What Were The 7 Commandments In Animal Farm

What Were the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm? 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. A key element of the story is the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles established by Old Major to create a utopian society for the animals. However, these commandments are gradually manipulated and twisted by the pigs, mirroring the corruption and betrayal that occurred in the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule. Understanding these commandments and their evolution is crucial to grasping the novel's central themes.

The Original Seven Commandments of Animalism

Initially, the Seven Commandments, painstakingly painted on the barn wall, represent a simple, equitable, and just society:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. This commandment targets the human farmers, the oppressors of the animals. It emphasizes the animals' liberation from human tyranny. The clarity and simplicity are intentional, reflecting the initial idealism of the revolution.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. This commandment establishes the basic principle of animal solidarity and companionship. All creatures with four legs or wings are considered allies in the new society. The inclusivity mirrors the initial hopes for a united animal community.

3. No animal shall wear clothes. This directly opposes the human practice of clothing, signifying the rejection of human culture and the embrace of a natural animal existence. It also suggests a rejection of artifice and superficiality.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed. This commandment underscores the rejection of luxury and comfort that was associated with the human farmers. It emphasizes the equal distribution of resources and the renunciation of privilege.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol. This reflects the animals' rejection of harmful and intoxicating substances associated with human debauchery. It promotes a healthy and disciplined society.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal. This commandment promotes non-violence and peaceful coexistence within the animal community. It speaks to the hope for a society devoid of internal conflict and oppression.

7. All animals are equal. This is the foundational commandment, the very essence of Animalism. It emphasizes equality among all animals, regardless of species, size, or ability. It represents the ultimate goal of the revolution: a society free from hierarchy and exploitation.

The Gradual Corruption of the Commandments

As the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate power, the Seven Commandments undergo a systematic and insidious corruption. This gradual change mirrors the gradual erosion of socialist ideals in the Soviet Union. The pigs skillfully manipulate language and rewrite history, ultimately twisting the commandments to serve their own self-interest.

The Subtle Shifts

The changes aren't immediate or overtly violent. They're subtle alterations, often masked by plausible explanations or conveniently overlooked details. This process of gradual erosion is critical to the novel's power, showing how easily totalitarian regimes can manipulate language and perception.

• The alteration of "No animal shall drink alcohol": This commandment is first subtly changed to "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess." This small addition allows the pigs to indulge in alcohol, claiming they're only consuming it moderately. This seemingly minor change reveals the hypocrisy at the heart of the new regime.

• The addition of clauses to other commandments: Over time, other commandments are altered through the addition of clauses and exceptions that benefit the pigs while ostensibly upholding the spirit of the original text. This method further obscures the true nature of the regime's actions.

• The complete rewriting and removal of commandments: Eventually, the pigs' control becomes so complete that some commandments are simply erased or rewritten entirely. The original simple language is replaced by complex and confusing phrases, making it difficult for the other animals to understand or challenge the pigs' authority.

The Final Commandment:

By the end of the novel, the only commandment remaining is "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This cynical twist completely subverts the original principle of equality, revealing the pigs' absolute power and the complete betrayal of the revolution's ideals. It perfectly encapsulates the totalitarian nature of the regime and the manipulation of language to control thought.

The Symbolic Significance of the Commandments

The manipulation of the Seven Commandments is not just a plot device; it's a powerful symbol of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and the importance of critical thinking. Each alteration reflects a specific aspect of the totalitarian takeover:

• The distortion of language: The pigs' manipulation of the commandments reflects how language can be used to control thought and manipulate the population. Orwell highlights the dangers of propaganda and the importance of critical engagement with information.

• The abuse of power: The gradual erosion of the commandments demonstrates how easily power can corrupt and how quickly idealistic goals can be abandoned in pursuit of self-interest.

• The suppression of dissent: The pigs' control over the commandments reflects their suppression of any dissent or challenge to their authority. The animals are unable to question or resist the changes, highlighting the importance of free speech and independent thought.

The Seven Commandments and the Parallels to the Russian Revolution

The Seven Commandments and their subsequent corruption directly parallel the events of the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist era. Old Major represents the idealistic figure of Karl Marx, while the pigs represent the Bolshevik party, with Napoleon specifically echoing the totalitarian rule of Joseph Stalin.

The initial enthusiasm and hope for a better society, reflected in the original commandments, are mirrored in the early stages of the Russian Revolution. The gradual corruption and erosion of the ideals, symbolized by the alterations to the commandments, parallel the rise of Stalin's dictatorship and the suppression of revolutionary ideals.

The ultimate single commandment, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," is a chilling parody of the Soviet Union's claims of equality while maintaining a stark class system. It underscores the novel's central message: the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of maintaining vigilance against totalitarian tendencies.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of the Seven Commandments

The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are far more than just a set of rules within a fictional story. They serve as a powerful and enduring allegory of the dangers of political corruption, the manipulation of language, and the importance of upholding fundamental principles of equality and justice. Orwell's masterful use of symbolism, through the gradual erosion of these commandments, provides a timeless warning against the seductive allure of power and the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes. The simplicity of the original commandments and their eventual twisted interpretation serve as a constant reminder of the fragility of idealistic visions in the face of unchecked ambition and the need for constant vigilance in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. The enduring power of Animal Farm, and specifically the fate of the Seven Commandments, lies in their ability to resonate with readers across generations, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and the eternal struggle against oppression.