Benjamin

• Who is Benjamin in Animal Farm?

  • An old and pessimistic donkey
  • Close friend of Boxer
  • Plans to spend retirement with Boxer
• How does Benjamin react to events on the farm?

  He is never enthusiastic when things go well and is not surprised when things go wrong
• What does Benjamin's vague response about happiness after Mr. Jones's departure suggest?

  He has seen rebellions come and go and knows happiness will be short-lived
• What does Benjamin mean when he says, "Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey"?

  It hints that he has witnessed similar events in the past
• How does Benjamin's view of life differ from the other animals' views?

  He has a pessimistic view and does not share their enthusiasm
• What does Benjamin's statement that "life would go on as it always had gone on - that is, badly" reveal about his character?

  It shows he has a pessimistic view and sees struggles rather than victories
• What does it mean when it is said that Benjamin was not negative, just realistic?

  He understood that conditions would revert to 'normal' despite initial improvements
• What does Benjamin profess to remember about his life?

  Every detail of his long life and that things never had been, nor ever could be much better or much worse
• What does Benjamin's belief that hunger, hardship, and disappointment are the 'unalterable law of life' imply?

  It explains his attitude toward changes on the farm and his lack of enthusiasm
• How does Benjamin's character reflect the themes of pessimism and realism in Animal Farm?

  • Benjamin is a pessimistic character who doubts the success of the Rebellion.
  • His realism contrasts with the optimism of other animals.
  • He believes that life will continue to be filled with hardship and disappointment.