Orwell's main purpose in this passage is to reveal that dictators manipulate others and use deception to further their ambitions. The actions of Napoleon in deceiving Mr. Whymper and manipulating information about the food situation on Animal Farm illustrate how those in power may resort to lies and trickery to maintain control and present a facade of success, despite the dire realities faced by the animals. This highlights the broader theme of the abuse of power and the lengths to which authoritarian leaders will go to maintain their authority.
Read the passage from Animal Farm.
Once again it was being put about that all the animals were dying of famine and disease, and that they were continually fighting among themselves and had resorted to cannibalism and infanticide. Napoleon was well aware of the bad results that might follow if the real facts of the food situation were known, and he decided to make use of Mr. Whymper to spread a contrary impression. Hitherto the animals had had little or no contact with Whymper on his weekly visits: now, however, a few selected animals, mostly sheep, were instructed to remark casually in his hearing that rations had been increased. In addition, Napoleon ordered the almost empty bins in the store-shed to be filled nearly to the brim with sand, which was then covered up with what remained of the grain and meal. On some suitable pretext Whymper was led through the store-shed and allowed to catch a glimpse of the bins. He was deceived, and continued to report to the outside world that there was no food shortage on Animal Farm.
What is Orwell's main purpose in this passage?
to show how easy it is to convince animals and humans of something that is not true
to reveal that dictators manipulate others and use deception to further their ambitions
to show the negative effects of rumors and misinformation on those in leadership roles
to reveal the corruption among many producers, sellers, and buyers of farm products
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