working on second draft

Pg 40, 58, 75

“When you think of a long gloomy history of man, you find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.”(C.O.Snow) This quote clearly explains an example of an honorable character in the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell. Being subservient towards a higher authority is something that most people would consider a good thing. However, when the higher authority is not having you do such things for a good reason, than it is more of a crime than an act of obedience. In Animal Farm, Boxer is happily submissive to Napoleon, and the previous leaders. Although Boxer- honorable, hardworking, and obedient- always did his best with good intentions, his efforts were not toward a good cause.
Boxer, the hardest working animal on the farm, voluntarily does more work than necessary. “Boxer was an enormous best… and as strong as any two ordinary horses put together” (Orwell 26). Boxer was easily the strongest animal on the farm, and he used it to his fullest extent. True, during Jone’s reign he worked hard, but while working for the better of the animals he “seemed more like three horses than one; there were days when the entire work of the farm seemed to rest on his mighty shoulders” (Orwell 46) He even had a personal motto of “I will work harder”. Boxer was persistent in doing his best and pushing his work limits farther and farther. If it wasn’t for Boxer, the farm would not have been so productive and may have fallen apart. It was his efforts that kept the farm running.
Boxer was also extremely obedient, however he wasn’t the brightest of the bunch. He could not remember more than four letters, and could not see past manipulation. Despite these factors, he was obedient to the higher authority, who was Napoleon for most of the novel. As soon as Boxer was aware that all animals should go naked, “he fetched the small straw hat which he wore in the summer to keep the flies out of his ears, and flung it on to the fire with the rest”(Orwell 40). So even though his hat was for a good reason, and not because he wanted to be like a human, he still followed what should be done based on their new ways of life. Boxer also reared up on his hind legs and kicked a stable-lad. He was doing it for the farm’s sake, but Boxer also felt guilty after doing so. “I have no wish to take life, not even human life” repeated Boxer, and his eyes were full of tears” (Orwell 59). This proves that Boxer has good intentions, and yet still wants to follow through for what is best for the farm. Another way in which Boxer shows his obedience is by his slogan, “Napoleon is always right” (Orwell 75). As the reader, you are aware that Napoleon is never always right, but because he is the leader Boxer puts his trust in him and will not disagree with what he says. Another way in which Boxer shows his obedience is by his slogan, “Napoleon is always right” (Orwell 75). As the reader, you are aware that Napoleon is never always right, but because he is the leader Boxer puts his trust in him and will not disagree with what he says.
Both of these traits- hardworking and obedient- make Boxer more honorable toward the farm and Napoleon, who is in charge of the farm. Although these traits are good, the inclusion of Napoleon in the mix diminishes its good value.