What are the 7 commandments in Animal Farm? And why do they matter in a world where pigs might fly?

blog 2025-01-12 0Browse 0
What are the 7 commandments in Animal Farm? And why do they matter in a world where pigs might fly?

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a timeless allegory that critiques the rise of totalitarianism and the corruption of ideals. At the heart of this novella are the 7 Commandments, a set of rules established by the animals after they overthrow their human oppressors. These commandments serve as the foundation for their new society, but as the story unfolds, they are gradually twisted and violated, revealing the hypocrisy and greed of those in power. This article delves into the significance of the 7 Commandments, their evolution, and their broader implications in both the fictional world of Animal Farm and our own.


The Original 7 Commandments: A Vision of Equality

When the animals first rebel against Mr. Jones, they are united by a shared dream of equality and freedom. The 7 Commandments, painted on the barn wall, embody this vision:

  1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
  2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
  3. No animal shall wear clothes.
  4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
  5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
  6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
  7. All animals are equal.

These rules are simple, clear, and designed to prevent the animals from replicating the oppressive behaviors of humans. They represent the ideals of Animalism, the philosophy introduced by Old Major, the wise boar who inspires the rebellion.


The Gradual Erosion of the Commandments

As the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate their power, the commandments begin to change. This process is subtle at first but becomes increasingly blatant as the pigs adopt human vices. Here’s how each commandment is altered or ignored:

  1. “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.”
    This commandment is eventually replaced with “Four legs good, two legs better” after the pigs start walking on two legs and collaborating with humans.

  2. “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.”
    This ideal is undermined when the pigs prioritize their own interests over those of the other animals, treating them as inferior.

  3. “No animal shall wear clothes.”
    The pigs begin wearing clothes, symbolizing their separation from the other animals and their adoption of human behaviors.

  4. “No animal shall sleep in a bed.”
    The pigs modify this commandment to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets,” allowing them to enjoy the comfort of beds while technically adhering to the rules.

  5. “No animal shall drink alcohol.”
    After the pigs discover the pleasures of alcohol, this commandment is changed to “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”

  6. “No animal shall kill any other animal.”
    This rule is amended to “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause,” justifying the executions of animals who oppose Napoleon.

  7. “All animals are equal.”
    The final and most poignant change occurs when the pigs add the phrase “but some animals are more equal than others,” revealing the complete betrayal of the revolution’s ideals.


The Symbolism of the Commandments

The 7 Commandments are more than just rules; they are a reflection of the animals’ hopes and the pigs’ corruption. Their evolution mirrors the way revolutionary ideals are often distorted by those in power. Here are some key symbolic interpretations:

  • The Corruption of Power: The pigs’ manipulation of the commandments illustrates how power can corrupt even the most noble intentions. Napoleon and his followers use the rules to justify their actions while suppressing dissent.

  • The Loss of Collective Memory: As the commandments are altered, the animals struggle to remember the original versions. This symbolizes the way history can be rewritten to serve the interests of the ruling class.

  • The Illusion of Equality: The final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” highlights the hypocrisy of systems that claim to promote equality while perpetuating inequality.


Broader Implications: Lessons for the Real World

While Animal Farm is a critique of the Soviet Union under Stalin, its themes are universal. The 7 Commandments serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of ideals. Here are some real-world parallels:

  • Political Propaganda: The pigs’ manipulation of the commandments mirrors the way governments and leaders use propaganda to control public perception and justify their actions.

  • The Erosion of Rights: The gradual changes to the commandments reflect how rights and freedoms can be eroded over time, often in subtle ways that go unnoticed until it’s too late.

  • The Importance of Vigilance: The animals’ failure to challenge the pigs’ authority underscores the importance of vigilance and critical thinking in preserving democratic values.


Conclusion: The Legacy of the 7 Commandments

The 7 Commandments in Animal Farm are a powerful reminder of the gap between ideals and reality. They show how easily principles can be corrupted when those in power prioritize their own interests over the common good. As readers, we are challenged to reflect on our own societies and the ways in which power and privilege can distort the pursuit of justice and equality.

In a world where pigs might fly—or at least claim to—the lessons of Animal Farm remain as relevant as ever. The 7 Commandments are not just a set of rules; they are a call to action, urging us to question authority, defend our rights, and strive for a society where all are truly equal.


Q: Why did the pigs change the commandments?
A: The pigs changed the commandments to justify their increasingly human-like behavior and to maintain control over the other animals. By altering the rules, they could exploit the system without appearing to violate the principles of Animalism.

Q: What does the final commandment mean?
A: The final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” is a satirical statement that exposes the hypocrisy of the pigs. It reveals that the revolution has failed to achieve true equality, as the pigs have become a privileged elite.

Q: How do the commandments reflect the theme of corruption?
A: The gradual changes to the commandments symbolize the corruption of the pigs and the betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. They show how power can distort principles and lead to the exploitation of others.

Q: Are the commandments still relevant today?
A: Yes, the commandments remain relevant as a critique of authoritarianism and the abuse of power. They serve as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the importance of holding leaders accountable.

Q: What role does Squealer play in changing the commandments?
A: Squealer, the pigs’ propagandist, is responsible for justifying the changes to the commandments. He uses persuasive language and manipulation to convince the other animals that the alterations are necessary and in their best interest.

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