George Orwell's Animal Farm is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, using animals to represent historical figures and ideologies. Central to the novel are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles supposedly ensuring equality and freedom for all animals. However, these commandments, initially noble, are gradually twisted and manipulated by the pigs, leading to the animals' oppression. Let's examine each commandment in detail, exploring their original meaning and their eventual perversion.
The Seven Commandments as Originally Written:
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Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. This commandment clearly targets humans, who are seen as the oppressors of animals.
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Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. This establishes a simple classification system, uniting all animals against their common enemy.
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No animal shall wear clothes. This reflects the animals' rejection of human culture and its perceived artificiality.
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No animal shall sleep in a bed. This points to the rejection of human comforts and luxury.
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No animal shall drink alcohol. This speaks to the dangers of indulgence and excess.
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No animal shall kill any other animal. This establishes a principle of non-violence within the animal community.
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All animals are equal. This is the cornerstone of Animalism, the ideal of equality for all creatures.
How the Commandments Were Gradually Changed and Manipulated:
The pigs, led by Napoleon, gradually alter the commandments to suit their own ambitions for power and privilege. This subtle manipulation is a key element of Orwell's critique of totalitarian regimes. Let's look at some of the key changes and their implications:
1. "No animal shall kill any other animal." became "No animal shall kill any other animal without cause." This seemingly minor alteration allows the pigs to justify violence against other animals, claiming they're acting in the "interests" of the farm.
2. "No animal shall wear clothes." was eventually broken when the pigs started wearing clothes This blatant disregard for the initial commandment symbolizes the pigs' complete abandonment of Animalism’s core principles.
3. "No animal shall sleep in a bed." evolved into "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets." This demonstrates the pigs' capacity to reinterpret and redefine rules to maintain their power.
4. "No animal shall drink alcohol." morphed into "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess." The qualification "to excess" allowed the pigs to indulge in alcohol while maintaining the appearance of adhering to the commandment.
5. "All animals are equal." was ultimately superseded by the mantra, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This cynical twist highlights the pigs' complete disregard for true equality. The commandment becomes meaningless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the significance of the changing commandments? The alteration of the Seven Commandments symbolizes the corruption of the revolution's ideals and the gradual erosion of equality and freedom on Animal Farm. It shows how easily power can corrupt and how easily principles can be twisted for personal gain.
What is the ultimate message of the changing commandments? The changing commandments serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's principles. It's a powerful illustration of how totalitarian regimes often use propaganda and manipulation to control the masses.
What is the connection between the Seven Commandments and totalitarianism? The commandments, and the pigs' manipulation of them, reflect the methods used by totalitarian regimes to consolidate and maintain power. This includes the use of propaganda, rewriting history, and the suppression of dissent.
How do the commandments contribute to the allegory of the Russian Revolution? The Seven Commandments and their gradual corruption mirror the initial goals of the Russian Revolution and its subsequent betrayal by the Stalinist regime. The pigs represent the communist party, while the other animals represent the people of Russia.
In conclusion, the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm are far more than just rules; they are the central theme of Orwell's powerful allegory. Their initial promise and subsequent corruption expose the insidious nature of power and the fragility of ideals in the face of ambition and tyranny. Understanding the original intent and the eventual manipulation of these commandments provides crucial insights into Orwell's commentary on political systems and the dangers of unchecked power.
