All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others
Absurd slogans and constantly altered rules are the main tools Orwell uses to expose how totalitarian regimes manipulate, deceive, and suppress the masses through language. These slogans appear simple and easy to understand on the surface, fitting the interests of the animals, but in reality, they are cleverly twisted and utilized by the rulers (the pigs), ultimately betraying the original intention of the revolution and plunging the other animals back into a state of oppression and exploitation.
Four legs good, two legs bad
Absurdity: This was the animals’ original slogan, used to distinguish themselves (representing the proletariat and revolutionaries) from humans (representing the exploiters and rulers). This slogan emphasizes that all four-legged animals (as well as the two wings of birds) are superior to two-legged creatures (i.e., humans). However, as the pigs’ power gradually increased, they eventually learned to walk upright, and the slogan changed accordingly (see next). Function: This simple and easy-to-remember slogan helped the animals unite against humans, but at the same time, it overly simplified the real issues, failing to recognize the complex hierarchies and changing class struggles among the animals.
Four legs good, two legs better
Absurdity: When the pigs slowly imitated humans and gained more privileges after the revolution, they quietly changed the slogan to “Four legs good, two legs better,” betraying the original intention of the revolution. This change in the slogan reveals the process of power corruption; the pigs gradually became indistinguishable from the enemy they initially overthrew (humans). Function: This new slogan symbolizes the pigs’ complete domination of the farm and betrayal of the other animals. By changing language and rules, they confuse the facts of the other animals, gradually leading them to accept the pigs’ new rule.
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others
Absurdity: This is one of the most famous absurd slogans from Animal Farm. It originally came from the first of the Seven Commandments of Animalism, “All animals are equal,” but as the pigs’ power grew, they changed the slogan to “Some animals are more equal than others.” This sentence is clearly self-contradictory because equality itself implies no difference, but the phrase “more equal” reveals the unfairness in reality. Function: This slogan reflects that the rulers (the pigs) established a new class system by disguising equality. Through this linguistic manipulation, they make the other animals accept their subordinate status, while the pigs enjoy privileges.
Comrade Napoleon is always right
Absurdity: Napoleon is the leader among the pigs, gradually becoming a dictator. This slogan implies that any action taken by Napoleon is flawless and absolutely correct, beyond question. It is a typical totalitarian strategy, asserting the infallibility of the leader, thereby suppressing any dissent or criticism. Function: This slogan, by promoting the absolute authority of the leader, eliminates the space for opposition and questioning, causing the other animals to blindly follow the leader, regardless of how absurd or selfish their decisions may be.
Work harder, Comrade Napoleon is right
Absurdity: This slogan is often repeated by a horse named “Boxer.” He believes that problems will eventually be solved by working harder, and that Napoleon is always right. This blind loyalty and self-sacrifice reflect the trust of the common laborers (symbolizing the working class) in the ruling class, even when the ruling class is constantly exploiting them. Function: By promoting the values of labor and sacrifice, the rulers use this slogan to make the other animals work tirelessly without questioning the distribution of power or the injustice of the system.
Don’t believe what you see, don’t believe what you hear
Absurdity: This phrase is used by Napoleon’s propagandist, “Squealer,” to tell the animals not to believe the facts they see with their own eyes, especially when those facts contradict the party’s propaganda. This is similar to the “doublethink” described by Orwell in 1984, which requires people to ignore reality and accept the false explanation provided by the rulers. Function: This slogan aims to distort the animals’ perception of reality, preventing them from questioning the pigs’ actions or decisions. This is a typical method used by totalitarian regimes to maintain their power by manipulating information and propaganda.