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In Old Major's speech in Animal Farm, what is one example of repetition used?
Quick answer:
In Old Major's speech in Animal Farm, one example of repetition is the continuous reference to the animals as "comrades," emphasizing their shared plight. Another example is the repeated association of "man" with negative attributes, highlighting man's selfishness, uselessness, and oppression. These repetitions reinforce the animals' understanding of their exploitation and motivate them to rebel.
When Old Major makes his speech to the animals, he uses repetition in a number of ways. Here are some examples:
- He repeats the idea that an animal's life is miserable. He states that an animal's life is never allowed to reach its "natural span," for example, by alluding to the practice of slaughter. He also mentions Mr. Jones' use of the whip, an idea which is further reinforced in the song, Beasts of England.
- He repeats the idea that Man is the enemy of all animals. He says that Man steals the produce of other animals, like milk and eggs, and claims that "Man is the only creature that consumes without producing." He also claims that Man is not capable of feeling unity with animals since he is greedy and self-interested: "Man serves the interests of no creature but himself."
It is the repetition of these key ideas which make the animals realize the extent of their exploitation and which encourage them to rebel in Chapter Two.
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