Snowball’s lack of foresight may cause the ultimate downfall of Animal Farm, should he possibly take charge. Therefore, Benjamin now comes to mind. Benjamin is portrayed as very pessimistic and cynical. Although he is intelligent and smart he does not put his talents to good use. He only does what he is instructed to do and had no initiative. Yet he followed the principles and rules of Animalism and did not betray it. However, he represents the human tendency toward cynicism, apathy, and the belief that "things will never change".
So how would Benjamin help the farm? Well, he was sharp. When Boxer was about to be sent to the knacker’s, he was the first to realize it. His quick-thinking nature as well as depth of thought could compensate for Snowball’s flaws. Benjamin’s cynicism may actually come to good use, especially if he stands up against one of Snowball’s impractical ideas for the farm. But then again, a problem that may occur is that a possible argument may take place, and there would be no peace.
However, Benjamin had little credibility. In comparison to Squealer’s persuasive skills, Benjamin had little chance of convincing any animal, for he was already too much a cynic. Naturally, Boxer would have little effect of convincing the animals on what was right. Snowball, like Squealer, had the gift of the gab, and would likely prevail in persuading the animals to accept his impractical idea instead. So an important point is whether Benjamin can cooperate with Snowball, if he was to be the deputy leader.
In the novel, Boxer was portrayed as a naïve and gullible character. He was strong not only physically, but morally too. Furthermore, He was very assiduous and never betrayed the principles of Animalism. Boxer was admired by the other animals, and could garner their support in almost any situation. Thus Boxer would hold a very important role in gaining the animals’ support. His immense strength would also contribute to all sorts of labour work. And his hardworking spirit would motivate animals to work harder too.
Napoleon however, made use of such an opportunity to make Boxer one of his propaganda tools, and thus he easily brainwashed nearly all the animals. We can say that Boxer is determined through his motto: “I will work harder”, but gullible and dim-witted through his actions of accepting the lies of the pigs and believing that Napoleon is always right.
When we look at the possibility of Snowball, Benjamin and Boxer working together to achieve Utopia, we have to analyse the problems and drawbacks. Let us refer to Snowball’s staying power and dedication. As we know, he was exiled by Napoleon. His supposed finest hour became his final hour. He had little staying power as a leader, and was easily defeated by his rival. Also, in the novel, he clearly made no attempts to return. So, if he were to be leader, his dedication would definitely be a question as well.
How are Benjamin and Boxer going to oust Napoleon? We feel that the two good friends will complement each other. Everybody admires Boxer and therefore many animals will be willing to follow him. Benjamin will be like Snowball the strategist and think of ways to overcome the subversive tools of Napoleon. Benjamin who has seen through lies spread by Squealer may inform the animals of the truth and incite them to rebel. However, his credibility comes into question. Squealer would definite have an upper hand at such a situation. Benjamin had little credibility in the farm, so we can’t say that the animals would believe him but not Squealer.
Squealer can convince the animals with his melodramatic actions, posing as a serious threat. Yet being a coward, he will be easily scared and frightened and switch sides before it is too late. Boxer can pin down the dogs and the animals will work together in synergy to expel them like what they did to Jones and his men during the Rebellion and Battle of the Cowshed. Napoleon might be a serious problem but when his schemes are laid bare and his tools removed, he may, like Jones will flee, yet he may make a comeback, therefore the animals have to be prepared.
Could Benjamin and Boxer overcome their bad habits and cooperate? We think that Benjamin despite being a cynic knows his duties as shown in the Battle of the Cowshed. Yet he may not be that willing to participate or help, as he is too apathetic. Therefore his pessimism may not be overcome, yet through the counseling of Boxer and when the hunger and desperation crosses the red line, he may change his mentality and help to incite a Rebellion. As for Boxer’s blind loyalty, it may look impossible as he has a motto that Napoleon is always right, therefore Benjamin has to think of a way to get Boxer to change his thoughts. Notice that Boxer only accepted facts when he is too tired and confused to think and only when Comrade Napoleon had stated it.
How are they going to find Snowball? This is quite hard to solve as over the many years Napoleon circulated many lies about Snowball and made him the scapegoat of their problems and misery. Moreover, Snowball has not made a comeback for several years and no news has been made about him. Therefore, trying to get him back is a very difficult task. Furthermore, time is also a determining factor. As we know, more of Napoleon’s damning remarks on Snowball would further brainwash the animals into believing that Snowball was a traitor. Thus as time passes, Snowball’s reputation may be so bad that the animals won’t trust him even if he did return.
Boxer had immense strength and could work hard for the farm’s revival of hope for Utopia, but if time passes on, he may be too old to utilize his strength and grow weak, and thus any form of rebellion against Napoleon will be dismissed.
And will there be corruption within Snowball, Boxer and Benjamin? We know that Snowball was a bit corrupted as shown in the milk and apples. Therefore, if there is just a bit of corruption, the situation may aggravate and the mistakes committed in the past will be again repeated. Yet we feel that Boxer is a keen follower of Animalism and always worked very hard. His actions of kicking away the barrel of beer and participating actively in the Rebellion and 2 Battles shows that he will abstain from the evil stuff that men had. Benjamin, who might foresee the failure of Animalism, might not repeat the same action displayed by Jones and Napoleon. He like Napoleon is not greedy and ruthless. Therefore, Boxer and Benjamin will suppress any corruption that Snowball displays.
Could Squealer and the dogs switch sides and work with the trio? Well, Squealer is a coward and has been living in a life of luxury. He will end up like Mollie or the cat, always shirking from their work and responsibilities. Yet Snowball being an eloquent speaker may be able to convince Squealer to turn over a new leaf. Snowball also can convince the animals about the windmill and also persuade the hens that their wings are not similar to the men’s hands. Squealer can be used to convince the animals through his wonderful speeches and get them to work even harder and bring the farm to greater heights. However, Squealer is as dangerous as Napoleon. He could probably cause the further corruption of Snowball.
Addressing Old Major’s Utopia, we can see that Animalism has a lot of loopholes. The animals may have to trade with humans, for they lacked natural resources. As long as there are leaders, it already depicts inequality. Thus this goes to show that Animalism has to change one way or another for Utopia to be achieved.
For utopia to be achieved the animals will have to cooperate and quarrels will have to be minimal. Benjamin, Boxer and Snowball will have to motivate the animals by working together and planning out with the animals. The three will have to let them participate in the planning for Animalism to be fulfilled. But leaders must exist. Looking at reality, all 1st world countries have leaders. It mainly depends on whether the leaders are corrupted or not. A sad thing to say is that equality can never be fulfilled. There is a different level of intelligence for every animal. If pigs were thought to be generally smarter, how is it that equality exists?
With leaders who are not corrupted nor disorganized, the place that they rule will reach greater heights! Napoleon had already foreseen Animalism’s failure and instead of trying to improve it and alter it for the welfare of the animals. Napoleon uses it for his material and physical comforts.
In conclusion, we’d say that it is possible for Utopia to be achieved. Firstly, the principles of Animalism must change, for it already has loopholes. There are also many ways that Benjamin, Boxer and Snowball can contribute to the success of Old Major’s dream. But there are always the flaws and problems that they need to overcome, for such obstacles would spell the doom and failure of achieving Utopia.
