In Animal Farm What Are The Seven Commandments

In Animal Farm, What Are the Seven Commandments? A Deep Dive into Orwell's Allegory

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, using animals on a farm to represent historical figures and events. Central to the novel's narrative and its critique of totalitarian regimes are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the ideology guiding the animals' rebellion. These commandments, initially designed to create a fair and equitable society, undergo a subtle yet significant transformation throughout the story, mirroring the corruption and power grab that occurs under Napoleon's leadership. This article will delve into each commandment, analyzing their initial meaning, their gradual distortion, and their ultimate significance within the broader context of Orwell's allegorical masterpiece.

The Seven Commandments: From Ideal to Irony

The Seven Commandments, painted on the barn wall, serve as the foundational principles of Animalism, the philosophy that fuels the animals' revolution against Farmer Jones. They represent the ideals of equality, fairness, and animal liberation. However, as the pigs, particularly Napoleon, consolidate power, these commandments are systematically manipulated and rewritten, highlighting the insidious nature of totalitarian control.

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

This commandment initially represents a clear distinction between humans (who walk on two legs) and animals (who walk on four legs or have wings). It's a simple, understandable rule that unites the animals in their struggle against their oppressors. However, as the pigs become increasingly human-like, this commandment is subtly undermined. They begin walking upright, wearing clothes, and engaging in human activities, yet their status as "enemies" is conveniently ignored or redefined. This initial commandment's distortion exemplifies the pigs' gradual shift towards the very system they rebelled against. The pigs redefine "enemy" to serve their own political agenda, showcasing the flexibility of propaganda and the arbitrary nature of power.

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

This commandment is the counterpart to the first, reinforcing the unity of the animals. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the various animal species on the farm. However, this too is manipulated. As the pigs establish their dominance, their actions directly contradict this commandment. They exploit and oppress other animals, highlighting the hypocrisy of their actions. This commandment, in its original form, was meant to be inclusive; its corruption displays the blatant disregard for the well-being of the other animals by the pigs. The "friendship" offered is purely conditional and only exists to serve the pig's interests.

3. "No animal shall wear clothes."

This commandment emphasizes the separation of animals from the human world and symbolizes a rejection of human culture associated with oppression. The pigs' eventual adoption of clothes represents a significant symbolic betrayal of the revolution's core values. The wearing of clothes isn't simply a practical matter; it signifies the pigs' appropriation of human characteristics and the rejection of their animal identity, mirroring the assimilation into the very system they fought against.

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

This commandment is initially about maintaining a simple, egalitarian lifestyle. Sleeping in a bed was associated with luxury and privilege, something denied to the animals under Farmer Jones’s rule. The gradual alteration of this commandment is subtle. The pigs begin by adding sheets, then blankets, and eventually occupy the entire bed, demonstrating how small changes lead to a dramatic shift in power dynamics. It also highlights the insidious nature of how gradual changes in power can be normalized and accepted. The commandment’s modification is a testament to the gradual erosion of equality.

5. "No animal shall drink alcohol."

This commandment initially restricts the consumption of alcohol, associated with human vice and debauchery. This is a relatively straightforward rule. However, the pigs’ violation of this commandment showcases their increasing decadence and corruption. They develop a taste for alcohol, gradually increasing their consumption, further solidifying their rejection of Animalism's core tenets. This shift underscores the hypocrisy of those in power as they enjoy the very luxuries they denied to the rest of the animal community.

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

This commandment is about maintaining peace and harmony among the animals. The pigs manipulate this commandment, using it to justify their own violence against other animals and justifying the use of force against those who oppose their authority. The commandment itself is not rewritten, but its application is warped to serve the pigs' interests. This highlights the malleability of rules under a totalitarian regime. What constitutes "killing" becomes subjective and arbitrary, with the pigs defining the limits to suit their agenda.

7. "All animals are equal."

This is the most important commandment, representing the core ideal of Animalism—equality amongst all animals. However, the pigs subtly alter this commandment to read, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This succinct modification is the ultimate betrayal of Animalism. It perfectly summarizes the pigs' tyrannical rule, where equality is merely a façade concealing a hierarchical and oppressive system. It’s a chilling demonstration of how easily an ideology can be twisted to justify inequality and oppression.

The Significance of the Commandments' Degradation

The gradual erosion of the Seven Commandments isn't merely a plot device; it's a powerful symbol of how easily utopian ideals can be corrupted by power. The subtle changes, initially overlooked by the other animals, accumulate to create a drastically different reality. This mirrors the way totalitarian regimes manipulate language and propaganda to control and oppress their populations. The pigs' manipulation of the Commandments serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how totalitarian systems exploit the masses using carefully crafted ideologies and deceptive language to maintain their grip on power.

The Role of Propaganda and Squealer:

The pigs' success in manipulating the Commandments is largely due to their skillful use of propaganda and the role of Squealer, Napoleon's cunning mouthpiece. Squealer's ability to twist words, distort facts, and manipulate the other animals' understanding of the Commandments is crucial to the pigs' consolidation of power. He constantly reframes the narrative, making the pigs' actions appear beneficial to the entire farm, despite the obvious inequalities that emerge. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of unquestioning obedience.

The Animals' Complicity:

The other animals, initially hopeful and idealistic, gradually become more passive and accepting of the pigs' increasingly tyrannical rule. Their lack of critical thinking and willingness to accept Squealer's explanations contribute to the success of the pigs' manipulation. This reflects the way individuals can lose their sense of agency under oppressive regimes, becoming complicit in their own subjugation. The animals’ naiveté and their acceptance of the alterations demonstrate how readily people can be manipulated by those in positions of power.

Orwell's Warning:

The degradation of the Seven Commandments is a powerful and enduring warning against totalitarian regimes, blind adherence to ideology, and the seductive nature of unchecked power. Orwell's use of allegory transcends the specific historical context of the Russian Revolution, making the message relevant to any society susceptible to authoritarianism. The transformation of the commandments serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, critical thinking, and the constant struggle to protect democratic values. The simplicity and clarity of the original commandments contrast sharply with the twisted and convoluted interpretations that follow, highlighting the profound corruption that occurs under authoritarianism.

In conclusion, the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are not merely a set of rules; they are the very heart of the novel's allegorical message. Their evolution from idealistic principles to tools of oppression mirrors the betrayal of revolutionary ideals and the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes. Their subtle distortion serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, the importance of critical thinking, and the constant struggle to defend freedom and equality. Orwell’s mastery lies in his ability to use a seemingly simple farm animal story to illuminate profound truths about power, corruption, and the fragility of freedom.