In this extract, the reader learns that Boxer is very well respected by his fellow animals (except the pigs, arguably). This is shown through three things: his physical strength and how his appearance changes, his attitude and the other animals' actions towards him. Before Boxer falls down he is described as looking old and Lee says that "his strength is not what it had been". Boxer is starting to age and is fast approaching retirement. His "great haunches seem to have shrunken" which is a sign that a horse is aging and should not be in work any more. When the spring grass comes through, Boxer does not fatten up or get a shiny coat. Because of this, the reader feels sorry for Boxer and he is portrayed as a weaker character than he used to be. .
Despite this, Boxer's strength of character still shines through. He is determined to see out his working days so carries on shifting rocks from the quarry to where the windmill is going to be built. He even manages to stick to his motto "I will work harder." Boxer has an extraordinary will to continue and for this reason, the reader sees him as an admirable character. He is shown to be strong-willed and a real asset to the farm which helps the scene of his departure to be even more tragic. The attitudes of the other animals towards Boxer are genuine and kind, excluding the pigs who are pleasant to him but are somewhat putting on a show. When Boxer falls down, it is Clover and Benjamin who help him the most. Clover says "we must get help at once" which shows her concern for Boxer. However, the pigs take a quarter of an hour to arrive at Boxer's side, which shows that they weren't in any hurry to tend to him. While help is being sought after, "Clover remained, and Benjamin, who lay down at Boxer's side, and, without speaking, kept the flies off him with his long tail." This is caring and shows that Boxer is valued highly by Benjamin and Clover as they are concerned for his survival and comfort.
