"about this time there occurred a strange incident which hardly anyone was able to understand. one night at about twelve o'clock there was a loud crash in the yard, and the animals rushed out of their stalls. it was a moonlit night. at the foot of the end wall of the big barn, where the seven commandments were written, there lay a ladder broken in two pieces. squealer, temporarily stunned, was sprawling beside it, and near at hand there lay a lantern, a paint-brush, and an overturned pot of white paint. the dogs immediately made a ring round squealer, and escorted him back to the farmhouse as soon as he was able to walk. none of the animals could form any idea as to what this meant, except old benjamin, who nodded his muzzle with a knowing air, and seemed to understand, but would say nothing." in at least 150 words, explain how orwell uses irony in this excerpt.

This language technique has a substantial amount of significance in Animal Farm as it engages the reader intellectually, rather than giving them a lecture. These language devices are the tools which Orwell uses to enhance the emotional and intellectual effects the novel has on the reader. Ironic criticism (or elements of sarcasm) spark negative emotions felt by the recipient; including, anger, irritation, disgust, criticism and condemnation. It enables the reader to not only respond to the information being conveyed in the text but to gather an understanding of the attitudes Orwell has against the Russian Revolution. George Orwell upheld a hostile attitude towards the figures involved and the events that took place during the revolution, making this literary device especially appropriate for him as an individual. Irony allows Orwell to express his opinions against these things in a way that is subtle, however, still confrontational.