The propaganda poster I designed for The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster uses several propaganda techniques to convey its message of conformity. The bold statements at the top, “Rage Against the Unmechanical! Praise the Machine!” use glittering generalities, emotionally charged phrases that encourage loyalty to the Machine. The phrase “Trust in the Central Committee” at the bottom applies testimonial, suggesting that an authority figure ensures the system’s reliability. The radiant lines behind the figure in the poster symbolize divine or enlightened submission, a form of transfer, linking devotion to the Machine with spiritual salvation. I also used bright red to symbolize anger and evoke the feeling of rage against those who reject the Machine, labeled as “unmechanical.” like kuno who is constantly called unmechanical and seen doing ‘unmechanical’ things which the machine dislikes These techniques are designed to manipulate emotions and align viewers with the Machine’s ideals.
The poster’s design and message were inspired by key moments in Forster’s story. The idea of blind loyalty to the Machine comes from Vashti’s faith, expressed when she says, “You talk as if a god had made the Machine” (Forster, p. 10). This quote shows the almost religious reverence society has for the Machine, which I highlighted with the phrase “Praise the Machine!” The line “The Machine is stopping, I know it, I know the signs” (Forster, p. 50) reflects the fear of losing the Machine’s control, mirrored in the poster’s assurance, “The Mending Apparatus Will Be Fixed.” Additionally, the image of a person praying on a book symbolizes the Machine’s attempt to act as a god-like figure, with its instruction manual as a replacement for bible a common symbol of religion, even as it erases traditional beliefs.
In creating this poster, I used the Creative Thinking core competency. I developed an original design that combines visual and textual elements to communicate a clear message. By analyzing the story’s themes, I stayed true to the text while making the poster impactful. The poster critiques blind conformity and encourages reflection on the cost of depending on systems that demand unquestioning obedience.
Podcast: The Narrative
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