What Are The 7 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 novella that uses animals on a farm to depict the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Central to the story's allegorical power are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles initially established to create a utopian society for the animals. However, these commandments gradually become corrupted and twisted, mirroring the erosion of ideals in totalitarian regimes. This exploration delves into each commandment, analyzing its initial meaning, its subsequent manipulation, and its ultimate significance within the narrative.

The Seven Commandments: From Ideal to Irony

The Seven Commandments, painted on the barn wall, serve as the bedrock of Old Major's revolutionary vision and the initial promise of Animalism. Their progressive erosion under Napoleon's rule highlights the insidious nature of power and the fragility of revolutionary ideals.

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

This commandment directly targets the human farmer, Mr. Jones, and the oppressive system he represents. It's a clear and simple call to action, uniting the animals against their common enemy. However, the commandment's simplicity becomes its downfall. Napoleon eventually manipulates it to include not only humans but also any animal who disagrees with his regime, effectively silencing dissent. This manipulation is cleverly staged – the pigs gradually adopt human characteristics, walking on two legs, yet the other animals are either too naive or too intimidated to question this blatant breach of the first commandment.

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

This commandment appears to be the perfect counterpart to the first, creating a clear distinction between friend and foe. It fosters camaraderie amongst the animals and strengthens their sense of unity. Yet, this seemingly straightforward rule also suffers a cruel twist of fate. As the pigs become increasingly powerful and human-like, they redefine "friend" to exclude any animal who challenges their authority. The commandment's broad inclusivity is manipulated to become a tool of exclusion. The pigs, now walking upright and engaging in human activities, reinterpret the commandment to suit their ambitions, demonstrating the ease with which even the most basic principles can be subverted.

3. "No animal shall wear clothes."

This commandment is a symbolic rejection of human culture and sophistication, emphasizing the animals' commitment to their natural state. Clothes represent artifice and the artificial constructs of human society, which the animals are striving to escape. This initially pure and simple concept becomes an ironic testament to the pigs' growing power as they gradually start to wear clothes, justifying this by claiming it’s necessary for improved hygiene or work efficiency. The blatant disregard of this commandment demonstrates the pigs’ complete disregard for the original principles of Animalism and their full embrace of human traits.

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

This commandment addresses the perceived comfort and privilege associated with human-like living. Sleeping in a bed is seen as a symbol of luxury, and rejecting it signifies a commitment to equality and simplicity. Yet, the pigs gradually reinterpret "bed" to encompass anything comfortable, eventually sleeping in sheets, then pillows, and finally actual beds. This subtle alteration, a classic example of semantic shift, allows the pigs to justify their increasingly human-like behavior while maintaining the illusion of adhering to the commandments. This highlights the slippery slope of gradual corruption and the manipulative use of language to maintain control.

5. "No animal shall drink alcohol."

This commandment specifically targets one of the vices associated with humans. It emphasizes self-control and discipline, values deemed essential for a successful revolution. However, Napoleon and his inner circle find a loophole, reasoning that "alcohol" in small doses does not break the rules. This leads to the pigs' unchecked consumption of alcohol, eventually taking over the farmer's whisky supply and indulging in drunken debauchery. This demonstrates the dangerous combination of power and unchecked gratification, and the ease with which rigid rules can be bent to satisfy personal desires.

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

This commandment, arguably the most significant in terms of upholding peace and order, embodies the principles of non-violence and mutual respect among the animals. It speaks to the creation of a more harmonious and just society. Yet, under Napoleon's increasingly tyrannical rule, this commandment is frequently violated through the use of the dogs and the silencing of opponents. The pigs manipulate and redefine what constitutes 'killing', using it to eliminate dissenters and those perceived as threats to their power, showing the destructive capacity of fear and violence in maintaining political control. The initial pursuit of a peaceful society is brutally crushed under the weight of oppression.

7. "All animals are equal."

This, the most important of the seven commandments, represents the core ideal of Animalism—equality among all animals. It is the fundamental principle that guides the revolution and the promise of a better future. However, this simple yet powerful statement is ultimately erased, replaced with the phrase "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This alteration perfectly encapsulates the betrayal of the revolution, revealing the complete corruption of the system and the pigs' blatant disregard for their initial promises. It shows how power corrupts and how even the most idealistic of principles can be manipulated and twisted to justify inequality and oppression.

The Significance of the Commandments' Corruption

The gradual corruption of the Seven Commandments isn't accidental; it's a deliberate process reflecting the manipulation of language and the perversion of ideals under a totalitarian regime. Orwell masterfully uses this allegory to expose the dangers of unchecked power and the susceptibility of even the most well-intentioned revolutions to be hijacked. The changing commandments highlight several key themes:

• The Abuse of Language: The pigs' manipulation of the commandments demonstrates the power of language to control thought and manipulate reality. By subtly altering the meaning of words and twisting phrases, they justify their actions and maintain control over the other animals. This highlights the importance of clear communication and the dangers of propaganda and misinformation.

• The Erosion of Ideals: The story showcases how even the most noble intentions can be corrupted by the pursuit of power. The animals' initial desire for equality and freedom is gradually eroded as the pigs seize control. The commandments' deterioration mirrors this decline, symbolizing the loss of hope and the betrayal of the revolution's promises.

• The Dangers of Totalitarianism: Animal Farm serves as a warning about the dangers of totalitarian regimes. Napoleon's absolute power and his manipulation of the commandments reflect the tactics used by dictators to maintain control. The systematic suppression of dissent and the twisting of facts to maintain power serve as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance against oppressive systems.

• The Importance of Critical Thinking: The other animals' failure to question the pigs' actions emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and independent thought. Their naive acceptance of the changing commandments highlights the danger of blind faith and the susceptibility of individuals to manipulation and propaganda.

• The Cyclical Nature of History: The final outcome of Animal Farm suggests that history may repeat itself. The animals, having overthrown their human oppressor, find themselves subjected to a new form of oppression, even more brutal and insidious than the previous one. This cycle of revolution and oppression underscores the complexities of political change and the challenges of creating a truly just and equitable society.

In conclusion, the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm are not just a set of rules; they are symbolic representations of the ideals of a revolution, its gradual corruption, and the ultimate triumph of tyranny. Orwell's genius lies in his ability to weave a simple yet profound allegory that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the importance of vigilance, critical thinking, and the ever-present dangers of unchecked power and the manipulation of language. Their deterioration serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of ideals and the enduring struggle for justice and equality.