CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Boxer

Orwell states that the idea for the book came to him from the sight of a huge carthorse driven by a little boy who was whipping it whenever it tried to turn. "It struck me that if only such animals became aware of their strength we should have no power over them, and that men exploit animals in much the same way as the rich exploit the proletariat. Thus Boxer, representing the long suffering Russian workers and peasants, is the hero of the tale."

Boxer is not very intelligent. In reading classes, he could not get beyond letter the D. But what he lacked in intelligence, he made up for with hard work. As a big, powerful farmhorse, he represents the simple, honest, strong, and devoted worker. His philosophy is always to work harder, and he is seen throughout the novel doing more than his fair share. As a result, he represents 'goodness of common man' and becomes an inspiration to all the other animals on the farm.

Because of his lack of intelligence and his trusting nature, Boxer accepts everything that Napoleon and Squealer say. In fact, his life is ruled by the slogan of "Napoleon is always right." Even when Napoleon has his guard dogs attack Boxer, he does not see through the leader. Though heroic and very faithful to Napoleon all his life, when old, Boxer is sold to be made into glue instead of being given the pension promised to all animals.

On a satiric level, Boxer is the symbol of the workers of the world who are used by the ruling classes to advance their own goals.

Squealer

Squealer is a small, fat pig with bright eyes and a happy spirit. Known to be an exceptional speaker, he is the pig chosen by Napoleon to be his henchman and propagandist. As the right-hand person to Napoleon, he faithfully executes the commands of his leader. He changes the Commandments to suit the needs of Napoleon, revises the history of Animal Farm to reflect what his leader chooses, constantly warns the common animals that Jones is an ever present threat, and generally keeps the masses under control. On a satiric level, Squealer is the typical propagandist that is always attached to a dictatorship.

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