Short Answer 
Oppression is the unfair exercise of power by one group over another, characterized by dominance and submission, influenced by factors like gender and class. It limits choices, leading individuals to accept oppressive circumstances as unchangeable, thereby perpetuating the cycle of oppression.
Step 1: Understand the Concept of Oppression
Oppression refers to the unfair use of force, often justified by political authority or cultural biases. It involves one group in society dominating and controlling another through methods of dominance and submission. This encompasses a range of social factors including deprivation, gender, class, ethnicity, and caste that contribute to systemic oppression.
Step 2: Identify Supporting Details of the Theme
To illustrate how oppression makes alternatives appear impossible, select details that depict the realization of limited choices under oppressive conditions. Important points include:
- Animals reflecting on their conditions, suggesting they are better off than under previous leadership.
- A character’s commitment to loyalty and hard work despite oppressive authority suggests a surrender to circumstances.
Step 3: Reflect on the Implications of Oppressive Systems
The impact of oppression leads to a narrowed vision of potential futures, making change seem unattainable. When people or groups become complacent, they may accept their circumstances as unchangeable, thus reinforcing their oppression. Recognizing this cycle can help in understanding why alternatives can appear impossible.