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

The Seven Commandments: A Peek into Power and Corruption

Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is a pretty strong story that uses animals to show how power can mess things up. The animals on the farm come up with these Seven Commandments to guide them after they kick out the humans. But, as we go through the story, these rules get twisted around by those in charge. I wanna talk about these commandments and show how they really highlight how power can corrupt everything and mess with equality.

Breaking Down Each Commandment

The first commandment, "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy," sets up this clear line between animals and humans. At first, it’s all about freedom and doing their own thing without humans bossing them around. But guess what? The pigs, led by Napoleon, start hanging out with humans. They even walk on two legs! Talk about backstabbing their own rules. This shows just how badly the pigs want power—they’re ready to throw their beliefs right out the window to stay in control.

Then there's the second commandment: "Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend." It's supposed to keep everyone united. But oh no, not with these pigs in charge! They turn it into something else entirely. They use this rule to trick the other animals into trusting them blindly while they're really just looking out for themselves. It's wild how they convince everyone they're doing good when it's really just a power trip.

Now let’s talk about the third one: "No animal shall wear clothes." It’s meant to promote simplicity and equality among everyone. Clothes? Nah, that’s human stuff! But surprise—pigs start wearing clothes later on to mark themselves as leaders. This hypocrisy screams volumes about how they’re distancing themselves from others while cementing their authority.

Onwards to number four: "No animal shall sleep in a bed." The idea was collective living and shared resources. But then what do we see? The pigs change it to "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets." What does this mean? It gives them an excuse for living it up while others live in filth. Clearly shows how little they care for fairness or equality.

Alright, let’s not forget the fifth commandment: "No animal shall drink alcohol." At first, they’re all about avoiding booze 'cause it leads to bad stuff. Yet soon enough, we see pigs downing drinks like there’s no tomorrow once they've got power. Just another example of tossing principles aside when they don’t suit anymore!

Number six here says: "No animal shall kill any other animal." Peaceful intentions for sure—but wait till you see how fast this gets broken too! Pigs start executing anyone who doesn’t toe their line or becomes inconveniently disloyal—truly showing ruthless lengths they'll go maintaining dominance.

The seventh commandment is probably most important; "All animals are equal." Initially capturing spirit against oppression but then twisted around eventually reading as—wait for it—"All animals are equal but some more than others." Brilliant way twisting language letting them justify why they should be top dogs—completely wrecks initial vision equality & freedom once sought after together.

Wrapping Things Up

So yeah—the Seven Commandments end up telling us loads about corruption within Animal Farm's society under pig rule via pure manipulation into tools suiting selfish agendas instead staying true intended values lying beneath originally created agreements among kinfolk fellow creatures united purpose before egos took charge turning dreams upside down over time inevitably shattering hopes along journey undertaken together sincerely earnest beginnings aiming brighter future alas squandered unceremoniously fading away long forgotten amidst shadows creeping ever larger across landscape familiar yet foreign simultaneously striking powerful note cautionary relevance forever enduring throughout ages echoing far beyond boundaries tale spun woven here today timeless lesson lurking deeper awaiting discovery introspection anew dawn breaking horizon unexplored frontiers beckoning forth intrepid souls daring venture forth unknown horizons calling inspiring generations heed wisdom gained journey shared eternal voyage embarked long ago remembered cherished never lost entirely.

References

• Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. Secker and Warburg.
• Bloom, H., & Golding, W. (2009). George Orwell's Animal Farm (1st ed.). Bloom's Literary Criticism.
• Taylor, D.J., (2003). Orwell: The Life. Chatto & Windus.
• Meyers, J., (2010). A Reader's Guide to George Orwell. Thames & Hudson Ltd.
• Lewis-Williams D., & Pearce C., (2015). Inside Animal Minds: How Our Fellow Creatures Think - Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.