Final answer:
In 'Animal Farm,' George Orwell illustrates manipulation through the pigs' control over information and rewriting of history, Squealer's propaganda, the story of Boxer's death, control over language, and the abandonment of animalist ideals for power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of manipulation in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a central theme and is depicted through various examples. In the book, the pigs are the ones who often manipulate the other animals. Here are five instances of manipulation:
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- The pigs reinterpret the Seven Commandments to their advantage; this exemplifies the manipulative rewriting of history.
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- Squealer, the propagandist pig, convinces the animals that the pigs need the milk and apples more than they do, which is an example of exploiting information asymmetry.
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- The story of Boxer's death is manipulated by the pigs to hide their betrayal, showing a manipulation of truth.
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- When the pigs teach the sheep to bleat 'Four legs good, two legs better,' it illustrates manipulation of language and thought.
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- The pigs' gradual adoption of human traits while insisting they are the epitome of animalism is a reflection of how power can manipulate ideals.
The recurrent theme of manipulation becomes a powerful vehicle for Orwell’s message about power and corruption.