PEEL Writing and Persuasion Techniques

PEEL Writing Strategy

• PEEL is a method to structure responses effectively, ensuring arguments are clear and well-supported.
• Point: Start with a clear statement answering the question.
• Evidence: Give a relevant quote or specific example.
• Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports the point.
• Link: Connect the explanation back to the main argument.
• Example point: Orwell uses Napoleon’s rise to illustrate the dangers of totalitarian rule.
• Example evidence: "Napoleon is always right”.
• Example explanation: Boxer’s belief reflects how propaganda maintains control, paralleling Stalin’s influence over the Soviet people.
• Example link: This demonstrates Orwell’s warning about authoritarian governments and their control over the masses.

Speech & Persuasion Techniques

• Repetition, rhetorical questions, loaded language, euphemism, and appeals to emotion are rhetorical strategies, influencing the animals’ thoughts
• "Four legs good, two legs bad" is used to brainwash the animals into supporting the pigs' rule via repetition
• "Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?" uses rhetorical questions to manipulate fear and maintain Napoleon’s control
• "Jones would come back!" evokes fear to justify Napoleon’s actions using loaded language
• "It’s not a reduction, just a readjustment" is a euphemism Squealer uses to downplay food shortages
• Napoleon taking away the puppies appeals to emotion, suggesting a fatherly role while creating a secret police force

Character Analysis

• Napoleon is large, imposing, and manipulative and represents the tyrant archetype, mirroring Stalin
• "Napoleon is always right," demonstrates Boxer’s loyalty, and reflects propaganda
• Snowball is intelligent, visionary, passionate about progress and represents The Reformer archetype, mirroring Trotsky
• "The only good human being is a dead one" shows Snowball's firm belief in the revolution
• Squealer is persuasive, deceptive, and loyal to Napoleon, reflecting The Propagandist archetype
• "Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?" is one of Squealer's famous quotes
• Boxer is strong, hardworking, but naive and represents The Loyal Worker archetype
• "I will work harder," shows that Boxer represents the exploited working class
• Mollie is vain, materialistic, and unwilling to work, mirroring The Privileged Aristocrat archetype
• Mollie loves ribbons and sugar
• Benjamin is cynical, intelligent, but passive, reflecting The Wise Observer archetype
• "Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey," is one of Benjamin's quotes

Key Vocabulary & Concepts

• Totalitarianism is absolute power in one leader, like Napoleon
• Propaganda is manipulative language, like Squealer’s speeches
• Allegory represents the Russian Revolution
• Satire is how Orwell criticizes political corruption
• Irony is shown as the pigs become like the humans they overthrew
• Symbolism is shown as the windmill representing industrialization and false promises
• Dystopia is displayed as the farm starts with ideals but becomes oppressive
• Class struggle is the working animals (Boxer) vs. the ruling pigs (Napoleon & Squealer)
• Fear tactics are used as Napoleon’s dogs symbolize the KGB secret police

Exam Tips

• Orwell contrasts Snowball’s democratic approach with Napoleon’s authoritarian rule to show how revolutions can be corrupted
• Snowball’s focus on long-term growth and education contrasts with Napoleon
• Link back towards political critique
• Plan your answer before responding to keep your answer concise