Question

How do Boxer and Snowball react to the death of the stable lad? (A) They are both sad about the boy's death. (B) They are both happy that the boy is dead. (C) Snowball shows no remorse, but Boxer is upset. (D) Boxer shows no remorse, but Snowball is upset.

Short answer

(C) Snowball shows no remorse, but Boxer is upset.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the Story Context

The student must recall the context in which the death of the stable lad occurs, which is during a conflict (Battle of the Cowshed) between the animals and humans at the farm, where Boxer and Snowball are some of the central characters defending the farm.

Analyze Boxer's Reaction

Boxer is a character known for his strength, loyalty, and moral values throughout the story. After the death of the stable lad, Boxer is distraught and refuses to accept the boy's death as a necessary aspect of war. This shows that Boxer is upset by the boy's death.

Analyze Snowball's Reaction

Snowball, on the other hand, is a character known for his cunning, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. In response to the death of the stable lad, Snowball sees it as an unfortunate but necessary part of the animals' struggle for independence and freedom. Therefore, Snowball shows no remorse over the boy's death.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis of Boxer and Snowball's reactions, the correct answer is: (C) Snowball shows no remorse, but Boxer is upset.

Key concepts

Character Analysis

Understanding the characters of Boxer and Snowball in "Animal Farm" is key to comprehending their reactions to the events that unfold. Boxer, representing the working class, is characterized by immense strength and unwavering dedication. However, his moral compass is notably strong, and he struggles with the ethical dilemmas he faces.
Snowball, in contrast, embodies the qualities of intellect and leadership. He is pragmatic and strategic, focusing on the greater goals rather than the immediate consequences. These distinct characteristics influence their responses, particularly when confronted with situations like the death of the stable lad. Boxer is visibly distraught by the boy's death, reflecting his deep-seated empathy and moral struggle.
Snowball considers the death as a necessary sacrifice for a larger cause, revealing his cold, strategic nature. This stark difference in reactions highlights the juxtaposition in their characters and motivations, which is crucial for a deeper understanding of the narrative.

Literature Comprehension

Grasping the context and implications of events in "Animal Farm" enhances literature comprehension. The Battle of the Cowshed is an important moment in the story when the animals defend their autonomy against human attempts to reclaim the farm. This scenario brings into focus various character dynamics and the theme of sacrifice for freedom.
Students should recognize how George Orwell uses these events to portray a larger social commentary on rebellion and power dynamics. Understanding this context allows readers to appreciate the complex emotional layers and political undertones embedded in the storyline. The different responses from Boxer and Snowball to the stable lad's death serve as a microcosm of the broader struggles depicted in the book.

• Boxer's reaction is rooted in empathy, prompting readers to question the cost of revolutions on individual morality.
• Snowball's stance reflects the often harsh, impersonal decisions made by leaders in pursuit of a perceived greater good.

Conflict Resolution

In literature, conflict resolution often reveals deeper truths about characters and themes. "Animal Farm" provides a prime example through the conflict at the Battle of the Cowshed. This battle is not just a physical confrontation but a pivotal moment that exposes the underlying philosophies of the characters involved.
The resolution of this conflict is multifaceted. On one hand, it solidifies the animals' control over the farm, marking a temporary victory for Snowball's strategic leadership. Yet, it also raises moral questions, particularly through Boxer's reaction. His grief and refusal to accept violence as a necessity spark a conversation about the ethical implications of such resolutions.
Examining how the narrative resolves these conflicts offers insights into the characters' complexities and the broader message of the novel. It encourages readers to reflect on the nature of leadership, the sacrifices involved in power struggles, and the personal toll these conflicts can take.

Emotional Response in Literature

Exploring emotional responses in literature provides a deeper connection to the text and its characters. In "Animal Farm," the diverse emotional reactions of Boxer and Snowball to the young stable lad's death offer valuable insight. Boxer’s distress showcases the emotional ramifications of conflict, highlighting the human (or animal) cost of ideological battles.
This emotional complexity is a tool used by Orwell to engage readers, urging them to contemplate the morality of revolution. Snowball's lack of remorse contrasts sharply with Boxer's sorrow, presenting a spectrum of emotional responses that enrich the narrative. These differing emotions also serve to emphasize the ideological differences characterizing the farm's leadership.

• Boxer’s sorrow exemplifies personal empathy clashing with larger political needs, making readers question the ethical dimensions of leadership.
• Snowball’s pragmatic disregard underscores the often harsh priorities of political maneuvering.

By understanding these emotional responses, readers can engage more profoundly with the moral questions posed by the novel and the impacts of conflict on individual psyches.