24 Classics for 2024 discussion

(view spoiler)[Second time around and I am so sad to read Boxer's death again. It is heartbreaking because of what he represents: a loyal and faithful servant who is betrayed by corrupt leaders.

The exploited working class, dedicated and sometimes with naive trust in those in power. It's sad because he works hard with the belief that he will also benefit from the work of his labors. He was used more by the pigs than he ever was by Mr. Jones.

I definitely see his death as the turning point in the story. What events do you see that Boxer's death launched? (hide spoiler)]

Since this was my first time reading this, I had no idea what I was getting into. I finished it a few days ago and I had to collect my thoughts to reply to this discussion.

(view spoiler)[ I had a feeling something's bad going to happen to Boxer from working longer and harder than everyone in the farm. Maybe it was naivety on my part, but I truly believed that someone would at least be concerned about his health but of course that didn't happen - instead it got worse.

Boxer was the backbone of the farm, but he wasn't treated as such. Not only he gets absolutely nothing in return for all this hard work (even though Napoleon promised to give Boxer his pension) but he also gets betrayed by Napoleon and gets rid of him. Things could've gone differently if Boxer wasn't that blind in trusting Napoleon, but we wouldn't have this tragic story.

I agree with you Ruth that Boxer's death is the turning point. Everything after that went downhill and beyond hope for anything positive to happen. (hide spoiler)]