Benjamin

[Mark]

Benjamin, the dour and unflinching Donkey, frequently assumes a sort of “middle ground” regarding events on Animal Farm. He repeatedly states that “Donkeys live a long time,” and that regardless of political outcomes, “life would go on as it always had—badly (page 41).” Discuss the symbolism of Benjamin and his various pronouncements. What role does this character serve in Animal Farm? Question issued by the publisher: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...

[Mark]

I think Benjamin represents the sort of person who in Stalinist Russia tried to survive by not drawing attention to himself. He accepts Napoleon’s government the same way he accepted Jones’ government, but he doesn’t believe any system is any better than any other or that any system is good. His pronouncements don’t mean anything. They are designed to prevent retribution from Napoleon. His form of rebellion is to do as little as possible, and his sole nod to something other than cynicism is his devotion to Boxer.