Question

ead the excerpt from chapter 6 of Animal Farm.

Except through Whymper, there was as yet no contact between Animal Farm and the outside world, but there were constant rumours that Napoleon was about to enter into a definite business agreement either with Mr. Pilkington of Foxwood or with Mr. Frederick of Pinchfield—but never, it was noticed, with both simultaneously.

How does the pacing of this passage affect the reader’s interpretation of the text?

The quickening pace of the text gives the reader details that explain how Whymper provides contact between Animal Farm and the outside world.
The quickening pace of the text allows the reader to gain insight into why Napoleon avoids contact with the outside world.
The slowing pace of the text reveals that Napoleon is doing business with Mr. Pilkington and Mr. Frederick.
The slowing pace of the text reveals details suggesting that even the rumors about Napoleon are probably propaganda.

Answer 1

The fourth option. The slowed, interrupting phrase (“—but never, it was noticed, with both simultaneously.”) draws attention to the oddity of the rumours and suggests they are contrived or controlled propaganda rather than genuine reports.