Question

"You have heard then, comrades," he said, "that we pigs now sleep in the beds of the farmhouse? And why not? You did not suppose, surely, that there was ever a ruling against beds? A bed merely means a place to sleep in. A pile of straw in a stall is a bed, properly regarded. The rule was against sheets, which are a human invention. We have removed the sheets from the farmhouse beds, and sleep between blankets. And very comfortable beds they are too! But not more comfortable than we need, I can tell you, comrades, with all the brainwork we have to do nowadays. You would not rob us of our repose, would you, comrades? You would not have us too tired to carry out our duties? Surely none of you wishes to see Jones back?"

Which theme is best supported by the verbal irony in this passage?

Power creates divisions within society.
Indifferent citizens can enable corrupt governments.
Temptation can lead those in power to corruption.
Corrupt leaders use propaganda to remain in power.

Answer 1

Corrupt leaders use propaganda to remain in power.

Squealer’s speech is verbally ironic: he pretends to clarify a rule while twisting language and facts (removing sheets but keeping beds, claiming “brainwork” justifies comfort) and uses fear of Jones to manipulate the animals. This shows how leaders distort truth and use propaganda to keep their privileges and maintain control.