“No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?”

Question

–Animal Farm,
George Orwell

What is the best summary of the theme revealed in this passage?

Dictatorships use propaganda to control decision-making in a government.
Dictatorships are founded on the hard work of the lower and middle classes.
Dictatorships promote equality and democracy through creative propaganda.
Dictatorships create loyal followers by exposing the weakness of democratic states.

Answer 1

The best summary of the theme revealed in this passage is:

Dictatorships use propaganda to control decision-making in a government.

This passage illustrates how a figure like Comrade Napoleon uses language to manipulate the perception of equality while undermining the ability of others to make their own decisions, thereby consolidating power through propaganda.