Boxer's Unquestioning Loyalty and Tragic End

Follows Boxer's immense strength, his devotion to Napoleon, and his betrayal by the regime he served.

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The Strongest Worker

Boxer is an enormous cart-horse, nearly eighteen hands high, with the strength of three horses. He is not intelligent but deeply loyal. He adopts the motto "I will work harder" and is the backbone of the farm's labour. He is respected by all for his steadiness and hard work. He is the embodiment of the proletarian ideal.

Hero of the Battle of the Cowshed

Boxer kills a stable-lad with a single blow, but is filled with remorse. He does not want to take life, even human life. He shows that even in victory, he retains a moral conscience. He is awarded the Animal Hero, First Class medal, but his discomfort with violence hints at his gentle nature.

Devotion to Napoleon

After Snowball's expulsion, Boxer adopts the second motto "Napoleon is always right." He suppresses his own doubts, believing that loyalty is the highest virtue. He works even harder, getting up earlier and doing extra shifts. He refuses to see the pigs' corruption, trusting that Napoleon knows best.

The Collapse

Overwork and insufficient food take their toll. Boxer collapses while hauling stone. He is diagnosed with a lung problem. He hopes to retire and learn the alphabet, but his strength is gone. The regime's response is to send him to the knacker under the guise of hospital care.

Death and Betrayal

Boxer is taken away in the knacker's van. Benjamin discovers the truth, but it is too late. Boxer tries to kick his way out, but his strength has failed. Squealer lies, saying he died happy in the hospital. Boxer's death is the ultimate betrayal of the working class by the ruling pigs. His maxims are used posthumously to manipulate the animals.

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