In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the scene where Boxer is taken away in a van is quite poignant. The van has the words "Horse Slaughterer" painted on the side, but the animals do not notice this at first. The moment signifies the betrayal and exploitation that has occurred on the farm, particularly towards Boxer, who has been a loyal worker.
A powerful response to this scene could focus on the use of sight and sound to emphasize the moment of realization for the other animals. For example, they hear the van approaching and feel a sense of dread. Despite the sight of the ominous letters on the van, many of the animals are initially oblivious to the implications.
A quote from the book that illustrates the moment involves the animals’ confusion and their trust in the leadership. Orwell writes, “But somehow neither the words nor the tune ever seemed to the animals to be as inspiring as they had been in the days when they had sung 'Beasts of England.'”
This visual and auditory experience underscores the harsh reality of betrayal and the cruel fate awaiting Boxer, symbolizing the tragic consequences of misplaced trust and the power of propaganda. It connects to their senses by highlighting what they see (“Horse Slaughterer”) and hear (the van's arrival), ultimately leading to a profound sense of loss and despair in the face of their leaders' betrayal.