Topic > A Character Analysis: Boxer and Capitalism in George Orwell's Animal Farm

Boxer… The ProletariatCommunism. What comes to mind when you hear the word communism? Do you think of malevolent leaders or do you think of a thriving society? In the Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx advanced his ideas on communism and discredited the capitalist system by describing the constant struggle between the bourgeoisie, the upper middle class, and the proletariat, the working class. Marx constantly informs the reader that the bourgeoisie has transformed people of previous professions into “paid wage workers,” how the proletariat becomes simply another “part of the machine,” and how the proletariat is exploited by the bourgeoisie. All of these themes are prevalent in both The Communist Manifesto and Animal Farm, manifesting themselves in Boxer, the “workhorse” of the farm. These themes support the idea that Orwell's portrayal of Boxer fits Marx and Engels' critique of capitalism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Orwell's depiction of Boxer fits Marx and Engels' critique of capitalism because it shows how Boxer, once just a workhorse on the farm, is transformed into a full-fledged worker. When Marx states: “The bourgeoisie has stripped of its halo every occupation hitherto honored and regarded with reverent awe. He has transformed the doctor, the lawyer, the priest, the poet, the man of science, into his paid wage laborers,” (TCM, page 16). It shows how the working class is stripped of what they were, and how they transform into workers. In Animal Farm when Orwell states: “The pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised others. With their knowledge as supervisors it was natural for them to take on leadership. Boxer and Clover would hitch themselves to the horse cutter or rake (no need for hubs or reins these days, of course) and would constantly wander around and around the field with a pig walking behind and shouting, "Come on, comrade." . ' or 'Woah back, comrade!' depending on the case", (AF, pages 27-28) it is shown how the pigs assign everyone the role of workers, while they do not work. Marx and Engel's criticism of capitalism fits well with the representation of the Boxer in Animal Farm because it is shown how mainly the Boxer, but many other working animals on the farm, are just another piece of the puzzle When Marx states: “Due to the extensive use of machinery and the division of labor, labor of the proletariat has lost all individual character and, consequently, all fascination for the worker. He becomes an appendage of the machine, and only the simplest, most monotonous, most easily acquired skill is required of him", (TCM, page 20). He shows how the proletariat becomes part of a machine that works and produces constantly, without ever stopping. When Orwell demonstrates: “Certainly the animals did not want Jones back; if holding debates on Sunday mornings meant bringing him back, then the debates must stop. Gondrano, who now had time to reflect, gave voice to the general sentiment by saying: "If Comrade Napoleon says so, it must be right." And thereafter he adopted the maxim 'Napoleon is always right,' as well as his private motto 'I will work harder,'" (AF page 56). Shows how Boxer does not question any of Napoleon's judgments and how he is submissive. Boxer is in fact just another appendage of the machine; he remains compliant and does his job, and when Napoleon is not satisfied, Boxer responds with "I will work harder". and Engel because in both.