7 Rules In Animal Farm

7 Commandments of Animal Farm: A Deep Dive into Orwell's Allegory

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a timeless allegorical novella, using the rebellion of animals on Manor Farm as a thinly veiled critique of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments, initially established as guiding principles for the animals' utopian society, but gradually eroded and manipulated by the pigs under Napoleon's leadership. Understanding these commandments and their subsequent perversion is key to grasping the novel's powerful message about power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked authority. This article will delve into each commandment, exploring its initial meaning, its gradual distortion, and the symbolic significance it holds within the context of the broader narrative.

The Original Seven Commandments: A Blueprint for Animal Utopia

Initially, the Seven Commandments, painstakingly written by Old Major and inscribed on the barn wall, represent the animals' shared ideals of equality, fairness, and freedom from human oppression. They form the foundation of Animalism, the philosophy guiding their revolution. These commandments, in their pristine form, are:

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.

The Gradual Corruption: How the Commandments Were Twisted

The insidious nature of Napoleon's power grab lies in his subtle, incremental manipulation of the Seven Commandments. This process is not a sudden overthrow but a gradual erosion of the initial ideals, achieved through propaganda, fear, and the rewriting of history. Let's examine the transformation of each commandment:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

This commandment, initially a clear demarcation against human oppression, becomes increasingly flexible under Napoleon's rule. The pigs, who walk on two legs, justify their actions by claiming that they are simply working for the animals, engaging in necessary managerial tasks. This subtle shift demonstrates how easily principles can be bent to suit the needs of those in power. The commandment’s original intent – opposing human tyranny – is inverted as the pigs, who are effectively ruling over the other animals, become the new oppressors.

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

This commandment, initially a simple expression of solidarity between animals, is also subtly manipulated. The pigs, initially adhering to this rule, gradually begin to take on certain human characteristics, thus rendering the commandment meaningless. By associating with humans and behaving like them, they subtly imply that the distinction between friend and enemy is not as clear-cut as it once seemed. The commandment becomes a tool to justify the pigs' actions, regardless of how they contradict the original spirit of the revolution.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

This commandment, aimed at preventing the animals from adopting human habits, is breached as the pigs begin to wear clothes. Initially, it starts with simple articles, but progresses to a point where the pigs are dressed almost identically to human farmers. The act of wearing clothes symbolizes the pigs' increasing embrace of human ways and their complete abandonment of the ideals of Animalism. This visually represents the complete rejection of the principles upon which the revolution was founded.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

This seemingly minor commandment becomes a significant symbol of the pigs' growing extravagance and detachment from the other animals. The pigs begin by sleeping in beds with sheets, gradually upgrading to comfortable mattresses and even featherbeds. This reflects the growing class divide between the ruling pigs and the working-class animals. The simple act of sleeping in a bed, initially forbidden, becomes a testament to their privileged status and complete disregard for the shared principles of Animalism.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

This commandment, highlighting the dangers of intoxication and irresponsible behavior, is ultimately broken by the pigs. Initially abstaining from alcohol, the pigs begin to consume it, eventually indulging in large quantities. This reflects their growing decadence and moral corruption. The abandonment of this commandment symbolizes their complete abandonment of the initial restraint and ideals of the revolution, further illustrating their disregard for the original tenets of Animalism. The drinking represents their unchecked indulgence of power and their willingness to sacrifice their principles for self-gratification.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

The most brutal and perhaps most telling alteration of the commandments comes with the violation of this one. The pigs, under Napoleon's ruthless regime, engage in violence and executions against dissenting animals. This exemplifies the complete annihilation of the principle of equality and the establishment of a tyrannical regime based on fear and oppression. The commandment designed to foster peace and co-existence within the animal community becomes a mere suggestion ignored by those in power.

7. All animals are equal.

The most significant and devastating alteration is the final subtle manipulation of this foundational commandment. The original text is changed to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This chilling alteration perfectly encapsulates the essence of the pigs' tyranny and the complete inversion of the revolution's ideals. It exemplifies the hypocrisy and inherent contradiction within the ruling class, where equality is a mere facade concealing the gross inequalities of the new oppressive system.

The Symbolic Significance and Lasting Impact

The manipulation of the Seven Commandments is not simply a plot device; it's a powerful symbol of how easily ideals can be corrupted and how language can be used to manipulate and control. The process represents the insidious nature of totalitarian regimes, where propaganda and the rewriting of history are used to justify oppression and maintain power.

The gradual erosion of the commandments underscores the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in upholding ethical principles. The initial idealism of the animal revolution ultimately collapses under the weight of corruption and the self-serving ambitions of the ruling elite. This serves as a stark warning against complacency and a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and resistance to authoritarianism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the significance of the pigs changing the commandments?

A: The pigs' manipulation of the commandments symbolizes the gradual erosion of the revolution's ideals. It shows how easily principles can be twisted to serve the interests of those in power and how language can be used as a tool for manipulation and control. It mirrors historical events where revolutionary ideals were betrayed and replaced with oppressive regimes.

Q: Why are the Seven Commandments so important to the narrative?

A: The Seven Commandments act as a central motif throughout the novel, reflecting the changing power dynamics and the growing corruption within the animal community. Their gradual alteration mirrors the decline of the revolution into a totalitarian dictatorship. They serve as a constant reminder of the initial ideals and the betrayal of those ideals by the pigs.

Q: How does the alteration of the commandments relate to real-world events?

A: The alteration of the commandments is a direct allegory for the betrayal of the ideals of the Russian Revolution by the Stalinist regime. The subtle changes, and eventual complete rewriting, parallel the manipulation of information and suppression of dissent under Stalin's rule. It serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for revolutionary ideals to be corrupted.

Q: What is the significance of the final alteration to the seventh commandment?

A: The change to the seventh commandment, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," is perhaps the most devastating and impactful. It perfectly encapsulates the hypocrisy and inherent contradiction within the pigs' rule. It highlights the absurdity of a system that claims equality while simultaneously creating a hierarchy of privilege and oppression.

Q: What can readers learn from the story of the Seven Commandments?

A: Readers can learn the importance of vigilance in upholding ethical principles, the dangers of unchecked power, and the insidious nature of propaganda and the manipulation of language. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of ideals and the importance of critical thinking in resisting authoritarianism.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Warning and Reflection

The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm are more than just a set of rules; they are a potent symbol of the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of utopian ideals. Orwell's allegorical masterpiece uses these commandments to expose the dangers of unchecked authority, the manipulation of language, and the betrayal of revolutionary principles. The gradual erosion of these commandments serves as a powerful and enduring warning about the importance of critical thinking, vigilance, and the constant struggle to maintain fairness and equality in any society. By understanding the evolution of these commandments, readers gain a deeper appreciation of Orwell's sharp critique of totalitarianism and the lasting legacy of his cautionary tale.