Two days later the animals were called together for a special meeting in the barn. They were struck dumb with surprise when Napoleon announced that he had sold the pile of timber to Frederick. Tomorrow Frederick's wagons would arrive and begin carting it away. Throughout the whole period of his seeming friendship with Pilkington, Napoleon had really been in secret agreement with Frederick.
All relations with Foxwood had been broken off; insulting messages had been sent to Pilkington. The pigeons had been told to avoid Pinchfield Farm and to alter their slogan from "Death to Frederick" to "Death to Pilkington." At the same time Napoleon assured the animals that the stories of an impending attack on Animal Farm were completely untrue, and that the tales about Frederick's cruelty to his own animals had been greatly exaggerated. All these rumours had probably originated with Snowball and his agents. It now appeared that Snowball was not, after all, hiding on Pinchfield Farm, and in fact had never been there in his life: he was living—in considerable luxury, so it was said—at Foxwood, and had in reality been a pensioner of Pilkington for years past.
Which statement best summarizes the theme of this passage?
Leaders always act in the best interests of their constituents.
Pigs are far more cunning animals than most give them credit for.
Dictatorships can produce inconsistent belief systems.
Changing tactics suddenly confuses enemies and ensures honesty.
1 answer
The statement that best summarizes the theme of this passage is: Dictatorships can produce inconsistent belief systems.
This is reflected in Napoleon's sudden shift in alliances and propaganda, as well as the way he manipulates information to control the perceptions of the other animals.
1 answer
1 answer
1 answer
1 answer