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Terms for LORD OF THE FLIES Propaganda Analysis
Propaganda: This is the manipulation of language and images to send a specific (and often emotional)
message and to ensure a desired outcome. It includes the purposeful use of most of the techniques on this
list. Propaganda is an essential ingredient in a successful totalitarian regime, but is used by every country in
the world (and used by advertisers).
Rhetoric: the art of using language to influence or persuade, in speaking or writing, but especially in
oratory. The words often appeal to the audience’s intellect, but also appeal strongly to the emotions.
Rhetoric implies that the words used to convince are vivid, memorable, and stylistically effective.
View the propaganda PPT and then watch the following YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmovy9I0XXc
Seven Devices of Propaganda
1. Bandwagon: When people do things simply because “everyone else is doing it”, they are known to be “jumping on the
bandwagon.” The propagandist uses this technique to show how popular something is. The message is: if everyone is
doing it, so should you.
2. Plainfolks: The plain folks technique allows the propagandist to connect with their audience. The message is: we are
just like you!”
3. Testimonial: Testimonials allow the propagandist to use credible or well known people to give credibility to
something. Message: if this famous person is using it, it must be good. (testimonials can also be used with plain folks
technique)
4. Glittering Generalities and Oversimplification: By using this technique, the subject looks much better than it
actually is. Message: this idea (or product) is absolutely critical.
Oversimplification- refers to the simplification of an issue to such a degree that it purposely hides deeper meanings or the
truth. This type of deception can be seen in advertising, such as an ad that states “Made from Recycled Paper!” when, in
reality, the product contains only 10% recycled paper. Orwell was more concerned with the political application of this form
of deception. “Vote for me and I’ll set you free” is an example of oversimplification used in the political arena.
5. Cardstacking: this technique occurs when the propagandist presents something in a one sided manner. Little attention
is paid to opposing points of view. Message: look at how amazing (or awful) this is!!!
6. Name-calling: As it implies, this technique is a form of undermining the opposition by ridiculing it, demonizing it, or
labeling it in an offensive manner. Message: What an idiot (or idiotic idea)!
7. Transfer: The propagandist uses powerful symbols to invoke an emotional response from the audience.
Other Rhetorical Devices
Faulty cause and effect reasoning
-Logic is faulty when there is no logical cause for the stated effect. For example “Immigration will lead to the death of our
nation,” or “I’m acting childish because you’re treating me like a child!”
Euphemism
- the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for a harsh and blunt one, such as “to pass away” instead of “to die.”
Irony
- Irony is the reversal of expectations. (see short story terms)
Red Herring
- When one avoids answering questions or “skirts” an issue by raising a topic that may be very interesting to the audience,
but is unrelated to the issue at hand. Politicians at press conferences use red herrings to avoid “tricky” issues.
Doublespeak
- language that purposely has a double-meaning and can be understood in more than one way. It is used to trick and
deceive people. Doublespeak implies that even the audience is involved in a form of self-deception because the people
listening want to believe something.
Internal Contradiction
A statement has an internal contradiction when one part of the statement contradicts another part. For example, “You
don’t have to take the final exam, but you won’t pass the course.”
Begging the Question
Begging the question occurs when there is no logical support for the conclusion reached, therefore, the logic used begs the
question: how is X relevant to Y? The person arguing is hoping that no one will notice the illogical premise (basis) of their
argument. For example, “Chocolate is good for you because it grows on trees.” This faulty assumption begs the
question: what does growing on trees have to do with good health, anyway?
How to take control in a few easy steps:
Discussion: What elements need to be present for a totalitarian dictator to take control?
Possible answers: Supporters (believing ones)
Ignorance of followers “blind”
Scapegoats- they can be blamed for things that go wrong after the dictator takes
A. Make a chart with the following terms in the first column. In the middle column, write ONE example from the
novel for each term. In the right hand (and smallest) column, write the page number(s) on which you found this
information.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bandwagon
Plainfolks
Testimonial
Euphemism
Glittering Generalities
Cardstacking
Transfer
B. Which propaganda devices are being used in the images below? Explain
i.