Question

Comrades!” he cried. “You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? Many of us actually dislike milk and apples. I dislike them myself. Our sole object in taking these things is to preserve our health. Milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers. The whole management and organization of this farm depend on us. Day and night we are watching over your welfare. It is for YOUR sake that we drink that milk and eat those apples. Do you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back!”

–Animal Farm,

George Orwell

Which statement best explains the central idea of this passage?

The pigs use lies and deceit to control the other animals.
It is important for the pigs to be in good physical health so they can be good leaders.
The farm cannot survive without the intelligence of the pigs.
The pigs always do things for the good of the other animals.

Answer 1

The pigs use lies and deceit to control the other animals.

Explanation: Squealer's speech manipulates the animals with false reasoning (claiming milk/apples are medically necessary) and fear (Jones will return), showing the pigs deceive to maintain power.