Old Major’s speech from Animal Farm, by George Orwell, uses many rhetorical strategies to persuade the animals of the farm to begin a rebellion to overthrow their human oppressors. Old Major used many rhetorical questions and opened his speech with the rhetorical question, “ Now comrades, what is the nature of this life of ours?” to connect with his audience by introducing a common issue and to set himself up in a position that allows him to begin his argument the way that he wants. Old Major referred to the farm animals as “comrades”, which is an ethical appeal that makes the animals feel equal to their leader. This sense of equality makes the animals feel important and instills trust in Old Major as they are normally viewed as slaves by their
