Benjamin

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Benjamin

Animal Farm is an allegory; all of the events and characters symbolise 20th century historical and political events.

5 key words

Intelligent.
Passive.
Old.
Resigned.
Loyal friend.

Intelligent but passive

Benjamin is intelligent and he can foresee what other characters are up to.
However, he does not get involved when he witnesses corruption. He is passive.

Given up?

He questions the outcome of the revolution.
Benjamin is old and has seen many of these events before, perhaps he feels that history repeats itself and there is no point in intervening because the outcome will always be the same: further suffering for the working classes and the powerless.

Loyal to Boxer

Benjamin is loyal to Boxer. He calls the others to Boxer as he realises what is really going on, but it is too late.

Context

Benjamin represents the Russian intellectuals who could see that things would not work, but did nothing to stop corruption.

Benjamin - Key Quotes

Here are a few key quotes concerning Benjamin's character:

Illustrative background for Old ?? "content

Old

“The oldest animal on the farm and the worst tempered”.

Loyal friend

“Devoted to Boxer”.

Resigned to the corruption

“They’re sending Boxer to the knacker’s!”

1Important Plot Features

1.1Plot Summaries

1.1.1Chapters 1-2

1.1.2Chapters 3-4

1.1.3Chapters 5-6

1.1.4Chapters 7-8

1.1.5Chapters 9-10

1.1.6Keywords

1.1.7End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-5

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Chapters 6-10

2Characters & Their Links to History

2.1Key Characters

2.1.1Old Major

2.1.2Snowball

2.1.3Napoleon

2.1.4Squealer

2.1.5Boxer

2.1.6End of Topic Test - Key Characters

2.1.7AO2/3 - Key Characters

2.1.8Exam-Style Questions - Boxer

2.2Other Characters

2.2.1Mr Jones

2.2.2Clover

2.2.3Hens

2.2.4Sheep

2.2.5Mollie

2.2.6Benjamin

2.2.7Moses & Mr Frederick

2.2.8Pilkington & Mr Whymper

2.2.9End of Topic Test - Other Characters

2.2.10End of Topic Test - Other Characters 2

3Key Themes & Orwell's Purpose

3.1Key Themes

3.1.1Education

3.1.2Power & Control

3.1.3Power & Language

3.1.4Equality

3.1.5End of Topic Test - Key Themes

4Language, Form & Structure

4.1Language, Form & Structure

4.1.1Form & Structure

4.1.2Language

4.1.3Symbols

4.1.4Narrator & Allegory

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