7 Commandments From Animal Farm

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

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a satirical novella that uses animals on a farm to depict the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles meant to establish a fair and equal society among the animals. However, these commandments, initially representing ideals of freedom and equality, gradually become twisted and manipulated by the pigs, mirroring the corruption and power grabs within the Soviet regime. Understanding the evolution of these commandments is key to comprehending the novel's powerful allegorical message. This article will delve into each commandment, tracing its transformation and analyzing its symbolic significance within the context of the overall narrative.

Introduction: The Genesis of Animalism

The initial Seven Commandments, painstakingly inscribed on the barn wall by Old Major, the old boar who inspires the revolution, represent the core tenets of Animalism. They are designed to create a utopian society free from human oppression, characterized by equality, freedom, and mutual respect. These commandments are not merely rules; they are the foundation of a new social order, built on the ideals of collective ownership and communal living. The initial purity of these commandments starkly contrasts with their eventual corruption, highlighting the fragility of ideals in the face of unchecked power. The subtle and gradual changes, carefully orchestrated by the pigs, especially Napoleon, demonstrate the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes and their ability to manipulate language and ideology for their own benefit.

The Seven Commandments: From Ideal to Distortion

Let's examine each commandment individually, tracing its metamorphosis throughout the narrative:

1. "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy."

This commandment, initially clear and straightforward, targets the oppressive human farmer, Mr. Jones. It's a simple rule designed to unite the animals against their common enemy. However, as the pigs consolidate their power, they gradually reinterpret this commandment. They begin to walk on two legs, justifying it as a matter of practical necessity or even claiming it's a matter of "advanced Animalism." This highlights the ease with which seemingly absolute principles can be manipulated to serve the interests of those in power. The pigs subtly shift the meaning, ultimately erasing the line between animal and human, mirroring the blurring of ideological lines in totalitarian states.

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

This commandment, initially a simple articulation of animal solidarity, also undergoes a subtle shift. While the initial intent was to create unity amongst all animals, the pigs eventually exploit this commandment to their advantage. The initial broad inclusivity is eroded as the pigs consolidate their power, using their new interpretation of the rules to justify their subjugation of other animals.

3. "No animal shall wear clothes."

This commandment is designed to separate the animals from their human oppressors. Clothing is a symbol of human civilization and power. However, the pigs gradually begin to wear clothes, again justifying their actions as being for the betterment of the farm or reflecting their advanced status within the animal society. This illustrates the progressive erosion of the initial principles of Animalism, signifying the abandonment of the original ideals of the revolution. The pigs' adoption of human attire symbolizes their assimilation into the very system they fought against.

4. "No animal shall sleep in a bed."

Initially, this commandment aims to prevent the animals from indulging in the comforts previously enjoyed by Mr. Jones. However, the pigs gradually redefine "bed," initially allowing straw, then blankets, and finally culminating in beds with sheets and pillows. This demonstrates the insidious nature of incremental change and the gradual erosion of principles through semantic manipulation. The continuous redefinition reflects the gradual acceptance of privilege and luxury by the ruling class. It is a subtle process that allows the pigs to maintain the appearance of adhering to the commandments while steadily abandoning their core meaning.

5. "No animal shall drink alcohol."

This commandment is seemingly about maintaining sobriety and discipline among the animals. However, the pigs soon start consuming alcohol, initially justifying it as being necessary for their health and well-being. This demonstrates how even seemingly straightforward rules can be bent to accommodate the desires of the ruling class. The consumption of alcohol symbolizes the pigs' descent into decadence and self-indulgence, further distancing them from the ideals of Animalism. The blatant disregard for this commandment further underscores the hypocrisy of the ruling class.

6. "No animal shall kill any other animal."

This commandment, intended to establish peace and harmony among the animals, is ironically violated by the pigs, who use violence and intimidation to maintain their control. This is one of the most significant breaches of the original principles, showing how the desire for power can override even the most fundamental moral precepts. The betrayal of this commandment marks a turning point in the farm's decline into tyranny.

7. "All animals are equal."

This, arguably the most important commandment, is ultimately reduced to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This chilling alteration, made towards the end of the novel, sums up the entire cynical trajectory of Animal Farm. The pigs, through manipulation and coercion, have achieved complete dominance, inverting the original ideal of equality into a blatant justification for inequality. This final change encapsulates the novel's central theme: the corruption of power and the ease with which idealistic principles can be twisted to serve the interests of the ruling class.

The Significance of the Commandments' Degradation

The progressive alteration of the Seven Commandments is not a random occurrence; it's a carefully orchestrated process designed to consolidate the pigs' power and maintain their control over the other animals. This process showcases several key aspects of totalitarian regimes:

• Propaganda and Manipulation: The pigs skillfully use propaganda and manipulation to change the meaning of the commandments, justifying their actions and maintaining the illusion of adherence to the original principles. This illustrates the power of language and rhetoric in maintaining control.

• Erosion of Ideals: The gradual erosion of the commandments reflects the slow but steady corruption of the initial revolutionary ideals. This shows how even the most noble intentions can be corrupted by the pursuit of power.

• Control through Fear and Intimidation: The pigs use fear and intimidation to enforce their rule and silence dissent. This highlights the repressive nature of totalitarian regimes and their reliance on violence to suppress opposition.

• The Power of Language: The novel underscores the importance of language in shaping perceptions and controlling thought. The pigs' ability to manipulate the meaning of words is crucial to their control.

• The Perpetuation of Inequality: Ultimately, the alteration of the commandments leads to the establishment of a new form of inequality, even more oppressive than the one the animals initially revolted against.

Conclusion: A Timeless Warning

The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm serve as a powerful allegory for the dangers of unchecked power, the corruption of ideals, and the manipulative nature of totalitarian regimes. Orwell’s narrative is a timeless warning against the seductive allure of power and the importance of vigilance in protecting fundamental principles of justice and equality. The evolution of these commandments remains a chilling reminder of the fragility of ideals and the need for constant scrutiny of those in power. The novel's enduring relevance lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary political and social realities, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles. Understanding the transformation of these seemingly simple commandments is fundamental to grasping the profound message embedded within Orwell's masterpiece.