering generalities—emotionally appealing yet vague concepts that lack substantive detail. Squealer’s ability to paint a utopian picture of Animalism, devoid of practical specifics, enables him to manipulate the animals’ hopes and dreams. For instance, the chant “Four legs good, two legs bad” simplifies a complex ideology into an easily digestible slogan (Orwell 11). Its repetition solidifies its truth in the minds of the animals without inviting deeper scrutiny. Furthermore, the pigs promise an idyllic future where all animals will live free from human tyranny. While this vision is undoubtedly appealing, it lacks concrete plans or assurances. This vagueness allows the pigs to evade accountability and reinterpret their promises as needed, ensuring their continued control over the farm.
In addition to fostering unity and hope, the pigs deploy name-calling to stifle dissent and undermine potential rivals. This technique becomes evident when the pigs preemptively discredit those who might question their authority. For example, in Chapter 2, Squealer warns the animals that questioning the pigs’ decisions could lead to the return of Jones. By labeling dissenters as “traitors” or “enemies of Animalism,” he manipulates the animals’ fear and loyalty, effectively quashing opposition before it arises (Orwell 13). This strategy underscores Orwell’s warning about the power of language as a tool for oppression. The pigs’ calculated use of derogatory labels prevents the animals from engaging in critical thought or debate, reducing them to passive recipients of the pigs’ dictates.
The initial chapters of Animal Farm illustrate how propaganda can transform idealistic movements into instruments of oppression. The pigs manipulate the animals’ emotions and perceptions through bandwagoning, glittering generalities, and name-calling, paving the way for their unchecked dominance. Orwell’s portrayal of these techniques is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unexamined loyalty and unquestioning acceptance of authority. As the events of Chapters 1 and 2 unfold, it becomes evident that propaganda is not merely a tool of persuasion but a weapon of control. Orwell masterfully demonstrates how powerful people exploit language and emotion to suppress dissent and maintain their rule. The lessons of Animal Farm are as relevant today as when Orwell first penned his tale, urging readers to remain vigilant against the seductive power of propaganda. Through examining manipulation in its earliest stages, Animal Farm challenges us to question authority, seek truth, and resist the allure of comforting falsehoods. The revolution’s betrayal in Orwell’s allegory is not just the animals’ tragedy but a warning to us all.
Works Cited
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Penguin Books, 1945.