Boxer is a hardworking horse who believes he can improve things by working hard. His strong work ethic kept him going no matter the circumstance. You will find him working even harder than he had especially when times get tough.
Boxer represents the working class.
He also believes (blindly) that Napoleon is always right.
But his loyalty and dedication to the farm and its leadership (under Our Leader, Comrade Napoleon) was repaid with betrayal. The leadership only cared so much about how much they could gain from the working class, but never about their well-being.
I just finished reading Animal Farm by George Orwell, and I was deeply touched when Boxer’s hopes were cut short by a lie (I’m trying not to spoil anything here). And it felt like something in me awakened: an awareness about how selfish ruling powers could exploit its people—even the most loyal ones.
Although Boxer’s incredible strength and determination are inspiring, I think we should be more like Clover instead, who also represents the working class. Unlike Boxer, who believes in leadership blindly, Clover (also a horse) is more inquisitive and critical but remains loyal and hopeful for a better future (like Boxer). Although she is aware of her reality and does not blindly follow leadership, Clover chooses unity among the animals.
Finishing the book was rather timely because I am currently studying Exile which is a core pattern in the entire biblical storyline. My current study reminded me that it’s normal to feel disturbed and uneasy by the current state of things (like Clover did) because I am an exile, waiting to return home to the creation God intended man to live.
While we are still living in an unjust society, does it mean that we should be involved in rebellion against the ruling power? No, we don’t rebel like the animals in the Animal Farm. As a follower of Jesus, we are called for a loyal subversion.
1 Peter 2:13-18 (AMP)
Honor Authority
13 Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, 14 or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right. 15 For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God. 17 Show respect for all people [treat them honorably], love the brotherhood [of believers], fear God, honor the king.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of an awareness of [the will of] God. 20 After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, this finds favor with God.
Romans 13:1-14 AMP
Be Subject to Government
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. [Prov 8:15] 2 Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. 3 For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God]. 6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance. 7 Pay to all what is due: tax to whom tax is due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]. [Matt 22:36-40] 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [Ex 20:13-17; Lev 19:18] 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.
11 Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. 12 The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.
jessa 