Question

read the passage from animal farm. in the late summer yet another of snowballs machinations was laid bare. the wheat crop was full of weeds, and it was discovered that on one of his nocturnal visits snowball had mixed weed seeds with the seed corn. a gander who had been privy to the plot had confessed his guilt to squealer and immediately committed suicide by swallowing deadly nightshade berries. the animals now also learned that snowball had never—as many of them had believed hitherto—received the order of animal hero, first class. this was merely a legend which had been spread some time after the battle of the cowshed by snowball himself. so far from being decorated, he had been censured for showing cowardice in the battle. once again some of the animals heard this with a certain bewilderment, but squealer was soon able to convince them that their memories had been at fault. which statement best summarizes the theme of this passage? even heroes cannot be trusted with the success of a community. those in power may spread propaganda to further their cause. the fight to gain power can cause best friends to become enemies. great leaders empower others to do their very best.

Explanation:

In the passage, Squealer (representing those in power) spreads false information (propaganda) about Snowball. He claims Snowball mixed weed seeds with seed corn, that Snowball didn't receive the "Animal Hero, First Class" order (which was a legend Snowball supposedly spread himself), and that Snowball was censured for cowardice. This shows how those in power (like Squealer) use false narratives (propaganda) to manipulate the other animals (further their cause, which is maintaining the power structure on the farm as controlled by the pigs).

Answer:

Those in power may spread propaganda to further their cause.