Read the excerpt from chapter 6 of Animal Farm.

Question

Afterwards Squealer made a round of the farm and set the animals’ minds at rest. He assured them that the resolution against engaging in trade and using money had never been passed, or even suggested. It was pure imagination, probably traceable in the beginning to lies circulated by Snowball. A few animals still felt faintly doubtful, but Squealer asked them shrewdly, "Are you certain that this is not something that you have dreamed, comrades?"

What are Squealer’s motivations for mentioning Snowball in this context? Select three options.

He wants to undermine Snowball’s credibility by mentioning him.
He wants to suppress a potential uprising of the animals.
He wants to distract the animals from learning the truth.
He wants to control the other animals by telling the truth.
He wants to prove to the other animals that he is powerful.

Answer 1

In the provided excerpt, Squealer's motivations for mentioning Snowball seem to align with the following options:

1. He wants to undermine Snowball’s credibility by mentioning him. - By linking any doubts or confusion to Snowball, Squealer aims to discredit him and portray him as a source of misinformation.

2. He wants to suppress a potential uprising of the animals. - By assuaging the animals' doubts and presenting the idea that their concerns are unfounded or imaginary, Squealer is attempting to maintain control and prevent dissent among the animals.

3. He wants to distract the animals from learning the truth. - By suggesting that their doubts are merely dreams or the result of Snowball’s lies, Squealer diverts attention away from any real issues and keeps the animals from questioning the leadership or the facts.

The other options do not align with Squealer's strategy in this context.