The animals' lives on the farm are no better than under Jones
Rations are reduced but not for the pigs or dogs
Boxer dies and is sent to the glue factory
Boxer is unaware of the power he has in his physical strength and the respect he commands from the other animals
Boxer is an allegory for Alexei Stakhanov

Common misconception

That the animals could not have stopped the revolution.

How does Orwell describe Boxer? He is physically powerful and commands respect. If he had intelligence could he have made a difference?

Keywords

Superannuated - If you are superannuated it means you are old and no longer suitable for work.
Readjustment - A readjustment is the act of changing something slightly to improve it.
Reduction - A reduction is to make something smaller in size.
Unscrupulous - If you are unscrupulous you behave in a way that is dishonest and unfair.

Creative writing opportunity. Students could write Boxer's eulogy using quotes from the text. This could also be from different characters' perspectives; for example how would Clover and Squealer approach the eulogy differently?

Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Finish the rewritten 5th Commandment from 'Animal Farm'. "No animal shall drink alcohol..."

Correct Answer: to excess, in excess, excess

Q2.

In 'Animal Farm', who does Boxer say is "always right"?

Correct Answer: Napoleon, napoleon

Q3.

Match the horse or donkey to their description from 'Animal Farm'.

Correct Answer:Boxer,"His answer to every problem [...] was “I will work harder".

"His answer to every problem [...] was “I will work harder".

Correct Answer:Clover,"a stout motherly mare approaching middle life".

"a stout motherly mare approaching middle life".

Correct Answer:Benjamin,"the oldest animal on the farm and the worst tempered".

"the oldest animal on the farm and the worst tempered".

Correct Answer:Mollie,"flirting her long tail and chewing at a stalk of hay".

"flirting her long tail and chewing at a stalk of hay".

Q4.

In chapter 8 of 'Animal Farm', how does Napoleon use the attack on the windmill to manipulate the animals and consolidate his power?

He takes responsibility for the windmill's failure and resigns.

He encourages the animals to elect a new leader to avoid further destruction.

Correct answer: He blames Snowball, labeling him a traitor, and increases his authority.

He allows other animals to make decisions independently, reducing his control.

Q5.

Starting with the first, put the events from chapter 8 of 'Animal Farm' in chronological order.

1 - Squealer presents inflated statistics to the other animals.

2 - Napoleon sells wood to Frederick, but discovers the cash is forgeries.

3 - Frederick and his men blow up the windmill.

4 - The battle of the windmill happens.

5 - The animals declare the battle a success.

6 - They find a case of whiskey and drink it.

7 - They rewrite commandment 5 to "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess".

Q6.

By chapter 8 of 'Animal Farm', how have the Seven Commandments changed, and what does this reveal about the pigs' leadership and their manipulation of the other animals?

They are reinforced, showing the pigs' commitment to equality.

They are rewritten for the humans and to develop their relationships.

They remain unchanged, indicating the pigs' commitment to equality.

Correct answer: They are modified to suit the pigs' interests, illustrating their manipulation.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In 'Animal Farm', what does Boxer's motto, "I will work harder," reveal about his character?

He is rebellious and defiant.

He is cunning and manipulative.

Correct answer: He is loyal and dedicated.

He is indifferent and lazy.

Q2.

Why is Boxer's determination to work through pain significant in 'Animal Farm'?

It highlights his intelligence and strategic thinking.

It emphasises his ability to challenge the pigs' authority.

Correct answer: It showcases his commitment to the cause and personal sacrifices.

It reveals his lack of loyalty to the other animals.

Q3.

What does a "readjustment" mean?

To reduce the amount of something significantly.

Correct answer: To make changes to improve something slightly.

To completely remove or eliminate something.

To maintain things as they are without any changes.

Q4.

In chapter 8 of 'Animal Farm', how does Benjamin contribute to the other animals' understanding of Boxer's fate?

By helping Boxer recover from his injuries.

By exposing the pigs' manipulation of language.

By revealing that Boxer is going to a hospital.

Correct answer: By reading the side of the van and recognising Boxer's destination.

Q5.

What similarity can be drawn between Alexei Stakhanov and Boxer in 'Animal Farm'?

Both were poets who wrote revolutionary verses.

Both were leaders of the animal rebellion against the humans.

Correct answer: Both were symbols of hard work and dedication in their respective contexts.

Both were known for their strategic intelligence and cunning.

Q6.

Match each character from 'Animal Farm' to the quote that they say in chapter 9 of the novel.

Correct Answer:Clover,"A horse's lungs do not last forever".

"A horse's lungs do not last forever".

Correct Answer:Moses ,"there it lies, Sugar candy Mountain".

"there it lies, Sugar candy Mountain".

Correct Answer:Benjamin,"Fools! Do you not see what is written...?"

"Fools! Do you not see what is written...?"

Correct Answer:Squealer,"I was at his bedside at the very last".

"I was at his bedside at the very last".

Correct Answer:Boxer,"I had been looking forward to my retirement".

"I had been looking forward to my retirement".