The 7 Commandments In Animal Farm: A Guide

Introduction (100-150 words)

George Orwell's Animal Farm presents a powerful allegory of the Russian Revolution, using animals on a farm to critique totalitarian regimes. At the heart of this satire are the Seven Commandments, originally conceived to ensure equality and freedom for all animals. However, these commandments are gradually twisted and manipulated by the pigs, highlighting the corruption of power. In this article, we will delve into each commandment, its original intent, and how it is subverted throughout the story. We aim to provide a clear understanding of these crucial elements and their significance in understanding Orwell's masterpiece.

The Original Seven Commandments of Animalism

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

This foundational commandment establishes a clear divide between animals and humans, setting the stage for the animals' rebellion. Initially, it fosters unity among the animals against their human oppressors. However, the pigs eventually violate this commandment by walking on two legs themselves, symbolizing their adoption of human-like behaviors and their betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. — Southbury, CT Zip Code: Find It Here!

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

This commandment reinforces the bond among animals, promoting solidarity and mutual support. It underscores the principle that all animals are equal and should work together. As the pigs gain power, this commandment becomes increasingly ironic, as they exploit and oppress other animals for their own benefit.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

Clothing is a symbol of humanity and, therefore, of oppression in the animals' initial ideology. This commandment aims to maintain the animals' natural state and prevent them from adopting human vices. The pigs’ eventual wearing of clothes marks another step in their transformation into human-like figures and their abandonment of Animalism's core principles.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

This commandment is designed to prevent the animals from indulging in human comforts and luxuries. However, the pigs gradually alter this commandment to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets," justifying their own comfortable sleeping arrangements while maintaining a facade of adherence to the original principles. This subtle alteration is a key example of the pigs' manipulative tactics.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

Alcohol is associated with human decadence and excess, making it a target for the animals' initial rejection of human habits. Like the fourth commandment, this one is subtly changed to "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess," allowing the pigs to indulge in alcohol while ostensibly upholding the commandment. This manipulation highlights their hypocrisy and growing control over the farm.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

This commandment is perhaps the most fundamental, aiming to prevent violence and maintain peace among the animals. However, Napoleon, the pig leader, violates this commandment repeatedly through executions and purges of animals deemed disloyal or rebellious. This betrayal underscores the brutal nature of the pigs' regime and their disregard for the animals' welfare.

7. All animals are equal.

This commandment is the cornerstone of Animalism, encapsulating the revolution’s promise of equality and justice. However, it is gradually subverted to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This cynical alteration reveals the pigs' ultimate betrayal of the revolution's ideals and their establishment of a new hierarchy in which they are the ruling elite. — EA App: Closed Beta Not Showing? Fix It Now!

The Subversion of the Commandments: A Closer Look

Gradual Alterations and Manipulations

One of the most insidious aspects of the pigs’ rise to power is their subtle manipulation of the commandments. By making minor changes, such as adding "with sheets" to the bed commandment or "to excess" to the alcohol commandment, they gradually erode the original principles of Animalism without immediately alarming the other animals. This gradualism is a key tactic in authoritarian regimes, allowing them to consolidate power incrementally.

The Role of Squealer

Squealer, the pigs’ propagandist, plays a crucial role in justifying these alterations. Through his persuasive rhetoric and skillful manipulation of language, he convinces the other animals that the changes are necessary or that they never happened at all. Squealer’s character highlights the power of propaganda in maintaining control and suppressing dissent.

The Sheep's Unquestioning Obedience

The sheep, with their limited intelligence and unquestioning obedience, are easily manipulated by the pigs. Their constant bleating of slogans like "Four legs good, two legs bad" reinforces the pigs’ propaganda and silences dissenting voices. The sheep symbolize the dangers of blind obedience and the importance of critical thinking.

Benjamin's Cynicism

Benjamin, the cynical donkey, represents the intellectual who is aware of the pigs’ manipulations but chooses not to intervene. His famous quote, "None of you has ever seen a dead donkey," reflects his belief that life will always be hard, regardless of the ruling power. Benjamin’s character underscores the dangers of apathy and the responsibility of individuals to stand up against injustice.

