Read the passage from Animal Farm.

Question

All the men were gone except one. Back in the yard Boxer was pawing with his hoof at the stable-lad who lay face down in the mud, trying to turn him over. The boy did not stir.

"He is dead,” said Boxer sorrowfully. "I had no intention of doing that. I forgot that I was wearing iron shoes. Who will believe that I did not do this on purpose?”

"No sentimentality, comrade!” cried Snowball from whose wounds the blood was still dripping. "War is war. The only good human being is a dead one.”

"I have no wish to take life, not even human life,” repeated Boxer, and his eyes were full of tears.

Which statement best explains how details in the passage develop the central idea that Boxer is kindhearted and does not want to harm even an enemy?

The details show that Boxer is strong and capable of killing humans.
The details show that Boxer is upset at the thought of killing the boy.
The details show that Snowball supports Boxer’s discomfort with war.
The details show that Boxer is happy to learn that the boy survived.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains how details in the passage develop the central idea that Boxer is kindhearted and does not want to harm even an enemy is:

The details show that Boxer is upset at the thought of killing the boy.

This is supported by Boxer’s sorrowful reaction to the boy lying in the mud and his emotional response, including having tears in his eyes and expressing his intent to not take life. These details illustrate Boxer's kindhearted nature and his deep remorse over the incident, highlighting his reluctance to harm others, even those who are considered enemies.