Read the excerpt from chapter 6 of Animal Farm.

Question

By the autumn the animals were tired but happy. They had had a hard year, and after the sale of part of the hay and corn, the stores of food for the winter were none too plentiful, but the windmill compensated for everything. It was almost half built now.

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

A flashback to earlier events provides a pause in the pacing to slow events down.
Foreshadowing of events provides information as to what will happen to the windmill.
The pace of the text quickens to convey the characters’ resolve to finish the windmill.
The pace of the text quickens to move the story to its climax, the completion of the windmill.

Answer 1

The correct interpretation of the pacing in the passage is that "The pace of the text quickens to convey the characters’ resolve to finish the windmill."

In the excerpt, the focus on the progress of the windmill despite the animals' fatigue and limited resources reflects their determination and collective effort. The quickened pace emphasizes their commitment to the project, highlighting their hope and dedication even amidst challenges. This creates a sense of momentum towards the completion of the windmill, which serves as a significant symbol within the story.