About this time there occurred a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand. One night at about twelve o'clock there was a loud crash in the yard, and the animals rushed out of their stalls. It was a moonlit night. At the foot of the end wall of the big barn, where the Seven Commandments were written, there lay a ladder broken in two pieces. Squealer, temporarily stunned, was sprawling beside it, and near at hand there lay a lantern, a paint-brush, and an overturned pot of white paint. The dogs immediately made a ring round Squealer, and escorted him back to the farmhouse as soon as he was able to walk. None of the animals could form any idea as to what this meant, except old Benjamin, who nodded his muzzle with a knowing air, and seemed to understand, but would say nothing.
Which statement best summarizes the theme of this passage?
It is important to update the rules every so often to keep up with changing times.
It is important not to speak out against those in charge; otherwise, you risk consequences.
Some cannot recognize that they are being oppressed and lied to, even when faced with it firsthand.
Unusual incidents that happen at night are best left to be solved by the elders in the community.
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The statement that best summarizes the theme of this passage is: Some cannot recognize that they are being oppressed and lied to, even when faced with it firsthand.
This captures the essence of the animals' confusion about the incident involving Squealer and the broken commandments, highlighting that many animals are unaware of the manipulation happening around them, while only Benjamin seems to understand the deeper significance without being willing to communicate it.
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