Who Made the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm and Why Do They Matter in a World of Talking Vegetables?

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a timeless allegory that critiques political systems, power dynamics, and the corruption of ideals. At the heart of the story are the 7 Commandments, a set of rules established by the animals to govern their newly liberated farm. But who exactly created these commandments, and what do they reveal about the nature of power and manipulation? Let’s dive into the origins, evolution, and implications of the 7 Commandments, while also exploring their curious connection to a hypothetical world of sentient vegetables.
The Origins of the 7 Commandments
The 7 Commandments were formulated by the pigs, particularly Snowball and Napoleon, shortly after the animals overthrew Mr. Jones and took control of Manor Farm, renaming it Animal Farm. These commandments were meant to encapsulate the principles of Animalism, a philosophy inspired by Old Major’s vision of equality and freedom for all animals. The commandments were painted on the barn wall for all to see and follow:
- Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
- Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
- No animal shall wear clothes.
- No animal shall sleep in a bed.
- No animal shall drink alcohol.
- No animal shall kill any other animal.
- All animals are equal.
At first glance, these rules seem straightforward and fair, designed to ensure equality and prevent the animals from adopting human vices. However, as the story progresses, the pigs—especially Napoleon—begin to twist and reinterpret the commandments to justify their own increasingly authoritarian behavior.
The Evolution of the Commandments
One of the most striking aspects of the 7 Commandments is how they are gradually altered to suit the pigs’ agenda. For example, the commandment “No animal shall sleep in a bed” is quietly amended to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets,” allowing the pigs to enjoy the comfort of the farmhouse beds. Similarly, “No animal shall drink alcohol” becomes “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess,” giving the pigs free rein to indulge in Mr. Jones’s whiskey.
These changes highlight the pigs’ manipulation of language and ideology to maintain control over the other animals. By subtly altering the commandments, the pigs create a facade of adherence to the original principles of Animalism while consolidating their own power. This manipulation mirrors real-world tactics used by authoritarian regimes to rewrite history and redefine truth to serve their interests.
The Role of Squealer in Enforcing the Commandments
Squealer, the pigs’ propagandist, plays a crucial role in justifying the changes to the commandments. With his persuasive rhetoric and ability to twist logic, Squealer convinces the other animals that the alterations are necessary and in their best interest. For instance, when the pigs begin walking on two legs and wearing clothes—direct violations of the original commandments—Squealer redefines the rules to fit their new behavior, ultimately reducing the commandments to a single, paradoxical statement: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Squealer’s tactics demonstrate how language can be weaponized to manipulate perception and maintain power. His ability to convince the animals that “black is white” underscores the dangers of unchecked propaganda and the importance of critical thinking.
The Commandments as a Reflection of Human Society
The 7 Commandments serve as a microcosm of societal rules and norms, illustrating how ideals can be corrupted over time. Initially, the commandments represent a utopian vision of equality and justice, much like the founding principles of many political movements. However, as the pigs consolidate power, the commandments become tools of oppression, reflecting the ways in which those in power often exploit ideology to justify their actions.
This dynamic is not unique to Animal Farm; it resonates with real-world examples of revolutions that devolved into authoritarian regimes. The French Revolution, for instance, began with the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity but ultimately led to the Reign of Terror. Similarly, the Russian Revolution, which Orwell explicitly critiques in Animal Farm, started with the promise of a classless society but resulted in the rise of a totalitarian state under Stalin.
The Talking Vegetables Connection
Now, let’s take a whimsical detour into the world of talking vegetables. Imagine a farm where carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers have gained sentience and established their own set of commandments. At first, these rules might promote harmony and cooperation, such as “No vegetable shall overshadow another in the garden” or “All vegetables shall share sunlight equally.” However, as certain vegetables—perhaps the ambitious pumpkins or the cunning eggplants—begin to assert dominance, the commandments could be twisted to justify their rise to power. For example, “No vegetable shall overshadow another” might be revised to “No vegetable shall overshadow another without permission,” allowing the pumpkins to tower over the rest.
This absurd scenario underscores the universality of Orwell’s message: the corrupting influence of power transcends species, whether they are animals, humans, or even sentient vegetables. It also highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting the integrity of shared ideals.
Conclusion
The 7 Commandments in Animal Farm are more than just a set of rules; they are a powerful commentary on the fragility of ideals and the ease with which they can be corrupted. From their creation by the pigs to their gradual distortion and ultimate betrayal, the commandments serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the manipulation of language. Whether in a farmyard of rebellious animals or a hypothetical garden of talking vegetables, the lessons of Animal Farm remain profoundly relevant.
Related Questions
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Why did the pigs change the 7 Commandments?
The pigs altered the commandments to justify their increasingly authoritarian behavior and to maintain control over the other animals. By redefining the rules, they could exploit the farm’s resources for their own benefit while appearing to adhere to the principles of Animalism. -
What is the significance of the final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”?
This final commandment encapsulates the hypocrisy and corruption of the pigs’ regime. It reveals the complete betrayal of the original ideals of Animalism and underscores the inherent inequality in the pigs’ rule. -
How does Squealer manipulate the other animals?
Squealer uses persuasive rhetoric, false logic, and outright lies to convince the animals that the pigs’ actions are justified. He exploits their trust and lack of education to maintain the pigs’ dominance. -
What real-world parallels can be drawn from the 7 Commandments?
The manipulation of the commandments mirrors real-world tactics used by authoritarian regimes to rewrite history, control information, and justify their actions. It reflects the broader theme of how power can corrupt even the noblest of ideals. -
Could the animals have prevented the corruption of the 7 Commandments?
The animals might have been able to prevent the corruption of the commandments if they had been more vigilant, educated, and willing to question the pigs’ authority. However, their lack of critical thinking and fear of retribution allowed the pigs to manipulate them effectively.