Animal Farm Comparative Essay: Intellect versus attitude
People can rarely go far based on their mental prowess alone; other traits are equally desirable when one wants to make an impact. In Animal Farm by George Orwell, Benjamin the donkey and Squealer the pig are characters who have a similar knowledge and intellect, but have very different roles in the book due to presentation and perspective. Benjamin has a sour demeanor that makes little impact on those around him. Squealer’s dogged demeanor has a different effect. Animal Farm provides an insight on how proper attitude and presentation are as necessary as knowledge and awareness in deciding one’s role in society and when he wishes to make an impact.
Benjamin is portrayed as a pessimistic character; he does not believe in change and therefore makes no effort to induce it. His attitude is a large part of what keeps him from becoming a major influence during and after the Rebellion. He is described as never laughing, which the other animals notice and question him about (5). Benjamin replies to their inquiry with his trademark cynicism, “he would say that he saw nothing to laugh at” (5). Benjamin further isolates himself from his peers and depreciates the value of his opinions. His attitude costs him his credibility. He may be aware of the dangers that threaten the unstable equality the Rebellion brought, but his pessimism ruined any chances of changing the plotline.
Squealer’s view on change is the polar opposite of Benjamin’s. He knows that he can make a difference and change others’ perspectives, so he does. Orwell describes him as one who can “turn black into white,” and as “very persuasive.” Squealer is aware of his abilities and shamelessly utilizes them. In a time of revolution the animals look for someone to set the new norm, Squealer takes it upon himself to do that. He is not morally qualified for such a job, but his attitude enrolls him to fulfill the task. “Squealer was sent to make the necessary explanations to the others.” In this quote there is no question to whether or not Squealer will effectively get the other animals to obey commands that the pigs devise. Squealer is clever enough to understand the animals’ situations and uses that to his advantage. Knowledge and awareness of the situation alone cannot be attributed to Squealer’s success. Squealer’s belief in himself allows for the change he makes.
Benjamin’s attitude spills into his mannerisms. He is reserved and delivers his rare words glumly. When he is asked about his opinions on the Rebellion he replies with: “Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey.” Benjamin is insinuating that he knows the outcome of the revolution. By stating the length of his life he gives an answer to the animals’ question because he implies how his opinions don’t matter because nothing has changed in the grand scheme of things. He knows that in time, the pigs will morph into powers no different from the humans. He has the intelligence and awareness, yet he cripples himself with his cryptic words. A proper presentation of his knowledge could have changed the other farm animal’s thoughts and actions, because they would receive information in more perspectives than just Squealer’s. Benjamin presents his words as enigmatically as Squealer once in the story when Boxer dies. “ ‘Fools! Fools!’ shouted Benjamin, prancing round them” Benjamin makes himself noticeable, “They are taking Boxer to the knacker’s!” (122) Benjamin is clear with his meaning. As a result the other animals are riled up, and attempt to stop the fleeing cart, which holds Boxer. “A cry of horror burst from all the animals” (122) a change in presentation greatly changed the impact Benjamin made on the animals. Benjamin’s influence is short lived as his usual attitude returns.
Squealer’s approach is relentless and straightforward; if the animals don’t believe him he will continue to elaborate on a point or make up lies, until the animals have no choice but to succumb to his will. He has a shrill voice that cannot be ignored, and vivacious movements (16). Squealer does not wait for the animals to come to him. Unlike Benjamin, he blatantly voices his thoughts, allowing no misinterpretation. This can be observed when Squealer addresses the issue of why the pigs consume all of the milk: “You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this [consuming the milk] in a spirit of selfishness…if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back!”(35) The animals hear of the consequences and are immediately compliant. Squealer’s methods of presenting his information focus on getting his point across. Another instance where Squealer is careful to present his knowledge in an irrefutable manner, is when he eradicates any ideas that Boxer was taken to a butcher shop. He shames anyone who believes differently from him. “It was almost unbelievable, said Squealer, that any animal could be so stupid [As to think that Napoleon would give Boxer to the slaughter house].” Squealer’s presentation is effective in manipulating the animals to agree with his position on current circumstances. He uses his knowledge of ongoing events in the farm animals’ lives to present claims which keep him and the other pigs in charge as great and noble leaders.