Kylie Masshardt Essays (482 words) - Literature, Fiction, Culture

Kylie Masshardt Essays (482 words) - Literature, Fiction, Culture Kylie Masshardt Period 2 Adv. Methods of Communication May 2, 2016 Ignorance Is NOT Bliss What you don't know wont hurt you. A common phrase preached by many people everywhere. But what about what you do know that others don't? Through the choice of a stubborn, hard-headed animal, George Orwell exemplifies the burden that comes with being the only one aware of your situation when surrounded by ignorance. Benjamin, a donkey on Manor Farm in the book Animal Farm, shows the reader the downside of being the only one aware of your situation. Through the loss of a friend, the constant fear of knowing exactly what is to come next, and knowing the others will not believe him is exactly the price Benjamin pays for the knowledge of his surroundings. Excited by the promises made by Napoleon and Squealer for a better tomorrow, the animals on Manor were oblivious to seriousness of their surroundings. Cynical, stubborn, and fully aware, Benjamin the donkey knew exactly the fate of the farm. Benjamin was viewed by others as an "old cynic." He often remained quiet, but when he spoke it was a cynical remark usually along the lines of, "Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey."(Orwell 36) Though Benjamin was fully aware of his situation he rarely spoke to the others of his knowledge. He knew the outcome of his action would most likely lead to his execution, keeping him quiet. He also knew the chances of the others believing him were slim. Strong, hard-working, and determined Boxer worked long strenuous hours to show his blind loyalty to Napoleon. Loved and respected by others, Boxer was a role model to some animals on the farm. The loyalty form Boxer, played a large role in Napoleons rise to power. After the continuing destruction of the windmill, Boxer worked long days and nights each time to re-build it even better than the last. Orwell states that Benjamin was "devoted to Boxer," but throughout the story, the mention of Boxers health from working strenuous hours was minimal. To save his friend, Benjamin let Boxer continue to work long back-breaking days. Boxers decline in health, now became apparent to more than just Benjamin. Boxers long days of working were over. Napoleon called a truck, which he informed the animals as a truck to take him to "Sugar Mountain." But in fact he had sold Boxer, a long devoted follower, to a factory for money. Once aware of where his friend was being taken, Benjamin screeched and trie d to inform the other animals where he was actually going. Some animals actually started to believe him, but they were instantly informed by Squealer that all was well, and went back to their ignorant lives. For Benjamin he knew his friend, Boxer, would no longer have to suffer the cost of ignorance.