Etymology of Agitprop
The term “agitprop” is a portmanteau of two Russian words: “agitatsiya” (агитация), meaning “agitation,” and “propaganda” (пропаганда), meaning “propaganda.”
It originated in the early 20th century during the Russian Revolution. It was first associated with the Soviet Union’s efforts to disseminate political propaganda and promote revolutionary ideologies.
Meanings of Agitprop
- It literally refers to propaganda campaigns aimed at inciting agitation and action.
- It originally emerged in the context of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, where it was used to promote Marxist ideology and mobilize support for the revolution.
- Agitprop campaigns employ various forms of media and art, such as posters, films, music, literature, and street performances, to disseminate their message and influence public opinion by appealing to emotions and convictions.
Definition of Agitprop as a Theoretical Term
Agitprop, as a theoretical concept, denotes creative works in literature, drama, and various artistic expressions where the primacy of conveying political messages outweighs aesthetic considerations. Its origins lie in Soviet Russia, specifically as a descriptor for the propaganda efforts undertaken by the Bolsheviks.
Within literary theory, it is typically categorized more as a tool of propaganda than a true manifestation of literature. However, it should be noted that these works can still possess literary significance as valuable records of political and cultural history.
Agitprop: Origin, Theorists, Works, and Arguments
| Aspect | Description |
| Origin of Agitprop | – Emerged in Soviet Russia during the early 20th century. – Coined as a portmanteau of “agitation” and “propaganda.” |
| Prominent Theorists | – Vladimir Lenin: Promoted the use of agitprop as a tool for advancing the Bolshevik cause. – Bertolt Brecht: Contributed to the theory of “Epic Theater,” which incorporated agitprop elements to provoke social and political thought. – Georg Lukács: Analyzed agitprop within the context of Marxist aesthetics and ideology. |
| Key Works and Art Forms | – Literature: Manifestos, pamphlets, and politically charged novels and poetry. – Drama: Agitprop theater productions designed to engage and incite audiences. – Visual Arts: Propaganda posters, paintings, and sculptures. – Film: Soviet cinema, particularly during the early Soviet period, often served as a vehicle for agitprop messaging. – Music: Protest songs and politically themed compositions. – Literary Theory: Various essays and writings that critique the role of agitprop in literature and art. |
| Arguments About Agitprop | – Artistic Value vs. Propaganda: Debates persist regarding whether agitprop should be considered art or pure propaganda, with some asserting its importance as a form of artistic expression and others emphasizing its instrumental role in political messaging. – Social and Political Impact: Discussions revolve around the effectiveness in shaping public opinion, mobilizing social movements, and achieving political goals. – Ethical Considerations: Ethical concerns are raised regarding the use of agitprop, especially when it involves manipulation of emotions and distortion of facts to serve political ends. – Historical Documentation: It is recognized as a valuable historical record, reflecting the political ideologies, social contexts, and cultural zeitgeist of the time in which it was created. |
Agitprop in Literary Theories
| Literary Theory | Critique of Agitprop | Use of Agitprop | Notable References |
| Marxist Literary Theory | – Agitprop is seen as advancing a political agenda, particularly promoting socialist values and class consciousness. | – Integral part of proletarian literature, serving political objectives. | Raymond Williams, “Marxism and Literature” |
| Formalist Literary Theory | – It prioritizes political messaging over aesthetic considerations, sacrificing artistic value. | – Often criticized for lacking artistic merit due to ideological focus. | Viktor Shklovsky, “Art as Technique” |
| New Criticism | – It is considered unworthy of serious literary analysis, as it is primarily propaganda. | – Literature should be judged independently of its political message. | Cleanth Brooks, “The Formalist Critics” |
| Postcolonial Literary Theory | – It is recognized for challenging colonialism and promoting decolonization. | – A powerful tool for mobilizing resistance and advocating political change. | Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, “Can the Subaltern Speak?” |
| Feminist Literary Theory | – Agitprop is seen as promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms. | – An essential element of feminist literature for raising awareness and mobilizing support. | Elaine Showalter, “A Literature of Their Own” |
Agitprop in Literature
| Work | Use of Agitprop | Critique of Agitprop |
| “The Masque of Anarchy” by Percy Bysshe Shelley | – Calls for a peaceful revolution and a society based on equality and freedom. – Uses powerful imagery and emotive language to agitate for political change. | Critics may argue that the poem’s call for revolution lacks practical solutions or may critique its idealistic portrayal of a revolution’s consequences as propagandistic. |
| Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe | – Depicts the horrors of slavery and dehumanization of Black people. – Played a significant role in the abolitionist movement. | Critics may argue that the novel simplifies complex issues or relies on stereotypes, though its impact on antislavery sentiments is widely recognized as agitprop. |
| “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot | – Portrays the fragmented, uncertain nature of modern life. – Agitates against conformity and the fear of taking action. | Some critics may find the poem’s style difficult or may view its critique of modern life as overly pessimistic, yet it effectively agitates for change. |
| “Mother Courage and Her Children” by Bertolt Brecht | – Critiques profiteering and exploitation enabled by war. – Agitates against the romanticization of war. | Critics may argue that Brecht’s use of epic theater techniques can distance the audience from emotional engagement with characters, yet it serves as potent agitprop. |
| The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood | – Critiques a dystopian society where women are stripped of rights. – Agitates against censorship and the importance of telling marginalized stories. | Critics may question the plausibility of Gilead’s society or the novel’s portrayal of gender dynamics, but its message about the dangers of authoritarianism is often lauded as agitprop. |
These works employ agitprop techniques to various degrees, aiming to provoke thought and action on political, social, and cultural issues, but they may also face criticism for their approaches and interpretations.
Suggested Readings
- Brecht, Bertolt. Brecht on Theatre: The Development of an Aesthetic. Edited and translated by John Willett, Methuen Drama, 1992.
- Hawkes, Terence. Structuralism and Semiotics. University of California Press, 1977.
- Lounsberry, Barbara, and Charles W. Scheel, editors. The War of Ideas: The U.S. Propaganda Campaign in Vietnam. Westview Press, 1989.
- Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet, 1996.
- Shelley, Percy Bysshe. “The Masque of Anarchy.” In Selected Poetry, edited by John Barnard, Penguin Classics, 1993.
- Shklovsky, Viktor. Theory of Prose. Dalkey Archive Press, 1990.
- Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Dover Publications, 2005.
- Williams, Raymond. Marxism and Literature. Oxford University Press, 1978.