Read the passage from chapter 7 of Animal Farm.

Question

As Clover looked down the hillside her eyes filled with tears. If she could have spoken her thoughts, it would have been to say that this was not what they had aimed at when they had set themselves years ago to work for the overthrow of the human race. These scenes of terror and slaughter were not what they had looked forward to on that night when old Major first stirred them to rebellion. If she herself had had any picture of the future, it had been of a society of animals set free from hunger and the whip, all equal, each working according to his capacity, the strong protecting the weak, as she had protected the lost brood of ducklings with her foreleg on the night of Major's speech. Instead—she did not know why—they had come to a time when no one dared speak his mind, when fierce, growling dogs roamed everywhere, and when you had to watch your comrades torn to pieces after confessing to shocking crimes. There was no thought of rebellion or disobedience in her mind. She knew that, even as things were, they were far better off than they had been in the days of Jones, and that before all else it was needful to prevent the return of the human beings. Whatever happened she would remain faithful, work hard, carry out the orders that were given to her, and accept the leadership of Napoleon. But still, it was not for this that she and all the other animals had hoped and toiled. It was not for this that they had built the windmill and faced the bullets of Jones's gun. Such were her thoughts, though she lacked the words to express them.

Which statement best describes the use of satire in this passage?

Parody is used to illustrate the impact of Stalin’s purge.
Ridicule is used to show the gullibility of the Russian citizens.
Reversal is used to show how Clover, representing the people, has changed ideals.
Personification is used to show the reader Stalin’s thoughts and feelings.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the use of satire in this passage is: Reversal is used to show how Clover, representing the people, has changed ideals.

In this passage, Clover reflects on the stark difference between her initial hopes for equality and freedom after the rebellion and the grim reality of terror and oppression they currently face. This reversal of expectations highlights the disillusionment experienced by the animals (and, by extension, the people in a totalitarian regime) as they realize that their original ideals have been betrayed.