Contents

Sketch the character of Benjamin.

Benjamin is a donkey. He is the most interesting character in the novel, who often becomes the source of humour. In fact, he seems to have more knowledge than other animals. He is not affected by any situation or any personality. He represents the intellectual class of the society. He shows no interest towards revolution because he is not influenced by the ideas of Old Major. He does not laugh at anything because he thinks that there is nothing in the world to laugh at. But he does not mar his interest in work and ne always remains enthusiastic about labour He often passes very cynical remarks. He observes each and every thing of the farm keenly but remains silent. He knows how to read by refuses to read commandments of the farm because ne knows that these are useless in the farm. Though he is aware that all the plans of Napoleon for the benefit and prosperity of pigs only but he does not produce any opinion on it. He fights against Jones in the “Battle of Cowsned”, but does not take active part in the conflict between Snowball and Napoleon, fie contributes to the construction or windmill but expresses grief when it is destroyed.

Thus, he remains amoved at every untoward happening in the farm. Even the accident of Boxer does not appeal to him and he is aot bewildered at seeing the saious condition of boxer. Perhaps he is aware of the face of the eyes of the life and death. He believes in actions. That is why, ne employed his almost energy to nurse Boxer. When squealer eds Boxer to butcher’s house ustead of hospital, he lets the animal know about it In fact, he is deeply shocked by the death Boxer but he quesot show he grief and remains silent In the same Lunes, he know about the hipocrisy of pigs whose chief aim is to impose superiority on other animals, but he does not pass any comment on it After the death of Boxer, his activities are like philosopher. He seldom talks to the animals. In the last chapter he deals with the problem of next generation. He is able to recall every details of his life. He also knows that hunger hardship and disappointment at over, common to the animal. He knows that it is in their faith.

George Orwell created this animal for dispecific purpose. He presents him for the intellectual class of the society. Generally, it is obsevered that intellectuais de not take part in any revolution. They try to remain neutral. When Benjamin says that “none has even seen a deas donkev” he means to say that intellectual is immortal. Benjamin is the only character of the novel, who presents wit and humour. He becomes a source of humour for the animals. When animals tell him that God has provided them with a tail to drive off the flies, he replies that it would be better if they have no fly and not tail. This remark creats humour. Not only this, but also many times, his silence on important issues of the farm, becomes a source of humour. His comments on the change of commandments often produce wit on the one hand and humour on the other hand,

Summing up, it may be said that Bejamin is a remarkable personality of the novel. He is the symbol of intellectuals who remain unmoved and reluctant in odd circumstances but it does not mean that he contributes nothing in the revolution against tyranny of Jones.