Boxer was sent away to be killed because he was no longer considered useful to Animal Farm by the pigs, who had become the ruling class.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
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Reduced Productivity: Boxer's immense strength and dedication were his defining characteristics. However, as he aged, he became less productive. He could no longer perform the demanding labor that the pigs required for their increasingly ambitious projects (like rebuilding the windmill).
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Economic Calculation: The pigs, especially Napoleon, operated under a ruthless, self-serving economic model. They prioritized efficiency and profit above the well-being of the animals. Boxer, as a weakening asset, became a liability rather than an asset.
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Sale for Profit: Instead of allowing Boxer to retire peacefully as promised, the pigs saw an opportunity to profit from his demise. They sold him to the knacker (horse slaughterer) for money, which they used to buy more whiskey. This highlights their complete betrayal of the principles of Animalism and their descent into corruption.
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Propaganda and Control: The pigs maintained their control through propaganda and manipulation. Squealer, the propagandist pig, skillfully distorted the truth, claiming that Boxer was being taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. This lie prevented the other animals from realizing the true fate of their loyal comrade and helped maintain the pigs' power. This reflects the use of propaganda in totalitarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain control.
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A Cautionary Tale (for the other animals): As referenced in the instructions, Boxer's fate served as a stark warning to the other animals. It illustrated that even the most loyal and hardworking individuals could be discarded once their usefulness was over. This discouraged any resistance and reinforced the pigs' authority. It showed the animals what would happen to them if they grew old or became unproductive, driving them to continue their hard work.
In essence, Boxer's tragic end epitomizes the corruption and exploitation that ultimately consumed Animal Farm, transforming it into a mirror image of the oppressive society it initially sought to overthrow.
