Control of access to information is important in any
dictatorship. In the beginning, efforts are made to teach all of the animals how to
read and write so that they can be more equal. In time, the pigs move away from this
idea because it is in their best interest that only the pigs can read and write.
Literacy is key to participating in government, and by keeping most of the animals
illiterate the pigs managed to control them.
Propaganda is
key to maintaining a totalitarian regime. As long as the animals only had the
information the pigs wanted them to have, they would remain subdued. The commandments
are a perfect example of this. At first, they are displayed for everyone to see. They
are idealistic and promote the idea of equality. However as time goes on the pigs adapt
them to their own interests. Since fewer and fewer of the animals are literate, the
pigs can do this.
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