Animal Farm Seven Commandments

George Orwell's *Animal Farm* is a timeless allegorical novel that uses the story of a group of farm animals to critique totalitarianism and the corruption of power. One of the most significant elements of the novel is the Animal Farm Seven Commandments, which are the principles that the animals adopt to guide their new society after overthrowing their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. These commandments are central to the narrative and serve as a moral compass for the animals, highlighting the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom. However, as the story progresses, the commandments undergo a series of transformations that reflect the gradual erosion of these ideals under the leadership of the pigs, particularly Napoleon.

Table of Contents

The Original Seven Commandments

The Animal Farm Seven Commandments are first introduced by the wise old pig, Old Major, who inspires the animals with his vision of a utopian society free from human exploitation. After Old Major's death, the pigs Snowball and Napoleon take the lead in formulating these commandments, which are written on the barn wall for all the animals to see. The original commandments are as follows:

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

These commandments embody the principles of equality, mutual respect, and the rejection of human-like behaviors. They serve as a foundation for the animals' new society, where they aim to live in harmony and freedom.

The Evolution of the Commandments

As the story unfolds, the pigs, particularly Napoleon, begin to manipulate the commandments to suit their own interests. This manipulation is a key aspect of the novel's critique of totalitarianism, showing how leaders can twist principles to maintain power and control. The changes to the Animal Farm Seven Commandments are gradual but significant, reflecting the pigs' increasing authoritarianism and the animals' diminishing freedom.

The first major change occurs when the pigs start living in the farmhouse, which was previously off-limits to all animals. To justify this, they alter the fourth commandment from "No animal shall sleep in a bed" to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets." This subtle change allows the pigs to maintain their privileged lifestyle while still appearing to adhere to the original principles.

Another significant alteration comes when the pigs begin to wear clothes, specifically the human-like attire that was previously forbidden. The third commandment is changed from "No animal shall wear clothes" to "No animal shall wear clothes without a reason." This change allows the pigs to dress in a manner that sets them apart from the other animals, further solidifying their status as the ruling class.

As the pigs become more entrenched in their power, they continue to modify the commandments to suit their needs. The sixth commandment, "No animal shall kill any other animal," is altered to "No animal shall kill any other animal without cause." This change justifies the pigs' violent suppression of dissent and their elimination of perceived threats to their rule.

The final and most drastic change occurs when the pigs begin to walk on two legs, a behavior that was explicitly forbidden by the first commandment. To accommodate this, the first commandment is changed to "No animal shall kill any other animal without cause." This alteration effectively nullifies the original commandment, allowing the pigs to adopt human-like behaviors and further distance themselves from the other animals.

The Final Commandments

By the end of the novel, the Animal Farm Seven Commandments have been reduced to a single, all-encompassing principle: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This final commandment encapsulates the essence of the pigs' tyranny and the corruption of their original ideals. It highlights the hypocrisy and injustice that have become the hallmark of their rule, where the pigs enjoy all the privileges of the farm while the other animals continue to toil under their oppressive regime.

The transformation of the commandments is a powerful metaphor for the erosion of democratic principles and the rise of authoritarianism. It shows how leaders can manipulate language and ideology to maintain power and control, even as they betray the very principles they claim to uphold.

The Symbolism of the Commandments

The Animal Farm Seven Commandments serve as a powerful symbol of the novel's themes and messages. They represent the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom that the animals strive to achieve, as well as the corruption and manipulation that ultimately undermine these ideals. The commandments are a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the dangers of unchecked power.

The gradual erosion of the commandments also reflects the broader historical context of the novel, which is a critique of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. The pigs' manipulation of the commandments mirrors the ways in which revolutionary ideals can be twisted and corrupted by those in power, leading to oppression and tyranny.

The commandments are also a symbol of the power of language and ideology. They show how words and principles can be used to inspire and unite people, but also how they can be manipulated to control and oppress. The transformation of the commandments is a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to question authority.

The Impact of the Commandments on the Animals

The Animal Farm Seven Commandments have a profound impact on the animals, shaping their beliefs, behaviors, and interactions. Initially, the commandments serve as a source of inspiration and unity, guiding the animals in their quest for a better life. They provide a moral framework that helps the animals to distinguish between right and wrong, and to hold each other accountable for their actions.

However, as the commandments are gradually altered, the animals become increasingly confused and disillusioned. They struggle to reconcile the changes with their original beliefs and ideals, leading to a sense of betrayal and disenchantment. The pigs' manipulation of the commandments creates a climate of fear and mistrust, where the animals are afraid to question authority or challenge the status quo.

The impact of the commandments on the animals is perhaps best illustrated by the character of Boxer, the loyal and hardworking horse. Boxer's unwavering belief in the commandments and his dedication to the principles of Animalism make him a symbol of the animals' struggle for freedom and equality. However, his eventual betrayal by the pigs and his tragic end highlight the devastating consequences of the commandments' corruption.

The animals' faith in the commandments is ultimately shattered, leaving them in a state of despair and resignation. They come to realize that the ideals they once held dear have been twisted and corrupted, and that their new society is little different from the one they sought to overthrow. The commandments, which were once a source of hope and inspiration, have become a symbol of their oppression and suffering.

The Legacy of the Commandments

The Animal Farm Seven Commandments continue to resonate with readers today, serving as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance. They highlight the ways in which ideals can be manipulated and corrupted, and the need for critical thinking and questioning of authority.

The commandments also serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of democratic principles. They show how leaders can twist language and ideology to maintain power and control, even as they betray the very principles they claim to uphold. The legacy of the commandments is a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the need to hold leaders accountable for their actions.

The commandments' enduring relevance is a testament to the power of Orwell's allegory and the timelessness of its themes. They continue to inspire discussions and debates about power, ideology, and the human condition, making *Animal Farm* a classic of modern literature.

The Animal Farm Seven Commandments are a central element of George Orwell's *Animal Farm*, serving as a powerful symbol of the novel's themes and messages. They represent the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom that the animals strive to achieve, as well as the corruption and manipulation that ultimately undermine these ideals. The commandments are a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the dangers of unchecked power, and their legacy continues to resonate with readers today.

The impact of the commandments on the animals is profound, shaping their beliefs, behaviors, and interactions. Initially, the commandments serve as a source of inspiration and unity, but as they are gradually altered, the animals become increasingly confused and disillusioned. The commandments' corruption leads to a climate of fear and mistrust, where the animals are afraid to question authority or challenge the status quo.

The legacy of the Animal Farm Seven Commandments is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance. They highlight the ways in which ideals can be manipulated and corrupted, and the need for critical thinking and questioning of authority. The commandments continue to inspire discussions and debates about power, ideology, and the human condition, making *Animal Farm* a classic of modern literature.