The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm: a Reflection of Power and Corruption

Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, is a powerful allegorical novella that explores the rise and fall of a society led by animals who rebel against their human oppressors. Throughout the text, the Seven Commandments serve as a set of guiding principles for the animals, but as the story unfolds, these commandments are manipulated and distorted to suit the selfish desires of those in power. This essay will analyze the significance of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm, demonstrating how they reflect the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of equality within the animal society.

The first commandment, "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy," establishes a clear distinction between animals and humans, emphasizing the initial desire for independence and freedom. However, as time goes on, the pigs, led by Napoleon, begin to associate with humans, ultimately betraying the principles of the commandment. For instance, when the pigs start to walk on two legs, they violate the very rule they established. This betrayal highlights the pigs' lust for power and their willingness to discard the principles they once fought for in order to maintain control over the other animals.

The second commandment, "Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend," aims to foster a sense of unity and solidarity among the animals. However, as the pigs consolidate their power, they exploit this commandment to their advantage. They manipulate the animals' trust and loyalty, using it as a tool to maintain control. The pigs convince the other animals that their actions and decisions are in the best interest of all, when in reality, they are serving their own interests. This manipulation demonstrates how power can corrupt even the most noble intentions, leading to the erosion of equality and fairness within the animal society.

The third commandment, "No animal shall wear clothes," embodies the idea of simplicity and equality among the animals. By prohibiting the wearing of clothes, the commandment symbolizes the rejection of human practices and the embrace of a more egalitarian society. However, as the pigs become more entrenched in power, they gradually break this commandment, justifying their actions by claiming that they need to wear clothes to distinguish themselves as leaders. This violation of the commandment reveals the pigs' hypocrisy and their desire to separate themselves from the rest of the animals, further solidifying their position of authority.

The fourth commandment, "No animal shall sleep in a bed," reflects the idea of collective responsibility and communal living. By forbidding animals from sleeping in beds, the commandment promotes the notion of shared resources and equality. However, the pigs eventually alter this commandment to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets." This modification allows the pigs to justify their own luxurious living conditions while the other animals continue to live in squalor. Through this alteration, the pigs demonstrate their disregard for the principles of equality and their willingness to exploit the other animals for their own comfort.

The fifth commandment, "No animal shall drink alcohol," represents the desire to avoid the corrupting influence of alcohol and the vices associated with it. Initially, this commandment is strictly enforced, but as the pigs gain more power, they begin to consume alcohol themselves. This violation of the commandment illustrates how power can lead to the abandonment of principles and a disregard for the well-being of others. The pigs' indulgence in alcohol not only symbolizes their corruption but also serves as a means to control and manipulate the other animals, as they become more susceptible to the pigs' propaganda and lies.

The sixth commandment, "No animal shall kill any other animal," embodies the principle of non-violence and the rejection of oppression. However, as the pigs consolidate their power, they break this commandment by executing animals who are deemed disloyal or a threat to their authority. This violation of the commandment exposes the pigs' willingness to use violence and intimidation to maintain control, highlighting the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of justice within the animal society.

The seventh commandment, "All animals are equal," is perhaps the most significant of all the commandments. It encapsulates the animals' initial desire for a society free from oppression and inequality. However, as the pigs rise to power, they gradually modify the commandment to read, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This modification reflects the pigs' manipulation of language and their attempts to rationalize their own privilege and dominance. By redefining equality, the pigs effectively establish a hierarchy, with themselves at the top, thereby perpetuating the very oppression they once fought against.

In conclusion, the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm serve as a powerful reflection of power and corruption within the animal society. As the pigs gain more power, they manipulate and distort the commandments to suit their own selfish desires, ultimately betraying the principles of equality and justice that the animals initially fought for. The erosion of these commandments highlights the corrupting influence of power and the devastating consequences it can have on a society. Orwell's allegory serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of corruption.

Bibliography

Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Secker and Warburg, 1945.