The Commandments in the Context of the Russian Revolution

Parallels to Communist Ideals

The Seven Commandments of Animalism are a clear parallel to the ideals of communism, particularly the principles of equality, collective ownership, and the rejection of class hierarchies. Orwell uses the animals’ revolution to critique the Russian Revolution, arguing that the utopian ideals of communism were betrayed by the totalitarian regime of Joseph Stalin.

The Rise of a New Elite

In both Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution, a new elite class emerges, replacing the old oppressors with a new set of rulers. The pigs in Animal Farm mirror the Bolshevik leaders who seized power in Russia, consolidating their control and exploiting the working class (represented by the other animals) for their own benefit.

The Corruption of Power

Orwell’s allegory highlights the corrupting influence of power. The pigs, initially driven by noble intentions, gradually succumb to the temptations of authority, becoming indistinguishable from the humans they overthrew. This theme is a central message of the novel, warning against the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in protecting individual liberties.

The Legacy of the Seven Commandments

Enduring Relevance

The Seven Commandments of Animalism remain relevant today as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of upholding democratic principles. The novel’s themes of propaganda, manipulation, and the abuse of power continue to resonate in contemporary society. — Cruise Ship Death: 18-Year-Old's Tragic Incident Explained

Lessons for Today

Animal Farm teaches us the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and active participation in civic life. It warns against the dangers of blind obedience and the need to hold leaders accountable. By understanding the lessons of the novel, we can better protect ourselves against the forces of oppression and tyranny. (Source: The Orwell Foundation, [invalid URL removed])

Cultural Impact

Animal Farm has had a profound impact on literature, politics, and popular culture. The novel’s characters and slogans have become iconic symbols of political satire, and the story continues to be widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world. (Source: BBC Culture, [invalid URL removed])

FAQ Section

What is the main message of Animal Farm?

The main message of Animal Farm is a critique of totalitarian regimes and the corruption of power. Orwell uses the animals’ revolution to illustrate how utopian ideals can be betrayed by those in authority, leading to new forms of oppression and inequality.

Why are the Seven Commandments important in the story?

The Seven Commandments are crucial because they represent the original principles of Animalism and the animals’ aspirations for a better society. Their gradual subversion highlights the pigs’ manipulation and betrayal of these ideals, underscoring the novel’s central themes.

How do the pigs manipulate the other animals?

The pigs manipulate the other animals through propaganda, lies, and the gradual alteration of the Seven Commandments. They also exploit the animals’ ignorance and unquestioning obedience, using fear and violence to suppress dissent.

What does the phrase "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" mean?

This phrase is the final, cynical alteration of the seventh commandment. It encapsulates the pigs’ complete betrayal of the revolution’s ideals and their establishment of a new hierarchy in which they are the ruling elite, enjoying privileges and power at the expense of the other animals.

Who is Squealer, and what is his role in the story?

Squealer is the pigs’ propagandist and a key figure in their manipulation of the other animals. He is a skilled orator who uses persuasive rhetoric and lies to justify the pigs’ actions and maintain their control over the farm.

What historical event is Animal Farm an allegory of?

Animal Farm is primarily an allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Joseph Stalin’s totalitarian regime. Orwell uses the animals’ revolution to critique the betrayal of communist ideals and the establishment of a new form of oppression in the Soviet Union.

What is the significance of the windmill in Animal Farm?

The windmill symbolizes the animals’ hopes for progress and a better future. However, it also becomes a symbol of the pigs’ exploitation and manipulation. The pigs use the windmill project to control the other animals and consolidate their power, ultimately betraying the animals’ dreams of a more prosperous life. ([Source: SparkNotes, invalid URL removed])

Conclusion

The Seven Commandments of Animalism are central to understanding the themes and messages of George Orwell's Animal Farm. Initially conceived as principles of equality and freedom, they are gradually subverted by the pigs, illustrating the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values. By examining the commandments and their manipulation, we gain a deeper appreciation of Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism and the enduring relevance of his masterpiece. We encourage you to reflect on these lessons and consider their implications for our own society. To learn more about Orwell's works and their impact, consider exploring resources from reputable literary organizations and academic institutions. (Call to action: Share this article with others to promote discussion about the importance of vigilance and critical thinking.)