Final answer:
Old Major is compelled to give his speech about rebellion in 'Animal Farm' due to his recognition of the animals' exploitation by humans, reflecting historical rebellions such as Shays' Rebellion and Gabriel's Rebellion where economic, social, and political injustices prompted calls for change and liberation, symbolized by the term parrhesia.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Orwell's novel 'Animal Farm,' the character Old Major is prompted to give his speech about rebellion due to his realization that the animals' lives are harsh and short and that they are exploited by humans.
This is a reflection of political movements and rebellions in history, such as Shays' Rebellion and Gabriel's Rebellion, where economic distress, social injustices, and political grievances led to calls for change. The discontent felt by Major mirrors that of historical figures who saw rebellion as a means to fight oppression and seek liberation.
In the context of Shays' Rebellion, it was economic turmoil and unfair taxation that spurred the farmers to take action against what they perceived as a tyrannical government. Similarly, in Gabriel's Rebellion, the desire for freedom and the end of slavery were the driving forces behind the movement.
The term parrhesia defines a type of courageous public speech driven by a moral desire to reveal the truth and demand social change, a concept certainly applicable to the rationale behind Major's speech in the allegorical narrative of 'Animal Farm.'