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 totalitarian regimes. At the heart of the novel lies a deceptively simple set of rules, the Seven Commandments of Animalism, which serve as both the foundation of the animals' utopian dream and the gradual erosion of their ideals. Understanding these commandments, their evolution, and their ultimate subversion is key to grasping the novel's powerful message.

The Original Seven Commandments: A Blueprint for Equality

Initially, the Seven Commandments, painstakingly inscribed on the barn wall, represent the animals' aspirations for a just and egalitarian society, free from human oppression. They are:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. This commandment clearly targets the human oppressors, Old Major's nemesis. It's a straightforward rule focusing on the fundamental difference between animals and humans.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. This reinforces the unity of the animals against their human adversaries. It establishes a simple, easily understood distinction between friend and foe.

3. No animal shall wear clothes. This commandment directly challenges the human tendency towards artifice and social hierarchy, symbolized by clothing. It reflects the desire for a natural, unadulterated existence.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed. This targets the human concept of luxury and comfort, contrasting it with the animals' simpler lifestyle. It emphasizes the rejection of human decadence.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol. Alcohol is associated with human vice and recklessness, suggesting a commitment to temperance and responsible behavior within the animal community.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal. This promotes peace and cooperation among the animals themselves, highlighting the importance of internal harmony.

7. All animals are equal. This fundamental principle underscores the core ideal of Animalism – equality and fairness for all. It’s the overarching principle upon which the entire system is built.

These commandments, at their inception, are clear, concise, and resonate with the animals' yearning for liberation. Their simplicity is crucial; they are easily understood by all animals, regardless of their level of intelligence. This accessibility is deliberately contrasted with the complex laws and obfuscation of human society.

The Gradual Corruption of the Commandments

As the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate their power, the Seven Commandments undergo a subtle but significant transformation. This transformation is not immediate but rather a slow, insidious process reflecting the gradual erosion of the revolution’s ideals. This manipulation is a critical aspect of Orwell's critique of totalitarian power structures.

The subtle changes are initially subtle and easily overlooked, often happening under the cover of night. This reflects how totalitarian regimes often make their changes slowly, allowing the populace to become accustomed to the new normal before realizing the extent of the shift.

The alterations are frequently justified by the pigs, claiming it's necessary for the good of the farm or to counter threats to Animalism. This justification mirrors the propaganda techniques employed by totalitarian regimes to maintain their grip on power.

The Manipulation Tactics Employed

Napoleon uses several manipulative tactics to alter the commandments:

• Squealer's Propaganda: Squealer, Napoleon's eloquent propagandist, uses skillful rhetoric and misinformation to convince the other animals that the changes are beneficial or have always been the intended meaning. He twists language and distorts facts to suit Napoleon's agenda.

• Fear and intimidation: The dogs, Napoleon's loyal enforcers, are used to silence dissent and enforce obedience. Any animal questioning the changes risks severe punishment or even death.

• Gradual changes: The alterations are introduced gradually, making it difficult for the animals to pinpoint the exact moment the commandments were altered. The changes become so gradual that they seem almost imperceptible until the full extent of the corruption becomes undeniable.

• Rewriting History: The pigs actively alter records and memories to create a narrative that supports their actions, effectively erasing any evidence of the original commandments.

The Transformation of the Commandments: A Timeline of Deception

The changes to the commandments aren't random; they're meticulously planned to benefit the pigs and solidify their authority. Let's trace the evolution of some key commandments:

Commandment 1 & 2: These commandments are essentially erased as the pigs become increasingly human-like. Their walk on two legs, their adoption of clothing, and their engagement in trade with humans directly contradict the original intent.

Commandment 3 & 4: The pigs eventually start wearing clothes and sleeping in beds, citing this as a necessity for their leadership and intellectual pursuits. This demonstrates the hypocrisy at the heart of the regime, as the pigs use their supposed intellectual superiority to justify their privileges.

Commandment 5: The pigs' consumption of alcohol becomes excessive, leading to debauchery and further eroding the principles of Animalism. The rule against alcohol is simply ignored.

Commandment 6: The pigs break this commandment by ruthlessly eliminating those who oppose them. This act of violence underscores their true nature as tyrannical leaders, willing to use force to maintain their power.

Commandment 7: This is ultimately reduced to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". This cynical rewording encapsulates the complete betrayal of Animalism’s founding principles, revealing the pigs’ blatant disregard for equality and fairness.

The Final Commandment: A Symbol of Totalitarianism

The ultimate state of the Seven Commandments perfectly mirrors the corruption of the revolution. The original ideals of equality and freedom are replaced by a brutal, self-serving tyranny where the pigs, disguised as the benefactors of the farm, are in absolute control. The final commandment, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," becomes the ultimate symbol of this totalitarian regime. It is a stark reminder of how easily power corrupts and how easily principles can be twisted to justify oppression.

The pigs' manipulation of language and the commandments themselves serve as a potent symbol of how totalitarian regimes use propaganda and manipulation to control their populace. They control the narrative, rewriting history and twisting the meaning of words to suit their purposes. The simplicity and clarity of the original commandments are deliberately subverted, replaced by ambiguity and double-speak.

The Significance of the Seven Commandments: A Lasting Legacy

The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are far more than just a set of rules; they are a powerful allegory for the dangers of unchecked power, the corrupting influence of ideology, and the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes. They serve as a timeless warning against the erosion of ideals and the importance of vigilance in the defense of freedom and equality. The gradual and deliberate changes to the commandments reflect the subtle and insidious ways in which totalitarian regimes gain and maintain power.

The enduring relevance of Orwell’s allegory lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary political landscapes. The manipulation of language, the suppression of dissent, and the corruption of ideals are themes that continue to plague societies worldwide. The Seven Commandments serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic principles and the constant need for vigilance against those who would exploit and abuse power. The story’s lasting impact lies in its potent reminder that the fight for equality and freedom is a continuous struggle, one that requires constant vigilance and a refusal to accept the subtle erosion of fundamental principles. The simplicity and deceptiveness of the commandments' transformation highlight the importance of critical thinking, questioning authority, and resisting manipulation. These lessons remain deeply relevant in an era of misinformation and political polarization.