Propaganda is a commonly used literary technique to get public opinion for or against an idea. Even though propaganda has a negative connotation, it is often used in literature to appeal to the emotions of the readers. In this article, you will be introduced to all the essential information about propaganda including its definition, common techniques, its significance, types etc.
- What is Propaganda?
- Types of Propaganda | Propaganda Techniques
- Propaganda Examples in Literature
- Importance of Propaganda
- What is propaganda?
- What are some of the commonly used techniques of propaganda?
- What are the benefits of using propaganda?
- What do you mean by misquoting propaganda?
What is Propaganda?
Propaganda refers to any sort of art, media, or literature and promotes a specific political viewpoint. This is done through deception or cheap appeals to emotion. Propaganda is mostly used to attract new converts to the ideology. The term propaganda was originally used by the Catholic Church in the 1600s as a way to “propagate,” the Catholic faith.
Types of Propaganda | Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda can be employed through various means. Given below are some of these:
- Use of Emotions: Most of propaganda techniques make use of emotions such as pity, patriotism, etc.
- Xenophobia: The fear or hatred of outsiders is yet another common propaganda used in many campaigns.
- Plain Folks: In this propaganda, the speaker presents himself or herself as a regular person.
- Logical Fallacies: This propaganda seems to be logical and due to the same it is dangerous. Such propaganda may be dishonest.
- Testimonial Propaganda: Makes use of celebrities for promoting certain ideas or ideologies.
- The Bandwagon Technique: This type of propaganda relies on the idea that all are doing it, so you should be too.
- False Dilemma: Comes under logical fallacy, a false dilemma, is where you are given only two choices as if they are the only two options.
- Use of Slogans: The use of slogans is one of the easiest ways to capture the attention of the audience and make them believe something.
- Assertion Propaganda: Presents facts without any proof.
- Misquoting Propaganda: Engages in giving a false impression to the readers by taking a quote out of its original context.
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Propaganda Examples in Literature
As mentioned earlier, propaganda is a commonly used technique in literature. Given below are some examples:
- In Lord of the Flies, William Golding, the character Jack, espouses much propaganda about the “beast.”
- George Orwell in his work Animal Farm uses anti-communist propaganda to a great extent.
- The movie Triumph of the Will is considered to be a work promoting Nazi propaganda.
Importance of Propaganda
The use of propaganda has various benefits:
- The main function of Propaganda is to persuade people so as to attain support.
- Propaganda is most often used to promote certain policies.
- Propaganda is used to make people realize their vulnerabilities and frailties.
- Propaganda can be positively used to point out the suppression and oppression that exists within society.
On the whole, all literary works can in fact be considered as promoting propaganda since the author shares his or her views with the world.
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FAQs on Propaganda
Propaganda refers to any sort of art, media, or literature and promotes a specific political viewpoint.
2. What are some of the commonly used techniques of propaganda?
The common techniques include the use of emotions, logical fallacies, testimonial propaganda, use of plain folks, etc.
3. What are the benefits of using propaganda?
The use of propaganda has various benefits. Propaganda persuades readers, is used to promote certain policies, and helps people to realize their frailties and weak points.
4. What do you mean by misquoting propaganda?
A misquoting propaganda Engages in giving a false impression to the readers by taking a quote out of its original context.
Conclusion
Propaganda is a literary device that is always around us. As a technique, propaganda spreads information in such a way as to influence people. Propaganda can be negative or positive even though the term is most commonly understood to be negative. The use of positive propaganda will surely be useful in sharing the author’s opinion with the readers. The appropriate use of propaganda helps a writer to share his or her views with the public.