Boxer is primarily sad after the battle because he mistakenly believes he has killed a young man.
Boxer, a loyal and hardworking cart-horse from George Orwell's Animal Farm, possesses a strong sense of compassion and morality. His emotional response to the Battle of the Cowshed stems from his concern for others, even those considered enemies.
Here's a breakdown of why Boxer experiences sadness:
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Belief in Causing Harm: During the chaos of the battle, Boxer kicks out with his powerful hooves to defend the farm. Afterward, he is distraught, believing that his actions have resulted in the death of a young stable boy. This deeply affects him.
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Contradiction to His Values: Boxer is a gentle giant who embodies the principle of "I will work harder." The idea of taking a life directly clashes with his fundamental belief in hard work and contributing positively.
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Emotional Response, Not Strategic: Unlike some of the other animals, who might focus on the strategic victory, Boxer feels a profound emotional impact from the violent encounter. His sadness highlights his innocence and his inability to reconcile violence with his values.
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Relief and Continued Dedication: When it's revealed that the young man was only stunned and recovered, Boxer experiences immense relief. This incident further solidifies his commitment to working even harder to make up for his perceived transgression.
In essence, Boxer's sadness after the battle is a testament to his kind heart and the conflict he experiences between his strength and his desire to avoid causing harm.
