George Orwell establishes perversion of language in “Animal Farm” without the realization of most of the animals

George Orwell establishes perversion of language in “Animal Farm” without the realization of most of the animals. On August 17, 1945, George Orwell published his well-known book “Animal Farm.” It tells the story of farm animals that are kept in the dark about the major events occurring on their farm. Because of “their superior knowledge”, the pigs take control. They repeatedly cause the other animals to doubt their previous memories and instead fill their brains with new ideas and “altered” rules (brainwashing) on Animal Farm.
There are numerous examples of this language corruption throughout the novel. After the animals took over Animal farm and painted their Seven Commandments on the barn wall, they worked with excitement and new pride, for the rewards of their hard work belonged to them. They toiled long hours all week, but on Sundays, there was no work. One day as things started evolving on the farm Napolean changed the schedule. “Throughout the spring and summer they worked a sixty-hour week, and in August, Napoleon announced that there would be work on Sunday afternoons as well. This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.” (Orwell 59). Here, Orwell is showing us that Napoleon is abusing his power by twisting language so that “strictly voluntary” means “in order to survive.” Napoleon makes the animals believe that they have a choice in what is happening on the Animal Farm when really he is manipulating them to get what he wants, more hours of labor.
Another more depressing example of the corruption of language in the novel is when Boxer is sold to the knackers. After Boxer is injured and his lung collapses, “Squealer easily convinced them that the veterinary surgeon in Willingdon could treat Boxer’s case more satisfactorily than could be done on the farm.” (Orwell 120) This is a lie. The animals come to wish Boxer farewell. Meanwell, Benjamin reads the side of the van to the animals, “‘Alfred Simmons, Horse Slaughterer, and Glue Boiler, Willingdon. Dealer in Hides and Bone- Meal. Kennels Supplied.'” (Orwell 122) It was too late for Boxer. “He was trying to kick his way out. The time had been when a few kicks from Boxer’s hoofs would have smashed the van to matchwood. But alas! His strength had left him; and in a few moments the sound of drumming hoofs grew fainter and died away.” (Orwell 123). Squealer then comes to give a heartfelt speech about how he was there when Boxer peacefully died. Boxer was claimed to say things such as “‘Long live Animal Farm! Long live Comrade Napoleon! Napoleon is always right.'” (Orwell 124) The pigs make up this story about Boxer’s death to make the animals feel better and work harder. Through Boxer’s death, Orwell is trying to show us the pigs’ betrayal. He is showing us how the pigs blindly betray Boxer to obtain money for their whiskey. The pigs twisted their words, and in the process, Boxer was sold to the knackers. This shows us that the animals are not valued for their individual worth, or what they have given in the past. If they cannot loyally perform their jobs as Napolean demands, then they are worthless and disposable.