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Questions and Answers
What does Animal Farm represent as an allegory?
Which aspect of Soviet society is represented by the pigs in Animal Farm?
What theme does the character of Benjamin in Animal Farm represent?
What does the allegory of Animal Farm suggest about the assumption that change would bring a better life for all?
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What does the character of Benjamin the donkey represent in the allegory of the Russian Revolution?
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Why does Benjamin, despite being an intelligent animal, refuse to help the other animals interpret the changed Commandments after Napoleon's rise to power?
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How does Benjamin's lack of action, particularly when he tries to save his friend Boxer, highlight the allegory of the Russian Revolution?
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How does the character of Benjamin differ from the other animals in their response to the rebellion led by Old Major?
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What is the significance of the fact that Benjamin can read but chooses not to exercise his ability?
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How does the character of Benjamin reflect the broader themes of the allegory in 'Animal Farm'?
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Study Notes
Animal Farm: An Allegory of the Russian Revolution
In George Orwell's 1945 novel "Animal Farm," the allegory of Soviet history and its parallels to the Russian Revolution are evident through various symbols and characters within the narrative. One such character is Benjamin, the donkey who represents the intellectuals who chose not to engage with politics during the Russian Revolution, particularly those who failed to oppose Stalinism.
Benjamin is depicted as an intelligent animal who can read but chooses not to exercise his ability because he believes there is nothing worth reading. He is initially skeptical about the rebellion led by Old Major, the pig who inspired the animals to overthrow their human farmer, Mr. Jones. When asked by other animals to help them interpret the changed Commandments after Napoleon's rise to power, Benjamin refuses to meddle in political matters. His indifference extends beyond just the rebellion; he also doesn't oppose Napoleon's rule despite being aware of the corruption happening on the farm.
By representing intellectual people who ignore politics and avoid engaging with political issues, Benjamin is used as a symbol of those intellectuals who did not oppose Stalinism during the Russian Revolution. His lack of action, especially when he finally tries to take action to save his friend Boxer, highlights the high price paid by those who choose not to engage politically.
As an allegory, Animal Farm sheds light on the events leading up to the Soviet era through the experiences of various farm animals, each symbolizing different aspects of Soviet society. The novel showcases how power can corrupt even the most noble ideals, as represented by the pigs who gradually lose sight of their initial principles and become as tyrannical as the previous human regime. Through this allegory, Orwell highlights the corruption and manipulation that occurred under Stalin's rule, questioning the assumption that change would bring a better life for all.
In conclusion, Benjamin in Animal Farm serves as a compelling character that reflects the broader allegory of the novel. He embodies the intellectuals who failed to oppose the political upheaval and corruption during the Russian Revolution, underscoring themes of power corruption, manipulation of language, and the role of intellectuals in society's evolution.
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Description
Explore the symbolism of Benjamin, the donkey in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' as a representation of intellectuals who chose not to engage with politics during the Russian Revolution. Understand how Benjamin's indifference and lack of action reflect broader themes of power corruption and the manipulation of language within the allegorical narrative.
