What Are The Seven Commandments In The Book Animal Farm

What Are the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm, and What Do They Mean?

George Orwell's allegorical novella, Animal Farm, uses the Seven Commandments to satirize the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era. These commandments, initially designed to guide the animals towards a utopian society, are gradually manipulated and twisted by the pigs, mirroring the corruption and power grabs that occurred in the Soviet Union. Understanding these commandments and their evolution is crucial to grasping the novel's central themes of power, manipulation, and the dangers of unchecked authority.

The Original Seven Commandments: A Foundation of Equality

At the outset of the rebellion, Old Major, the wise old boar, inspires the animals with his vision of a society free from human oppression. This vision is encapsulated in the Seven Commandments, painstakingly written by Snowball on the barn wall:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

This commandment targets the human oppressors, clearly identifying them as the enemy of the animals. It's a straightforward and easily understood principle aimed at uniting the animals against their common foe.

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

This commandment reinforces the bond between animals, establishing a broad alliance against humanity. It's a simple, easily grasped rule that promotes unity and solidarity among the animal community.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

This is a direct attack on human culture and sophistication, symbols of oppression and exploitation in the animals' eyes. Clothes represent the artifice and deception that humans use to maintain their dominance.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

This commandment targets the comfort and luxury enjoyed by the humans, contrasting sharply with the animals' hard work and deprivation. It’s a symbol of class distinction and the rejection of human privilege.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

This addresses the vice of human indulgence, portraying it as a weakness that compromises morality and clear thinking. Alcohol is shown as a symbol of human decadence and self-indulgence.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

This reflects the ideal of animal cooperation and mutual respect. It underscores the desire for a peaceful and harmonious society where animals no longer prey on one another.

7. All animals are equal.

This is the foundational principle upon which the entire animal society is based. It's the ultimate goal, the promise of an egalitarian society free from oppression and hierarchy.

The Gradual Corruption of the Commandments: A Descent into Tyranny

As the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate their power, they subtly and then overtly alter the commandments to suit their own self-interests. This manipulation mirrors the totalitarian tactics employed by Joseph Stalin and his regime. Let's examine how each commandment is twisted:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. This commandment remains largely unchanged in its wording, but its application is profoundly altered. The pigs gradually adopt human characteristics, wearing clothes, sleeping in beds, and engaging in trade, yet they maintain that they are still fulfilling the commandment because they are only occasionally walking on two legs.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. This, too, is twisted to suit the pigs' agenda. Any animal who opposes their rule is deemed an enemy, regardless of whether it has four legs or wings. This manipulation highlights how easily principles of friendship and alliance can be used to justify oppression.

3. No animal shall wear clothes. This is broken early on, as the pigs begin wearing clothes for "practical" reasons, gradually adopting more and more human clothing. This is justified by their supposed intellect and leadership role, further highlighting the subtle manner in which power can corrupt.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed. This is modified to state that no animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets. This minor alteration allows the pigs to enjoy the luxury of beds, further demonstrating the creeping erosion of the original ideals.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol. This is modified to read: "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess." This subtle change allows the pigs to indulge in alcohol, highlighting the hypocrisy inherent in their regime. It shows how small alterations in language can mask significant changes in behavior.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal. This commandment is blatantly violated as the pigs ruthlessly eliminate their rivals and dissenters. This showcases the extent to which the pigs will go to maintain their power.

7. All animals are equal. This commandment is ultimately reduced to: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This is the most blatant and cynical manipulation of all. It encapsulates the entire narrative arc, illustrating how the ideals of equality and justice can be perverted to justify inequality and tyranny. This final alteration epitomizes the pigs' complete seizure of power and their blatant disregard for the initial principles of the revolution.

The Symbolic Significance of the Commandments' Degradation

The progressive corruption of the Seven Commandments serves as a powerful commentary on several important themes:

• The Perversion of Ideals: The novel demonstrates how initially noble goals can be twisted and manipulated to serve the interests of those in power. The utopian vision of animal equality is gradually eroded until it becomes a grotesque parody of its original intention.

• The Dangers of Uncritical Obedience: The animals' unquestioning acceptance of the pigs' explanations highlights the dangers of blindly following authority without critical analysis. The animals fail to see the gradual changes in the commandments, illustrating the ease with which propaganda and manipulation can sway public opinion.

• The Power of Propaganda and Language: The pigs’ skillful manipulation of language and propaganda allows them to control the narrative and maintain their power. By subtly altering the commandments and controlling information, they maintain their grip on the animal community.

• The Nature of Totalitarianism: The degradation of the commandments mirrors the techniques used by totalitarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain control. The manipulation of language, the rewriting of history, and the use of force are all evident in the pigs' actions.

• The Cyclical Nature of Power: The story underscores the cyclical nature of power. The animals revolt against human oppression, only to fall prey to the tyranny of their own kind. This cycle highlights the enduring struggle against power and the constant vigilance needed to prevent its abuse.

Conclusion: A Timeless Warning

The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are far more than just a set of rules; they are a potent symbol of the dangers inherent in unchecked power, the corruptive influence of ideology, and the importance of critical thinking. Orwell's allegorical tale remains relevant today, serving as a stark warning against the insidious nature of tyranny and the need to safeguard against the erosion of fundamental principles. The continued relevance of Animal Farm lies in its ability to expose the timeless nature of political manipulation and the enduring struggle for justice and equality. The subtle and ultimately brutal alterations of the Seven Commandments stand as a powerful reminder of the fragility of ideals and the vigilance required to protect them.