Final answer:
In 'Animal Farm', Boxer is a symbol of loyalty and optimism in contrast to Benjamin's skepticism and pessimism. Boxer's unwavering loyalty to the farm's leadership and his work ethic serve as a foil to Benjamin's intelligent but skeptical demeanor.
Step-by-step explanation:
In George Orwell's Animal Farm, the characters of Boxer and Benjamin are used as character foils to highlight different attitudes and responses to the events on the farm. Boxer represents the dedicated, hardworking, and optimistic proletariat; he continuously works harder with the motto 'I will work harder' and remains hopeful about the farm's future. He shows an inexhaustible capacity for loyalty to the farm's leadership, particularly toward Napoleon. In contrast, Benjamin the donkey, stands as the embodiment of skepticism and pessimism. He is literate and intelligent but remains quiet and cynical, never fully submitting to the changes on the farm and questioning the decisions and changes implemented by the leadership. Benjamin's reluctance to follow blindly serves as a stark contrast to Boxer's unwavering loyalty. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Boxer is loyal to the system, while Benjamin is skeptical.