Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC English A and B

Write an essay that examines two examples of freedom of speech in Animal Farm. Additionally, explore two incidents of oppression of freedom of speech and censorship in Orwell’s novel. Discuss the effectiveness of one technique used to examine censorship in the text. Remember, the essay prompt is based on the quote, “Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a literary work that delves into the significance of free speech and the potential dangers of censorship and oppression. The novel portrays the struggle of the animals on a farm to exercise their right to free expression and their experiences with censorship and repression. In this essay, we will examine two examples of free speech in the novel and two incidents of the oppression of free speech and censorship. We will also discuss the effectiveness of a specific technique used to examine censorship in the text.

One example of free speech in Animal Farm is the debates that take place during the early days of the revolution. The animals gather to discuss the future of the farm and debate the merits of different political ideologies. This dialogue is important because it allows the animals to explore their ideas and develop their political consciousness. The ability to express dissenting opinions and engage in open debate is a key component of democracy and free speech.

Another example of free speech in the novel is the song that the animals create to celebrate their victory over the humans. The song is a symbol of the animals’ newfound freedom and their ability to express themselves creatively. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of free expression and the role that art can play in promoting social change.

However, the animals’ freedom of speech is soon curtailed by the pigs, who become increasingly authoritarian and repressive. Two incidents of censorship and oppression of free speech stand out in the novel. The first is when Napoleon takes away the animals’ right to hold debates and make decisions for themselves. He establishes himself as the sole authority on the farm and uses his power to suppress any dissenting opinions or ideas. The second incident occurs when the pigs start to alter the commandments of Animalism to suit their own interests. This censorship and manipulation of the truth is a clear violation of free speech and a demonstration of the dangers of authoritarianism.

Orwell uses propaganda as a technique to examine censorship and manipulation of the truth in the novel. The pigs use language and propaganda to manipulate the animals and control their behavior. For example, they change the commandments of Animalism to justify their actions and to suppress any opposition. This technique is effective because it highlights the dangers of censorship and propaganda in stifling dissent and promoting oppression.

In conclusion, Animal Farm is a powerful exploration of the importance of free speech and the dangers of censorship and oppression. The novel portrays the struggle of the animals to exercise their right to free expression and their experiences with censorship and repression. The examples of free speech in the novel serve as a reminder of the importance of open debate and the ability to express dissenting opinions. However, the incidents of oppression and censorship demonstrate the dangers of authoritarianism and manipulation of the truth. The use of propaganda is an effective technique for examining censorship and manipulation of the truth in the novel. By examining the various instances of free speech and oppression in the novel, we can gain a better understanding of the importance of free expression and the potential consequences of censorship and oppression.