What are the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm Changed to: A Reflection on Power and Manipulation

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a timeless allegory that explores the dynamics of power, corruption, and manipulation. At the heart of the story are the Seven Commandments, a set of principles established by the animals to govern their society after overthrowing their human oppressors. However, as the narrative unfolds, these commandments are subtly altered to serve the interests of the ruling class, the pigs. This transformation of the commandments serves as a powerful commentary on how ideals can be distorted to justify authoritarian rule. Let us delve into the changes to the Seven Commandments and what they reveal about the nature of power.
The Original Seven Commandments
Initially, the Seven Commandments were meant to embody the principles of Animalism, a philosophy advocating equality and collective welfare. The original commandments were as follows:
- 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.
These commandments were painted on the barn wall, serving as a constant reminder of the animals’ shared values and aspirations.
The Gradual Erosion of Principles
As the pigs, led by Napoleon, consolidate their power, the commandments begin to change. These alterations are not abrupt but occur gradually, reflecting the insidious nature of manipulation. Each change is justified with twisted logic, ensuring that the other animals remain compliant.
1. “No animal shall sleep in a bed” becomes “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.”
The pigs begin sleeping in the farmhouse beds, claiming that they need the comfort to perform their leadership duties effectively. To justify this, they add the qualifier “with sheets,” arguing that the original commandment only prohibited luxurious bedding. This change highlights how those in power reinterpret rules to suit their own needs while maintaining the illusion of adherence to principles.
2. “No animal shall drink alcohol” becomes “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.”
When the pigs discover alcohol, they indulge in it but later suffer from hangovers. To avoid hypocrisy, they modify the commandment to allow moderate drinking. This change underscores how those in power often exempt themselves from the rules they impose on others.
3. “No animal shall kill any other animal” becomes “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.”
After Napoleon executes several animals for alleged treason, the commandment is altered to justify his actions. The addition of “without cause” provides a loophole, allowing the pigs to eliminate dissent under the guise of justice. This reflects how authoritarian regimes use vague language to legitimize violence.
4. “All animals are equal” becomes “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
The final and most infamous change encapsulates the complete betrayal of the revolution’s ideals. By declaring that some animals are “more equal,” the pigs openly acknowledge their superior status, rendering the concept of equality meaningless. This transformation reveals the ultimate goal of authoritarianism: the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
The Role of Squealer in Manipulating the Commandments
Squealer, the pigs’ propagandist, plays a crucial role in justifying the changes to the commandments. His ability to twist language and manipulate facts ensures that the other animals accept the alterations without question. For instance, when the pigs begin walking on two legs, Squealer convinces the animals that this behavior aligns with the original commandments. His tactics demonstrate how propaganda can be used to distort reality and maintain control.
The Broader Implications
The changes to the Seven Commandments serve as a microcosm of how power corrupts and how ideals can be subverted. Orwell’s portrayal of the pigs’ manipulation reflects real-world instances where leaders exploit language and ideology to consolidate power. The gradual erosion of the commandments mirrors the way authoritarian regimes rewrite history and redefine values to serve their interests.
Conclusion
The transformation of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm is a powerful reminder of the fragility of ideals in the face of power. Orwell’s allegory warns us of the dangers of complacency and the ease with which language can be manipulated to justify oppression. By examining these changes, we gain insight into the mechanisms of authoritarianism and the importance of vigilance in preserving our values.
Related Questions
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How does the manipulation of the Seven Commandments reflect real-world political tactics? The gradual changes to the commandments mirror how authoritarian regimes use propaganda and censorship to rewrite history and control public perception.
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What role does language play in maintaining power in Animal Farm? Language is a tool of manipulation, used by the pigs to justify their actions and suppress dissent. Squealer’s rhetoric exemplifies how language can distort reality.
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Why is the final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” particularly significant? This commandment encapsulates the complete betrayal of the revolution’s ideals, revealing the hypocrisy and corruption of the ruling class.
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How do the changes to the commandments affect the other animals on the farm? The alterations create confusion and disillusionment among the animals, but their lack of education and critical thinking prevents them from challenging the pigs’ authority.
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What lessons can modern societies learn from the transformation of the Seven Commandments? The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding leaders accountable to their stated principles.