Benjamin
English Lit: AQA GCSE Animal Farm, topic 2.2.6
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:
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!”
Test yourself on Benjamin
Who from the Russian Revolution does Benjamin represent?
In Animal Farm, who is Benjamin loyal to?
Which of the following is NOT a quote about Benjamin's character?
Which of these are accurate quotes about Benjamin?
What type of friend does the quote “devoted to Boxer” suggest Benjamin is?