The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm: A Deep Dive into Orwell's Allegory
George Orwell's Animal Farm uses the seven commandments as a powerful symbol of the corruption of ideals and the dangers of unchecked power. Initially representing the principles of Animalism, a revolutionary ideology aimed at creating a fairer society for animals, they gradually become twisted and manipulated to suit the pigs' ambitions. Understanding their evolution is key to grasping the novel's satirical message.
Let's examine each commandment and its eventual fate:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
This commandment, initially clear and straightforward, targets the human oppressors. However, as the pigs gain power, they subtly reinterpret it, walking on two legs more frequently until it's almost meaningless. This subtle change demonstrates the gradual erosion of the revolution's core principles.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
This commandment, paired with the first, establishes a simple dichotomy between friend and enemy. However, its simplicity also makes it vulnerable to manipulation. As the pigs gain power and begin to adopt human characteristics, this commandment, too, loses its initial clarity and purpose.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
This commandment reflects the animals' rejection of human culture and artificiality. The pigs' eventual adoption of clothes symbolizes their complete embrace of human ways, highlighting their betrayal of the revolution's original ideals.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
This commandment, initially targeting the privileged life of the human owners, is gradually altered. The pigs begin by sleeping on beds, then in beds with sheets, and eventually with the best mattresses and pillows. This illustrates the gradual and almost imperceptible shift from revolutionary ideals to self-serving luxury.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
This commandment reflects the animals' rejection of vices associated with human indulgence. The pigs, however, begin consuming alcohol, rationalizing it as necessary for their leadership and health. This hypocrisy underscores the corruption of the revolutionary ideals.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
This commandment, promoting peace and harmony among the animals, is subtly broken as the pigs ruthlessly eliminate any opposition, justifying it as necessary for the "good" of the farm. This reveals the brutality underlying their seemingly benign rule.
7. All animals are equal.
This is the most crucial commandment, representing the fundamental principle of Animalism—equality. This principle is ultimately destroyed when it's amended by the pigs to read, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This blatant contradiction perfectly encapsulates the novel's core theme: the abuse of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
Frequently Asked Questions (Addressing potential "People Also Ask" entries):
What is the significance of the changing commandments in Animal Farm?
The changing commandments symbolize the gradual erosion of the revolution's ideals and the pigs' complete betrayal of the initial principles of Animalism. It shows how easily slogans and principles can be manipulated for personal gain.
How do the Seven Commandments reflect the Russian Revolution?
The changing commandments are a direct allegorical representation of the corruption of the Russian Revolution. The initial ideals of equality and fairness, much like the early commandments, are ultimately twisted and manipulated by the powerful elite, mirroring Stalin's regime.
What is the ultimate message of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm?
The ultimate message is a warning against unchecked power and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. It highlights how easily revolutionary ideals can be corrupted, and how power can be used to justify oppression and inequality. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and the constant safeguarding of fundamental principles.
By examining these commandments and their evolution, we gain a profound understanding of Orwell's insightful critique of political power and the ever-present danger of its abuse. The seemingly simple rules become a powerful microcosm of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the subtle ways in which power can corrupt even the most idealistic of beginnings.
