The characters of Benjamin and Mollie in the story Essay Example
George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is a satirical novel featuring various characters with distinct personalities, including Mollie, the white mare, and Benjamin, the donkey. These two characters exhibit almost opposing traits, with Mollie being fond of having her desires fulfilled while Benjamin is stubborn and unwilling to cooperate with farm matters.
In the satire, Mollie and Benjamin have contrasting experiences and outcomes. Initially, Mollie enjoys a comfortable life under Mr. Jones, evident from her dainty entrance while chewing on sugar. Conversely, Benjamin is unsociable, with his communication limited to occasional remarks such as "god gave me a tail to keep the flies off". He also conceals his intelligence, as demonstrated by his refusal to read the pigs' commandments to Clover, a stout mare. Following the revolution, Mollie and Benjamin experience vastly different fates.
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...spite both being taught to read and write after the revolution, Mollie's and Benjamin's use of these skills greatly differed. Mollie, unable to handle the demands of the farm, left to seek human attention. She only learned to write her own name, indicating her selfish nature. She didn't like doing things that didn't benefit her, and would often avoid work. On the other hand, Benjamin "never exercised his faculty" of reading and writing, showing that he didn't value this ability and didn't share the knowledge he had. As a result, he witnessed the downfall of the farm. Ultimately, how Mollie and Benjamin used their power of education reflected their character.
The treatment of humans and pigs by Mollie and Benjamin reflects their personalities. Initially, Mollie enjoyed privileges under Mr Jones who provided her with sugar and ribbons. Benjamin displayed the same attitude towards humans as
he did towards other animals, working slowly and stubbornly. Following the revolution, Mollie pursued humans as she was told by Snowball that the farm would no longer provide sugar and ribbons. Ultimately, Mollie's selfishness was exhibited by her refusal to sacrifice anything when she left the farm with a "fat red-faced man in check breeches and gaiters".
Despite the revolution, Benjamin remains unchanged, carrying out his duties as he did under Jones without any extra effort. This highlights his indifference towards the farm's welfare. Mollie and Benjamin have contrasting personalities that mirror their attitudes towards the revolution. Mollie is portrayed as self-centered, desiring a life of luxury devoid of hard labor while Benjamin keeps his thoughts to himself and appears unconcerned about the revolution.
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