Animal Farm Chapter Nine Summary

Boxer's Injury and Determination

• Boxer injures his hoof but continues to work despite the pain.
• Clover treats Boxer's hoof and urges him to rest, but Boxer refuses.
• Boxer hopes to see the windmill completed before his retirement.

Pension Plan and Hardships

• Animals' retirement ages are initially established, with pensions promised.
• No animal has retired yet, but discussions increase as Boxer's retirement approaches.
• Winter is harsh, and food is scarcer than before; pigs and dogs maintain their rations.
• Squealer justifies the reduction as a "Readjustment," insisting life is better than under Jones.

Farm Life and Inequality

• Young pigs are given special privileges and schooling separate from other animals.
• Pigs receive more food and leisure, with barley reserved for their beer.
• "Spontaneous Demonstrations" organized to boost morale and celebrate farm's achievements.

Political Changes and Propaganda

• Animal Farm is declared a republic; Napoleon is the sole candidate and elected president.
• New details accuse Snowball of treachery with Jones during the Battle of the Cowshed.
• Moses the raven returns, preaching about "Sugarcandy Mountain," tolerated by the pigs.

Boxer's Decline

• Boxer works harder than ever, despite his declining health.
• His twelfth birthday approaches, and he looks forward to retirement.
• One day, Boxer collapses while working; his lung gives out.
• Squealer promises medical care for Boxer but the animals are uneasy about sending him away.

Boxer's Fate

• A van arrives, supposedly to take Boxer to the hospital, but Benjamin reads it as belonging to a horse slaughterer.
• Boxer tries to escape, but the van drives away too quickly.
• Three days later, it's announced Boxer died in the hospital.
• Squealer claims Boxer received excellent care and reassures animals about a misunderstanding with the van.

Aftermath and Deceit

• Napoleon delivers a speech honoring Boxer, announces a memorial banquet.
• The pigs acquire money, possibly from Boxer's sale, to buy whiskey.
• The chapter ends with implications of gross inequality and exploitation by the ruling pigs.