Question

"Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon," announced Squealer, speaking very slowly and firmly, "has stated categorically—categorically, comrade—that Snowball was Jones's agent from the very beginning—yes, and from long before the Rebellion was ever thought of."

"Ah, that is different!" said Boxer. "If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right."

"That is the true spirit, comrade!" cried Squealer, but it was noticed he cast a very ugly look at Boxer with his little twinkling eyes. He turned to go, then paused and added impressively: "I warn every animal on this farm to keep his eyes very wide open. For we have reason to think that some of Snowball's secret agents are lurking among us at this moment!"

Which statement best explains how Orwell uses Boxer's response to support his purpose?

He uses Boxer's response to show the importance and power of free speech.
He uses Boxer's response to show that propaganda is not always effective.
He uses Boxer's response to show how dictators control what others perceive to be true.
He uses Boxer's response to show that total obedience will always be rewarded.

Answer 1

He uses Boxer's response to show how dictators control what others perceive to be true.

Boxer's unquestioning belief—"If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right"—illustrates how authoritarian leaders (through propaganda and intimidation) shape and control the populace's perception of truth by silencing doubt and promoting blind loyalty.