The Seven Commandments Of Animal Farm

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

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a timeless allegorical novella, using the animals of Manor Farm to satirize the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist regime. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles supposedly ensuring equality and freedom for all animals. However, these commandments undergo a gradual, insidious corruption, mirroring the betrayal of the revolution's ideals. This article will explore each commandment in detail, analyzing its initial meaning, its eventual perversion, and its broader significance within the context of Orwell's political critique.

The Seven Commandments: From Ideal to Irony

The Seven Commandments, initially inscribed on the barn wall, represent the foundational principles of Animalism, the ideology championed by Old Major. They are presented as immutable laws, yet their progressive distortion forms the crux of the novel's narrative arc. Let's examine each commandment individually:

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

This commandment initially served as a clear demarcation between animals (four-legged) and humans (two-legged), representing the animals' rejection of human oppression. It's a straightforward, easily understandable rule designed to unite the animals against a common foe. However, as the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate power, this commandment becomes increasingly flexible. The pigs begin walking on two legs, gradually justifying this behavior as a necessary step for efficient farm management. The inherent ambiguity of "goes upon two legs" allows for a convenient reinterpretation, paving the way for the pigs' authoritarian rule and the erosion of Animalism's core tenets. This subtle shift highlights the ease with which absolute principles can be manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful.

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

This commandment, initially a corollary to the first, reinforces the unity and solidarity among the animals. It promotes a sense of shared identity and mutual support, emphasizing the common enemy in humanity. Yet, as the pigs establish their dominance, even this simple rule is subverted. The pigs, while technically possessing four legs, elevate themselves above the other animals, claiming an exemption based on their supposed intellectual superiority. This gradual erosion of the commandment showcases how easily even the most basic principles can be manipulated to justify inequality and oppression. The distinction between friend and enemy becomes increasingly blurred, mirroring the complex political alliances and betrayals during real-world revolutions.

3. "No animal shall wear clothes."

This commandment reinforces the animals' rejection of human culture and its perceived artificiality. Clothes are seen as symbols of human vanity and hierarchy, contrasting with the animals' natural state. The pigs, however, eventually begin wearing clothes, starting with hats and boots, and eventually adopting full attire. This act symbolizes their complete appropriation of human characteristics and their rejection of the egalitarian ideals of Animalism. The adoption of clothes isn't simply a matter of practicality; it's a blatant display of power and a symbolic abandonment of the very principles the revolution was founded upon. It's a visual representation of the pigs' transformation from revolutionary comrades to oppressive rulers.

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

This commandment, seemingly innocuous, highlights the distinction between the animals' simple lifestyle and the perceived luxury of human life. Sleeping in a bed is interpreted as a sign of indulgence and privilege. The pigs, once again, gradually subvert this rule. They begin by sleeping on straw, then on sheets, and finally, on elaborate beds with pillows and mattresses. This gradual escalation perfectly embodies the insidious nature of power: small compromises and seemingly minor deviations from the original principles eventually lead to a complete reversal of the original intent. The comfort and luxury enjoyed by the pigs starkly contrast with the hard work and deprivation experienced by the other animals.

5. "No animal shall drink alcohol."

This commandment reflects the animals' rejection of human vices and self-destructive behaviors. Alcohol is seen as a symbol of human decadence and irresponsibility. Napoleon, however, allows the pigs to consume alcohol, justifying it as necessary for their health and wellbeing. This is a clear indication of the pigs' increasingly self-serving nature, prioritizing their own pleasure and comfort above the collective good. This also highlights the hypocrisy prevalent within the ruling elite, emphasizing the disconnect between their actions and the principles they purportedly uphold. The consumption of alcohol symbolizes the pigs' complete detachment from the original ideals of Animalism.

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

This commandment expresses the animals' commitment to non-violence and mutual respect. It is a fundamental principle of Animalism, aiming to establish a peaceful and harmonious society. This commandment, however, is twisted and exploited by the pigs. While outwardly maintaining peace amongst the animals, they use violence and intimidation to maintain their power. The executions carried out by the dogs, Napoleon's private army, represent a clear violation of this commandment, showcasing how easily a seemingly absolute moral principle can be ignored in the pursuit of power. This highlights the brutal realities of totalitarian regimes, where violence and oppression are disguised under the guise of order and stability.

7. "All animals are equal."

This is the most fundamental and overarching of the Seven Commandments, representing the core principle of Animalism: equality among all animals. This seemingly simple statement is gradually eroded until it's completely meaningless. The pigs reinterpret this commandment to read "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This infamous addition summarizes the complete corruption of Animalism and exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of the pigs' regime. This profound change illustrates the subtle ways in which equality can be manipulated and destroyed, effectively creating a new hierarchy where the pigs, and ultimately Napoleon, stand at the apex. It showcases how even the most fundamental ideals can be twisted to justify inequality and oppression.

The Significance of the Commandments' Corruption

The gradual corruption of the Seven Commandments is not merely a narrative device; it's a powerful commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of revolutionary ideals. Orwell uses the commandments as a symbolic representation of the ways in which revolutionary principles can be betrayed and twisted to serve the interests of a totalitarian regime. The transformation of the commandments mirrors the historical trajectory of the Russian Revolution, where the initial promises of equality and freedom were gradually replaced by Stalin's brutal dictatorship.

The ambiguity inherent in some of the commandments allows for flexible interpretation, allowing the pigs to manipulate the language and justify their actions. This highlights the importance of clear and unambiguous language in the articulation of political ideals. The subtle shifts in meaning, from the initial noble intentions to the eventual cynical perversions, show how easily idealistic goals can be corrupted in the pursuit of power.

The Lasting Legacy of the Seven Commandments

The Seven Commandments, and their subsequent corruption, remain a potent symbol of the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of vigilance against the abuse of power. Orwell's allegory continues to resonate with readers because it highlights timeless truths about political power, the manipulation of language, and the fragility of ideals in the face of unchecked ambition. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be critical of those in power and to actively defend the principles of justice, equality, and freedom. The commandments themselves, in their original form and their final twisted version, stand as a powerful reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking in a political landscape rife with manipulation and deception. Their lasting legacy lies in their capacity to provoke reflection on the fragility of utopian ideals and the ever-present threat of tyranny. The story's enduring relevance ensures that the Seven Commandments will continue to serve as a powerful warning for generations to come.