Chapter 9

“For a horse, it was said, the pension would be five pounds of corn a day and, in winter, fifteen pounds of hay, with a carrot or possibly an apple on public holidays. Boxer’s twelfth birthday was due in the late summer of the following year.” Considering the events of the past few chapters, the conversation surrounding Boxer’s retirement seems to be the sole source of optimism for the farm. As he is known to be the hardest worker, the potential of a good life after work for Boxer prompts the audience’s empathy.