Question

Describe how and why the pigs destroy certain memories that the farm animals collectively share.

a) They destroy memories to maintain control.
b) They destroy memories to improve morale.
c) They destroy memories to protect the past.
d) They do not destroy any memories.

Answer 1

In 'Animal Farm', pigs manipulate memories to maintain power and control over other animals by revising collective memories and rewriting history.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question speaks to themes in George Orwell's Animal Farm, in which the pigs manipulate the other animals by controlling information and revising collective memories. This is done primarily to maintain their power and control over the farm. The pigs alter the Seven Commandments and change details about key events to suit their current narrative, ensuring the other animals remain subservient and unable to question their authority. For example, the heroic battle that Snowball fought is later distorted to make him a traitor. By revising the past and controlling the present, the pigs secure their dominance and create a reality in which resistance seems futile.