The Seven Commandments In Animal Farm

The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm: A Deep Dive into Orwell's Allegory

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a satirical masterpiece, a chilling allegory of the Russian Revolution and the dangers of totalitarianism. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments, initially established as the guiding principles of Animalism, the ideology that fuels the animals' rebellion. However, these commandments undergo a gradual and insidious corruption, mirroring the erosion of ideals in revolutionary movements. This article will delve into each commandment, exploring its original intent, its subsequent manipulation by the pigs, and its symbolic significance within the broader context of the novel. Understanding these commandments is key to unlocking the novel's powerful message about power, corruption, and the fragility of revolutionary ideals.

The Original Seven Commandments: A Foundation of Equality

At the outset of the rebellion, Old Major, the wise old boar, lays out the principles of Animalism, summarized in the Seven Commandments. These commandments, painted on the barn wall, represent the animals' shared dream of a fair and equitable society:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

These simple yet powerful statements encapsulate the utopian vision of the animals. They represent the rejection of human oppression, the embrace of animal equality, and the establishment of a society free from exploitation. The initial clarity and simplicity of these commandments are crucial; they represent the purity of the revolutionary ideals before their corruption begins.

The Gradual Erosion of Ideals: A Study in Corruption

The pigs, led by the cunning Napoleon, gradually manipulate and reinterpret the commandments to suit their own ambitions. This process is not sudden or violent but subtle and insidious, mirroring the gradual erosion of revolutionary ideals in real-world scenarios. The changes are often presented as minor adjustments, justified through carefully constructed arguments and propaganda. This slow erosion allows the pigs to consolidate power without provoking open rebellion from the other animals.

Let's examine how each commandment is twisted and subverted:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

This commandment, initially aimed at humans, is gradually modified to exclude certain pigs who walk on two legs. Napoleon and his inner circle begin to adopt human habits, walking upright, using whips, and wearing clothes, justifying these actions with sophisticated arguments and propaganda. The other animals, initially hesitant, are eventually convinced through fear and manipulation, illustrating the power of propaganda in undermining revolutionary ideals. This is symbolic of how revolutionary leaders may eventually disregard their original principles once they obtain power.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

This seemingly straightforward commandment becomes increasingly irrelevant as the pigs solidify their control. The focus shifts from the friendship between animals to the loyalty to the pigs themselves. The other animals, initially accepting of this commandment, are soon forced to prioritize loyalty to the pigs' authority over genuine animal friendship. This reflects the way in which revolutionary movements often replace genuine camaraderie with blind obedience.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

This commandment is one of the first to be breached. Initially, the pigs justify wearing clothes for practical reasons—protection from the cold—but eventually, it becomes a symbol of their superior status. This mirrors the way in which those in power will often use seemingly practical justifications to mask their increasing privileges.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

This commandment undergoes a gradual transformation. It starts with the pigs sleeping in beds with sheets, then with blankets, and finally, in actual beds with pillows and mattresses. The animals initially protest, but the pigs’ rhetoric, mixed with fear and manipulation, erodes their resistance. This demonstrates the creeping nature of tyranny, where small concessions ultimately lead to complete subjugation.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

This commandment is broken quite early on, with the pigs justifying their alcohol consumption as necessary for their health and leadership roles. This act of hypocrisy underscores the ease with which those in power can abandon their original principles to maintain their lavish lifestyles. The shift from abstinence to excess highlights the corruption inherent in unchecked power.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

This commandment, initially a cornerstone of animal equality and peaceful coexistence, is violated regularly during the pigs' reign of terror. They orchestrate executions and manipulate the other animals into fighting each other, maintaining control through violence and fear. This demonstrates how revolutionary ideals often succumb to harsh realities of maintaining power, especially when those ideals clash with maintaining control.

7. All animals are equal.

This fundamental commandment is the most significantly altered. It is subtly changed to read, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This blatant contradiction encapsulates the ultimate perversion of the revolution. It highlights the complete reversal of the initial egalitarian ideals, showcasing the profound corruption that has overtaken Animal Farm. This final alteration is a stark reminder of the hypocrisy and inequality often concealed beneath the veneer of revolutionary rhetoric.

The Symbolic Significance: A Warning Against Totalitarianism

The Seven Commandments and their subsequent corruption serve as a potent symbol of the dangers of totalitarianism. The pigs' manipulation of language and the systematic dismantling of the original principles illustrate the ease with which power can corrupt and how easily revolutionary ideals can be betrayed. The commandments' transformation mirrors the historical trajectory of many revolutionary movements, where initial promises of equality and freedom are ultimately replaced by authoritarian rule and oppression.

Orwell uses the seemingly simple commandments to illustrate a complex process: the gradual erosion of truth and the normalization of injustice. By observing the incremental changes, readers can understand how easily a seemingly utopian vision can be corrupted into something monstrous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of the pigs changing the commandments?

A: The pigs' alteration of the Seven Commandments symbolizes the perversion of revolutionary ideals and the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes. It showcases how those in power can manipulate language and rewrite history to justify their actions.

Q: How does the change in the commandments reflect real-world events?

A: The changes mirror the corruption that occurred in the Soviet Union following the Bolshevik Revolution. The initial revolutionary promises were gradually replaced by Stalinist authoritarianism, and the manipulation of language played a crucial role in maintaining control.

Q: Why are the Seven Commandments so important to the plot of Animal Farm?

A: The Seven Commandments are the central tenet of Animalism and act as the moral compass of the story. Their gradual erosion serves as the plot’s engine, driving the narrative towards the animals' ultimate subjugation.

Q: What is the ultimate message conveyed by the manipulation of the commandments?

A: The ultimate message is a warning against unchecked power, the dangers of totalitarianism, and the importance of vigilance in protecting revolutionary ideals from corruption.

Conclusion: A Timeless Lesson on Power and Corruption

The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are more than just rules; they are a powerful symbol of the fragility of revolutionary ideals and the insidious nature of power. Their transformation throughout the novel serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of remaining vigilant against the erosion of truth and justice. Orwell's masterpiece compels us to reflect on the history of revolutionary movements and the crucial need to safeguard the principles that underpin a just and equitable society. The story remains relevant today as a warning against the seductive power of corruption and a testament to the enduring fight for freedom and equality. The simplicity and directness of the Seven Commandments make them a potent symbol, easily understood yet capable of provoking deep reflection on the complexities of political power and societal change. Their ultimate corruption is a chilling reminder of how easily noble intentions can be corrupted, and how crucial vigilance and critical thinking are in safeguarding freedom and justice.