Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 6 of Animal Farm.

"You have heard then, comrades," he said, "that we
pigs now sleep in the beds of the farmhouse? And why
not? You did not suppose, surely, that there was ever a
ruling against beds? A bed merely means a place to
sleep in. A pile of straw in a stall is a bed, properly
regarded. The rule was against sheets, which are a
human invention. We have removed the sheets from
the farmhouse beds, and sleep between blankets. And
very comfortable beds they are too! But not more
comfortable than we need, I can tell you, comrades,
with all the brainwork we have to do nowadays. You
would not rob us of our repose, would you, comrades?
You would not have us too tired to carry out our duties?
Surely none of you wishes to see Jones back?"

Which theme is best supported by the verbal irony in
this passage?

Answer 1

The verbal irony in this passage highlights the theme of hypocrisy as the pigs, initially rebelling against human habits, now embrace them. It underscores the corrupting influence of power and betrayal of revolutionary ideals.

The verbal irony in this passage from Chapter 6 of Animal Farm underscores the theme of hypocrisy among the ruling class. The pigs, who initially rebelled against human oppression, now find themselves adopting human habits they once condemned.

While Squealer justifies the pigs sleeping in the farmhouse beds by asserting that a bed is merely a place to sleep, he conveniently overlooks the pigs' initial principles of equality and simplicity. The irony lies in the pigs' gradual transformation into the very tyrants they overthrew, as they not only enjoy the comforts of human habits but also redefine these habits to suit their agenda.

Orwell employs verbal irony to emphasize the pigs' betrayal of the revolutionary ideals, exposing the discrepancy between their words and actions. This serves as a poignant commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the tendency of those in authority to compromise their principles for personal gain.