Boxer And John As A Tragic Hero

Boxer from Orwell’s Animal Farm and John from Huxley’s Brave New World are both tragic heroes. Both possess noble characteristics, a tragic flaw, and their flaws eventually accumulate into a fatal mistake. However, Boxer and John both take on the role of tragic hero in contrasting ways.
Both Boxer and John are tragic heroes and consequently are of noble character. From the beginning it is clear that Boxer wants what is best for Animal Farm and he will sacrifice as much is needed to assist. Early in the novel, Boxer adopts his motto “I will work harder!” He spends hours of his own free time to put in extra work (Orwell). It’s clear that he is not doing this work for his own personal benefit, but instead for the benefit of the farm and community as a whole. His selfless hardworking attitude is just one manifestation of …show more content…
As the plot progresses, Boxer works himself harder and harder in order to assist in the construction of the farm’s windmill. Even though his rations had decreased under Napoleon’s changes, he still pulled in his best effort to contribute everything he could (Orwell). Even in poor conditions, Boxer’s loyalty shines and stands out as another staple of his noble character. Similar to Boxer, John’s noble character takes form through his own unique traits. Towards the center of John’s character arc, he is seen scolding Bernard for creating a “lying happiness” and suppressing real emotions through his use of soma (Huxley). Although his would be easier for him to reluctantly ignore the characteristics of the World State he disagrees with, he instead stands up for what he believes is right. John’s search for not what is easiest, but