The 7 Commandments in Animal Farm

One of the key elements of the novel is the 7 Commandments that are established early on in the story and are meant to govern the behavior of the animals on the farm. However, as the story progresses, these commandments are twisted and manipulated by the ruling pigs to serve their own interests, highlighting the hypocrisy and corruption that often accompany power. In this essay, we will analyze the significance of the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm and their role in the development of the story, as well as their broader implications for society.

The 7 Commandments

The 7 Commandments of Animal Farm are initially established by the pigs as a set of rules to govern the behavior of the animals on the farm after they overthrow their human owner, Mr. Jones. The commandments are as follows:

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.

These commandments are meant to create a fair and just society in which all animals are equal and free from the tyranny of humans. However, as the pigs consolidate their power, the commandments are gradually altered to serve their own interests, ultimately leading to the perversion of the original ideals of the revolution.

The Corruption of the Commandments

As the pigs become more and more entrenched in their positions of authority, they begin to manipulate and distort the 7 Commandments to justify their own actions and maintain their power. For example, the original commandment "All animals are equal" is eventually altered to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This change encapsulates the central hypocrisy of the pigs' rule and their betrayal of the original principles of the revolution. By reinterpreting the commandments to suit their own needs, the pigs effectively erode the foundations of the society they initially sought to create.

The Role of Language and Propaganda

The manipulation of the 7 Commandments is closely tied to the pigs' control of language and propaganda. Throughout the novel, the pigs use their superior intelligence and access to education to distort the meaning of the commandments and manipulate the beliefs of the other animals. This highlights the power of language as a tool for control and manipulation, as well as the danger of unchecked propaganda in shaping public opinion. The pigs' ability to redefine the commandments demonstrates the way in which those in power can use language to justify their actions and maintain their authority, even at the expense of the truth.

The Relevance to Real-World Societies

The perversion of the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm is a powerful allegory for the corruption of revolutionary ideals in real-world societies. Throughout history, we have seen numerous examples of revolutions that began with noble intentions but were ultimately co-opted by those seeking power for themselves. The manipulation of language and the distortion of foundational principles are common tactics used by authoritarian regimes to maintain control and suppress dissent. By examining the fate of the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of power and the ways in which it can corrupt even the most noble of aspirations.

Conclusion

The 7 Commandments in Animal Farm serve as a potent symbol of the corruption of power and the dangers of unchecked authority. Through the gradual distortion of these commandments, George Orwell illustrates the ways in which language can be manipulated to serve the interests of the ruling class, ultimately leading to the betrayal of the original revolutionary ideals. By examining the fate of the 7 Commandments, we gain a deeper understanding of the nature of power and its potential for corruption, as well as the importance of remaining vigilant against the erosion of our most cherished principles. As we reflect on the lessons of Animal Farm, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of Orwell's warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the need to remain vigilant in the defense of our freedoms.