Question

read the passage from animal farm. 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.

Explanation:

To determine the best theme, analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage isn't about updating rules for changing times. The incident involves Squealer and the Commandments, but no rule - updating for time changes is shown.
• Option 2: There's no indication of someone speaking out against authority and facing consequences. The focus is on the animals' confusion about the incident.
• Option 3: Most animals don't understand the incident (Squealer near the Commandments' wall with paint, etc.), while Benjamin seems to know but doesn't speak. This shows some (the other animals) can't recognize oppression/lies even when faced with evidence (the incident).
• Option 4: The passage doesn't suggest leaving night incidents to elders; it's about the animals' understanding of the incident.

Answer:

C. Some cannot recognize that they are being oppressed and lied to, even when faced with it firsthand.