Question

Every Monday Mr. Whymper visited the farm as had been arranged. He was a sly-looking little man with side whiskers, a solicitor in a very small way of business, but sharp enough to have realized earlier than anyone else that Animal Farm would need a broker and that the commissions would be worth having. The animals watched his coming and going with a kind of dread, and avoided him as much as possible.

How does the pacing of this passage move the plot forward?

The quick pace makes readers suspenseful and confused about Mr. Whymper.
The quick pace allows the author to pass an uneventful period of time quickly.
The slow pace helps to place emphasis on the animals’ dread of Mr. Whymper.
The slow pace helps develop Mr. Whymper’s character with descriptive details.

Answer 1

The quick pace allows the author to pass an uneventful period of time quickly.

The brief, summary treatment of Mr. Whymper’s regular visits lets the narrative move past routine business and keep the story’s momentum while still giving enough detail to characterize him and show the animals’ reaction.