Animal Farm
George Orwell
Contributed by Sharon Fleming
Chapter 9
Summary

After the celebrations on the victory over Frederick, the animals embark on the rebuilding of the windmill. As a show of his dedication to the farm, Boxer works tirelessly through injury to make sure that the work is started before he retires. As food quantity diminishes and hunger continues to bite, Squeal still has the guts to explain that there is plenty food and the people are enjoying excellent lives. Four sows give birth to 31 piglets, and Napoleon is the father of them all. He orders a classroom to be built for their education. Meanwhile, the living conditions of the people are diminishing while the pigs are growing fatter. Soon, the Animal Farm has declared a republic with napoleon beings its first president.

The foot of Boxer heals, and he works extra-hard for the successful completion of the project. During one of the construction days, Boxer collapses as a result of a lung attack. Napoleon informs the other animals that Napoleon has sent a veterinarian to treat Boxer. However, upon examination, Benjamin realizes that Boxer is being taken to a glue-boiler. Clover shouts at the Boxer to escape, but he is too weak to kick his way out of the van. Boxer disappears, never to be seen or heard about again. The chapter comes to an end when a truck delivers a crate of whiskey for the consumption of the pigs. The pigs get drunk, only to wake up the following day at noon.

Analysis

The death of Boxer in this chapter demonstrates the extent to which Napoleon has brainwashed the other animals on the farm. Even to the point of death, Boxer still believed in working hard for the farm. Actually, Boxer dies as a result of overworking for then farm.  He lives and works hard for the farm, only to be sold to the knackers when it is felt that he is no longer useful to the interests of the farm. Unfortunately, the other animals are yet to sense danger regarding what is taking place on the farm. Their loyalty is still unwavering.

Orwell has powerfully created the image of Boxer dying while he is at the mercy of the tyrannical Napoleon. As the van comes to pick him, the driver is wearing a bowler hut, a tool that has been used as a symbol of cruelty throughout the novel. It is devastating to see the Boxer who was initially strong and robust being ineffective in his desire to kick and move away from his captors. There is nothing much that he can do to salvage his situation. It is during these last moments that Boxer realizes that he has been deceived and his efforts on the farm had been in vain.

The chapter continues to demonstrate the extent to which the political class uses language to manipulate the people. Orwell has extensively discussed the extent to which language "becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish."  Additionally, the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish thoughts." These statements suggest that words have tremendous weight and influence among people. It is possible that the use of language can make people forget their identity and disorient them completely. Squealer, while failing to admit that there is a shortage of food on the farm says that "For the time being, it had been found necessary to make a readjustment of rations." The statement is a brilliant prevarication of the critical questions that the animals may ask about the state of affairs in the farm.

It is notable that Napoleon sires 31 piglets in the farm and orders for the construction of a particular classroom for their education. Napoleon is creating an image and influence on the farm. The decision to build a unique classroom for the piglets is a demonstration of the fact that the elites have always misused public resources. However, the greatest lesson from the chapter is the fact that politicians use the members of the public to their interest and dump them when they feel that they are no longer useful. Boxer has been a faithful and devoted servant of the farm. However, when he needs treatment, Napoleon abandons him and sells him. Ordinarily, such hard-working persons deserve a special mention and treatment among their peers. Napoleon ought to have secured high-quality medical services to Boxer. Napoleon's actions stink of betrayal to the high seas.

info_outline
Have study documents to share about Animal Farm? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!