What transformation do the pigs undergo by the end of the novel?

The correct answer, which states that the pigs become indistinguishable from humans, highlights a crucial theme of George Orwell's "Animal Farm." Throughout the story, the pigs initially position themselves as leaders of the animal revolution, promising equality and a better life for all. However, as time goes on, they gradually adopt the behaviors, attitudes, and characteristics of the oppressive humans they originally overthrew.

By the end of the novel, the pigs not only embrace the luxurious lifestyle that mirrors that of the humans but also begin to engage in the same practices of exploitation and cruelty, ultimately losing the very identity they had claimed. The famous final scene, where the other animals cannot tell the difference between pigs and humans, epitomizes this transformation. It serves as a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of power and corruption, illustrating how revolutionary ideals can become corrupted and lead to tyranny.

The other options fail to capture this fundamental change: the pigs do not become more humane, they do not leave the farm, nor do they start treating other animals with respect. Instead, they evolve into what they initially opposed, showcasing the novel's critical stance on the nature of power and governance.