Question

Read the passage from Animal Farm

The mystery of where the milk went to was soon cleared up. It was mixed every day into the pigs' mash. The early apples were now ripening, and the grass of the orchard was littered with windfalls. The animals had assumed as a matter of course that these would be shared out equally; one day, however, the order went forth that all the windfalls were to be collected and brought to the harness-room for the use of the pigs. At this some of the other animals murmured, but it was no use. All the pigs were in full agreement on this point, even Snowball and Napoleon. Squealer was sent to make the necessary explanations to the others.

What is the central idea of this passage?

The pigs are resolving to share the farm’s resources equally.
The other animals are starting to plot against the pigs.
The pigs are planning to eventually expel the other animals.
The pigs are exploiting their authority and becoming corrupt.

Answer 1

The central idea of this passage is that the pigs are exploiting their authority and becoming corrupt. This is illustrated by the decision to keep the windfalls for the pigs' exclusive use, despite the other animals' expectation that resources would be shared equally. The pigs' actions show a clear shift toward self-serving behavior and the consolidation of power.