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 allegory, using the story of animals overthrowing their human farmer to satirize the Russian Revolution and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles initially established to ensure equality and fairness within the newly formed animal society. However, as the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate power, these commandments undergo a gradual, insidious alteration, mirroring the corruption and betrayal that characterized the Soviet Union under Stalin. Understanding these commandments and their evolution is key to grasping the novel's powerful message. This article will delve deep into each commandment, tracing its transformation and revealing its allegorical significance.

Introduction: The Idealistic Beginning

The Seven Commandments, initially inscribed on the barn wall, represent the purest form of Animalism – a utopian vision of animal equality and self-governance. They were conceived as unbreakable laws, meant to guide the animals' lives and ensure a just society free from human oppression. However, the irony lies in the fact that these very commandments become instruments of manipulation and oppression under the pigs' increasingly tyrannical rule. The commandments' degeneration underscores the fragility of ideals in the face of unchecked power and ambition. Let's examine each commandment individually, observing its initial meaning and its eventual perversion.

1. "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy."

This initial commandment clearly targets humans, the oppressors of the animals. It’s a straightforward declaration of independence and a rejection of human exploitation. The animals, united in their shared experience of suffering, readily accept this principle. However, as the pigs gain power, this commandment is subtly manipulated. They begin walking on two legs, initially justifying it as a matter of practicality and efficiency in tasks like handling tools. This gradual shift, barely noticeable at first, ultimately erodes the very foundation of the initial commandment. The pigs, now walking upright like humans, redefine the enemy, subtly excluding themselves from the very principle they originally championed. This highlights the ease with which seemingly clear principles can be twisted to serve the interests of the powerful.

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

This commandment, seemingly the opposite of the first, reinforces the notion of animal solidarity. It fosters a sense of unity among all animals, regardless of species. All creatures with four legs or wings are considered allies. This creates a sense of inclusivity and shared purpose. But, again, this simplicity is ultimately undermined. As the pigs become more powerful and establish a class system, this commandment is quietly disregarded. The pigs, while having four legs initially, ultimately begin to prioritize their own needs and interests above those of other animals, creating a hierarchy that contradicts this initial principle of friendship. The commandment's simplistic nature is eventually exploited for political expediency.

3. "No animal shall wear clothes."

This commandment emphasizes the animals' rejection of human culture and its associated symbols of power and dominance. Clothes, a clear marker of human civilization, are seen as representing oppression and hierarchy. The animals' rejection of clothing initially stands as a powerful symbol of their liberation from human control. However, this commandment, too, is broken. The pigs, once again, lead the charge. They begin wearing clothes, starting with small items and eventually graduating to complete attire. They rationalize this by claiming it's necessary for their work and health. This act represents a complete surrender to human ways, highlighting the hypocrisy at the heart of the pigs' regime. The wearing of clothes symbolizes the complete assimilation of the pigs into the very system they originally fought to overthrow.

4. "No animal shall sleep in a bed."

This commandment initially seems to address the issue of comfort and privilege. Beds represent luxury and ease, concepts the animals initially reject as symbols of human indulgence. Sleeping in a bed would be a sign of decadence, a deviation from the simple life they initially envisioned. However, the pigs gradually redefine "bed." Initially, they start by adding straw to their sleeping places. Then, sheets and blankets follow. Eventually, they occupy actual beds, complete with mattresses and pillows, again justifying this as being for their health and well-being. This subtle reinterpretation erodes the principle of equality, demonstrating the manipulation of language to suit the ruling class. The seemingly simple commandment becomes a tool for the gradual erosion of egalitarianism.

5. "No animal shall drink alcohol."

This commandment explicitly aims to prevent excess and hedonism. Alcohol is viewed as a vice, associated with human degeneracy. The prohibition of alcohol initially reflects the animals' commitment to a sober and disciplined lifestyle. Yet, this commandment also falls victim to the pigs’ growing appetite for luxury. They begin to consume alcohol, initially in small amounts, eventually indulging in regular drinking bouts. Their justification? They need it for their health and well-being. The consumption of alcohol underscores their hypocrisy and their descent into the very behaviors they initially condemned in humans. This change shows that even seemingly clear-cut moral rules can be compromised when power is unchecked.

6. "No animal shall kill any other animal."

This commandment is the most significant in terms of maintaining peace and stability within the animal community. It's a direct rejection of violence and a commitment to non-aggression among the animals themselves. This underscores their goal of building a peaceful and harmonious society, free from internal conflict. However, this commandment is also broken, albeit indirectly. The pigs, in consolidating their power, use violence and intimidation against other animals. While they may not directly kill animals, the pigs' dogs actively enforce their rule through violence and intimidation. The pigs’ actions undermine this principle, revealing the inherent brutality concealed behind their apparent benevolent leadership. This shows how even well-intentioned principles can be circumvented through subtle manipulation and the strategic use of violence.

7. "All animals are equal."

This is the most fundamental commandment, the cornerstone of Animalism. It encapsulates the entire philosophy of equality and fairness. It serves as the overarching principle that informs all other commandments. However, this principle undergoes the most significant and devastating transformation. It is eventually amended by the pigs to read, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This chilling alteration encapsulates the essence of the pigs' totalitarian rule. It perfectly illustrates the complete abandonment of the initial egalitarian ideal. This final change highlights the hypocrisy and the inherent contradiction of a system that claims equality while enforcing an oppressive hierarchy. It represents the ultimate perversion of the original intention, illustrating the complete corruption of the revolutionary ideals.

Conclusion: The Perversion of Ideals

The gradual alteration of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm is not merely a narrative device; it’s a powerful illustration of how easily idealistic principles can be corrupted by those seeking power. The pigs' manipulation of language and the gradual rewriting of the commandments mirror the processes of totalitarian regimes, where propaganda and the rewriting of history are used to maintain control. Each commandment's transformation highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance against those who seek to exploit and manipulate for their own gain. Orwell's allegory serves as a stark warning, reminding us of the fragility of ideals and the constant need to guard against the erosion of justice and equality. The story’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to expose the timeless struggle between power and principle, making it a crucial text for understanding the complexities of political systems and the enduring battle for freedom and fairness.