What outcome do the animals achieve despite their initial hopes for revolt?

The correct answer highlights a central theme of George Orwell's "Animal Farm," which is the cyclical nature of power and oppression. Despite the animals' aspirations to create a society where they are free and equal, the outcome demonstrates that they remain under oppressive rule—now under the pigs rather than the human farmer, Mr. Jones.

After the revolt, the pigs gradually adopt the behaviors and privileges of their former oppressors, leading to a new form of dictatorship. This transition illustrates the book's commentary on how revolutionary ideals can be corrupted, resulting in a situation where the oppressed become the oppressors. The animals' initial hopes for freedom and equality are ultimately betrayed, as they find themselves working just as hard, if not harder, for the benefit of the pigs, who manipulate the other animals for their gain.

In contrast, the other choices suggest outcomes that do not align with the themes and events in the story. The farm does not become a success in the utopian sense, nor do the animals experience significant improvements in their lives or gain true independence; these scenarios overlook the underlying critique of power and governance presented by Orwell.