Squealer

Question 1

Who is Squealer?

Answer 1

Squealer is the sycophant to Napoleon, serving as his Minister of Propaganda and mouthpiece of his tyranny. He serves the purpose of turning the unpleasant truths of their situations, whether caused by the pigs or not, into lies which the animals easily accept. He represents the 1930 newspaper Pravda.

Question 2

Describe squealers appearance

Answer 2

“… a small fat pig named Squealer, with very round cheeks, twinkling eyes, nimble movements and a shrill voice.”

Question 3

Describe squealers characteristics

Answer 3

He can assess the mood of animals, justify new rules and convince the other animals that they were wrong, all to carry out the intentions of the pigs.

Question 4

How does Squealer persuade the animals? (8)

Answer 4

• Argues that pigs are not indulging themselves, but for common good
• Repeats unity of ‘comrade’
• assesses moral indignation
• Appeal to reason ‘this has been proved by science’
• moral pressure of how much they owe to pigs
• exploitation of fear ‘surely there is none among you who wants to see jones come back’
• physical actions : dogs
• uses wordy arguments

Question 5

Quote squealer and the dogs

Answer 5

“But squealer spoke so persuasively and the three dogs growled so threateningly that they accepted the explanation without question”