Boxer's Unwavering Loyalty and Tragic End

Traces Boxer's life as the hardest worker, his devotion to the farm, and his betrayal by the pigs.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Strongest Worker

The Horse of All Work The Admiration of All Boxer is immense and strong, working like three horses. He adopts the motto 'I will work harder' and wakes up earlier than anyone. The Faithful Disciple He believes everything the pigs say, especially Napoleon. He is devoted to the cause and to his friends Clover and Benjamin. The Battle of the Cowshed Boxer kills a stable-lad but is horrified by the act. He is awarded Animal Hero, First Class.

The Building of the Windmill

The Sustained Effort The Back of the Farm Boxer shoulders the heaviest work in quarrying stone for the windmill. He ignores Clover's warnings and works even harder. The Decline His health deteriorates; he loses weight and strength. But he refuses to rest, driven by his duty to the farm. The Slogans Boxer's only answers are 'I will work harder' and 'Napoleon is always right.' He never questions the pigs' orders.

Boxer's Collapse and Betrayal

The Fall The Final Task Boxer collapses while hauling stone. He is unable to rise. Clover and Benjamin care for him, but the pigs promise to send him to a hospital. The Knacker's Van When the van arrives, Benjamin reads the lettering: 'Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler.' Boxer is being taken to the knacker's. The Last Struggle Boxer tries to kick his way out but has no strength. The van disappears. He is never seen again.

The False Eulogy

The Pig's Lie Squealer's Report Squealer announces that Boxer died in the hospital, cared for by the vet, with his last words being 'Long live Comrade Napoleon!' The Explanation of the Van Squealer claims the van was bought from the knacker and the old name hadn't been painted out. The animals are relieved and believe the lie. The Memorial Banquet The pigs hold a banquet in Boxer's honour, but it is a drunken affair. Boxer's sacrifice is exploited for propaganda.

the first summer

the second year

the summer of his twelfth year

a few days after Boxer's death