7 Rules In Animal Farm

7 Commandments of Animal Farm: A Deep Dive into Orwell's Allegory

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a chilling allegory of the Russian Revolution, using the seemingly simple story of animals overthrowing their human farmer to expose the dangers of totalitarianism and the corruption of power. Central to the narrative are the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the guiding principles supposedly ensuring equality and fairness on the farm. However, these commandments, initially etched in stone, become progressively distorted and manipulated by the pigs, mirroring the betrayal of ideals that occurred in the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule. This article will explore each commandment, analyze its evolution, and examine its significance within the broader context of the novel. Understanding these rules is key to grasping Orwell's powerful critique of political power and the seductive nature of ideology.

The Original Seven Commandments: A Foundation of Equality

At the beginning of the rebellion, Old Major, the wise old boar, lays out the principles of Animalism, which are later summarized in the Seven Commandments:

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, initially representing a utopian vision of animal equality and freedom, form the bedrock of the revolution. They are simple, easily understood, and inherently appealing to the oppressed animals. The commandments represent the ideal of a classless society, free from human exploitation. They highlight the core tenets of Animalism – liberation from oppression, collective ownership, and egalitarianism. The simplicity of the rules is intentionally crafted to emphasize their foundational importance and accessibility to all animals.

The Gradual Corruption of the Commandments: A Descent into Tyranny

As the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate their power, they subtly and gradually alter the commandments to suit their own ambitions. This systematic erosion of the original principles is a crucial element of Orwell's allegorical narrative. The process mirrors the way revolutionary ideals are twisted and ultimately betrayed by those in power. The commandments don't simply disappear; they are carefully manipulated, providing a chilling illustration of how propaganda and subtle changes can fundamentally alter meaning and justify oppression.

Let's examine the evolution of each commandment:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

This commandment remains largely unchanged in its wording, yet its application becomes increasingly flexible. Initially, it targets the human farmer, Mr. Jones, and his farmhands. However, as the pigs become increasingly human-like, this commandment is conveniently ignored or redefined. The pigs justify their bipedal activities (walking upright, carrying whips) by claiming it's for work-related purposes. This subtle shift showcases how easily a fundamental principle can be twisted to serve the interests of the powerful.

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

This commandment, too, undergoes a subtle transformation. The initial inclusiveness of all four-legged and winged creatures is gradually eroded as the pigs exert their dominance. Other animals who challenge the pig's authority are swiftly labeled as enemies, regardless of their number of legs or wings. This demonstrates how easily categories of "friend" and "enemy" can be manipulated based on power dynamics.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

This commandment is broken early on, first by the pigs wearing Jones's old clothes, then graduating to more sophisticated attire. They justify this transgression by claiming the clothes are necessary for maintaining order and conducting business, a rationalization that erodes the initial principle of equality. This reflects the appropriation of symbols of authority and the hypocrisy inherent in totalitarian regimes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

The pigs progressively redefine the meaning of "bed." Initially, it's a simple straw bed, but as the pigs accumulate power, they start sleeping in beds with sheets, then mattresses, then finally in the farmer's house itself. The continuous reinterpretation and expansion of this rule showcases the gradual and insidious nature of power grabs and the justification of privilege. This illustrates how a seemingly harmless rule can be manipulated through the subtle shift in meaning.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

This commandment suffers a direct and blatant violation. The pigs, having discovered Mr. Jones's whiskey, start consuming alcohol, eventually leading to frequent and heavy drinking. This openly breaks the rule, highlighting the utter disregard for the principles they once championed. It demonstrates how the pursuit of pleasure and the abuse of power can lead to a complete abandonment of ideals.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

This commandment is ostensibly upheld, but only selectively. The pigs brutally execute those who oppose them, framing it as necessary for maintaining order and security. The selective application of this rule displays the hypocrisy and brutality of the regime, showcasing the use of violence to maintain power. It highlights the inherent contradiction between the stated ideal and the harsh realities of oppression.

7. All animals are equal.

This is the most significant and ultimately subverted commandment. The original principle of equality is finally reduced to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This blatant rewriting is the culmination of the pigs' manipulation, illustrating the complete inversion of the initial utopian vision. It represents the ultimate betrayal of the revolution's ideals and the establishment of a hierarchical society mirroring the very system they sought to overthrow.

The Significance of the Seven Commandments' Distortion

The gradual corruption of the Seven Commandments is not merely a plot device; it's the central mechanism through which Orwell exposes the dangers of totalitarianism. The manipulation highlights how easily language can be twisted, how ideals can be betrayed, and how power corrupts. The subtle changes, combined with propaganda and intimidation, create a system where the pigs retain control while maintaining a veneer of legitimacy. The commandments' distortion serves as a chilling reminder of how revolutions, initially promising liberation, can end in tyranny and oppression.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Warning

The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm are more than just rules; they are symbols of hope, betrayal, and the enduring struggle for justice. Orwell's masterful use of allegory makes the story relevant even today. The progressive erosion of these commandments serves as a cautionary tale against unchecked power, the dangers of propaganda, and the importance of remaining vigilant in the defense of liberty and equality. The simplicity of the rules initially, contrasted with their cynical and manipulative alteration, underscores the fragility of revolutionary ideals and the constant need for critical thinking and vigilance against those who would exploit power for their own gain. The lasting impact of Animal Farm lies in its ability to make us question the nature of power, the allure of utopian ideals, and the ever-present threat of tyranny disguised as progress.