Sense Of Fear Among The Animals example essay topic

"Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses have to be won by propaganda". This quote comes from Hannah Arendt a German-born U.S. political philosopher who wrote The Origins of Totalitarianism. This quote describes one of the many ways the farm in the book Animal Farm transcended from utopian communism towards a totalitarian state. Other factors such as ensuing fear among the masses and a veiled sense of community brought on by work also aided in the transformation. The use of propaganda played a key role in the transition from a path towards utopian communism to a path towards a totalitarian state.

Propaganda was used to convince the other animals that the hard work and controlled life they were living was what was best for them. It was also a tactic used to keep any other revolts against Napoleon from occurring. Squealer was the main representation of the propaganda. His convincing speeches eased the animal's troubled minds.

The ferocious and violent dogs also often accompanied Squealer to use fear to remove any doubts that could possibly be left. Instilling a sense of fear among the animals was another way the utopian society slowly began to change into a totalitarian. The use of the dogs causes fright among the animals whenever an event occurs that could instigate the animals to question their new way of life. Whereas at first there was to be no harm to any animal, violence was now being used to control the animals. Using terror and fear to suppress any opposition, the dogs help Napoleon maintain power. The dogs were also used to force the animals to work.

Such violence was another strategy that allowed the pigs to keep control over the animals. A false sense of community was perpetuated among the animals by forcing them to work. Feeling as though they belonged made the animals easier to persuade and control. Boxer and Clover are two good examples of how working made them feel like they had purpose. They became faithful, hard working and rarely doubted the system. Since they were also of the least intelligence, they were easily influenced to work more.

At first the rewards of the work were given to all, but as time continued it was only those in charge who reaped benefits. In the Animal Farm, the original rebellion brought on by the animals began as a utopian communism. However, as time passed the pigs began to take control and different factors, such as propaganda, fear and a sense of community, caused the farm to begin to resemble a totalitarian state. Only with these factors could the mob convert the mass to its system.