Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Since "Animal Farm" is full of symbolism and allegory, what does Boxer represent in the story?

Boxer, the hard working, loyal horse who stands by Napoleon and believes in his lies is a representation of the individual who accepted the propaganda from the leaders in Russia who told the people that life would be better for everyone after the Czar was gone.

After the Czar was gone, Lenin tried to institute a classless society, where everyone was equal.  Like in Animal Farm, when the animals take over the farm, getting rid of Mr. Jones, they believe that they will all benefit from the new leadership.  And, just like in Russia, the new leadership, Lenin, then Stalin, betray the people and their lives got harder, not better and the small elite class or rulers that emerged gained power and lived luxurious lives, while the peasants struggled to survive.

Just like in Russia, when Stalin staged the Great Purge, and millions of innocent people were executed, tortured or sent to Siberia, Boxer, is betrayed by Napoleon.  No animal is safe on the farm, clearly, Boxer, who was so loyal and worked so hard and was always willing to work harder, should be rewarded for his life of labor. 

He is therefore, a symbol of the baseless cruelty and indifference of Napoleon, who does not recognize the value of the devotion that he demanded from the animals and discards Boxer when he can no longer work.

 Clearly, absolute obedience does not protect you, all promises are lies, you have no individual worth, that is the message.

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