Even the lives we do live are cut short, denied their natural span. I do not grumble, for I am among the fortunate. I am twelve years old and have borne over four hundred children. Such is the natural life of a pig. But no animal escapes the cruel knife in the end. You young porkers sitting before me, each of you will scream your lives out at the block within a year. This is the fate that awaits all of us-cows, pigs, hens, sheep, everyone. Even horses and dogs share no better end. Boxer, the very day your great muscles fail you, Jones will sell you to the knacker, who will slit your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds. And the dogs, when old and toothless, are tied with a brick and drowned in the nearest pond. (356 words)
[Extracted with edits from George Orwell's “Animal Farm"]
Understanding the Term 'Knacker' in Animal Farm
This question requires us to determine the meaning of the word 'knacker' as used in the provided excerpt from George Orwell's classic novel, Animal Farm. The passage paints a grim picture of the lives and ultimate fates of the animals on the farm, emphasizing their exploitation by humans.
Contextual Clues from the Passage
The term 'knacker' is introduced in a critical moment when the speaker, a pig, is describing the bleak future that awaits all animals, including the strong and loyal horse, Boxer. The passage states:
- "Boxer, the very day your great muscles fail you, Jones will sell you to the knacker..."
- "...who will slit your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds."
These lines provide essential clues. They tell us that a 'knacker' is someone who receives animals that are no longer useful or productive, such as Boxer when his strength declines. The description of the knacker's actions – to "slit your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds" – clearly indicates the processing and disposal of the animal's body. This suggests a business focused on handling animals that have reached the end of their lives or usefulness, often for rendering products rather than high-quality meat for human consumption.
Analyzing the Options for 'Knacker'
Let's evaluate each option based on the context from the passage:
| Option | Definition | Analysis Based on Passage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A slaughterer | While a knacker does slaughter animals, this definition is too general. It doesn't specify the type of animals or the purpose of the slaughter, which is key in the context of 'unwanted' animals. |
| 2 | A trader whose business is disposal of dead and unwanted animals | This option aligns very well with the passage. The 'knacker' is presented as someone who takes animals like Boxer (who is 'unwanted' due to failing health) and handles their final disposition. The act of "boiling down" implies disposal and processing. |
| 3 | A person whose business is disposal of dead or unwanted animals especially those whose flesh is not fit for human consumption | This definition is highly accurate and specific, especially considering the mention of feeding foxhounds. However, the core activity described in the passage that defines the knacker's role is the *disposal* of *unwanted* animals. |
| 4 | Harness-maker | This is incorrect. A harness-maker creates equipment for animals, whereas a knacker deals with the animals themselves after they are no longer useful. |
| 5 | This option is empty and provides no information. |
Concluding the Meaning of 'Knacker'
The passage emphasizes the fate of animals that are old, sick, or no longer useful to the farmer. Boxer, the horse, is destined for the 'knacker' precisely because his "great muscles fail you," making him an 'unwanted' animal. The subsequent action described – being "slit your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds" – highlights the business of disposing of such animals. Option 2, 'A trader whose business is disposal of dead and unwanted animals,' most effectively captures this role within the context of Animal Farm. It focuses on the essential function of dealing with animals at the end of their working lives or their existence.
Similar Questions
- The term "poor dumb millions" refer to-
- The word "Communalism" in the above passage refers to-
- In the context of the passage, the term 'incognisant' most likely means:
- The word "theosophist" means:
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Important Questions from Verbal
- The term "poor dumb millions" refer to-
- The word "Communalism" in the above passage refers to-
- In the context of the passage, the term 'incognisant' most likely means:
- The word "theosophist" means:
- The word "Boorish" mean:
