Question

read the passage from animal farm.
old benjamin, the donkey, seemed quite unchanged since the rebellion. he did his work in the same slow obstinate way as he had done it in joness time, never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either. about the rebellion and its results he would express no opinion. when asked whether he was not happier now that jones was gone, he would say only \donkeys live a long time. none of you has ever seen a dead donkey,\ and the others had to be content with this cryptic answer.
how does the central idea of this passage—that older generations are less excited about rebellion than younger ones—serve as social commentary?
○ it shows how rebellions are always led by younger generations.
○ it demonstrates how society unfairly treats older people.
○ it demonstrates how society makes progress with each new generation.
○ it points out the overenthusiasm and zealousness of the younger generation.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage doesn't say rebellions are always led by younger generations (too absolute). Eliminate.
• Option 2: The passage isn't about unfair treatment of older people. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The passage focuses on excitement about rebellion, not societal progress. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Old Benjamin (older) is less excited, while younger ones are more enthusiastic. This option points out the younger generation's overenthusiasm, matching the central idea.

Answer:

D. It points out the overenthusiasm and zealousness of the younger generation.