The Seven Commandments in Animal Farm were not written by a single individual, but rather collectively conceived by the pigs, primarily Snowball and Napoleon, who are the intelligent and power-loving leaders in the book. These commandments were meant to embody the principles of Animalism, the philosophy that guides the animals after they overthrow their human farmer.
Who Conceived the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm?
The core ideas behind the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm came from the teachings of Old Major, a prize-winning boar whose vision of a world free from human oppression inspires the animal revolution. After Old Major’s death, Snowball and Napoleon develop his ideas into a complete philosophy and they are the ones who formalize these principles into the Seven Commandments, which are then painted on the side of the barn for all the animals to follow.
What Are the 7 Commandments?
The Seven Commandments are the foundational principles of Animalism, intended to ensure equality and prevent the animals from adopting human-like behaviors. They are meant to guide the animals in their new society, promoting unity and preventing exploitation. Here are the original commandments:
- 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.
How Were the 7 Commandments Changed?
Over time, the pigs, led by Napoleon, gradually alter the commandments to justify their increasing control and privileges. For example, "No animal shall sleep in a bed" becomes "No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets," and "No animal shall drink alcohol" becomes "No animal shall drink alcohol to excess." The most significant change is to the seventh commandment, which is infamously altered to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". These changes reflect the pigs’ manipulation of the original principles of Animalism to serve their own selfish interests.
Why Are the 7 Commandments Important?
The Seven Commandments are important because they represent the initial ideals of the animal revolution: equality, freedom, and justice. However, their gradual distortion and manipulation by the pigs illustrate the corruption of power and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. The commandments serve as a satirical commentary on the Russian Revolution and the dangers of totalitarianism, showing how easily noble principles can be twisted to justify oppression and inequality.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
What is the main message of Animal Farm?
Animal Farm‘s main message is a critique of totalitarian regimes and the corruption of revolutionary ideals. Through the allegory of animals overthrowing their human oppressors only to be subjected to a new form of tyranny under the pigs, George Orwell illustrates how power can corrupt, leading to oppression and inequality, even in societies that initially strive for equality and justice.
What do the pigs represent in Animal Farm?
In Animal Farm, the pigs represent the corrupt ruling class in a totalitarian society. Led by Napoleon, the pigs exploit their superior intelligence to seize control of the farm, manipulate the other animals, and establish a dictatorship. They symbolize the betrayal of revolutionary ideals and the abuse of power for personal gain, mirroring the actions of leaders like Joseph Stalin during the Russian Revolution.
What is the moral of the story Animal Farm?
The moral of Animal Farm is that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The story warns against the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of vigilance against oppression, and the need to uphold the principles of equality and justice. It highlights how easily revolutionary ideals can be betrayed and how crucial it is to resist manipulation and maintain critical thinking.
What is Animalism in Animal Farm?
Animalism is the philosophical system in Animal Farm that embodies the principles of equality, freedom, and opposition to human oppression. Inspired by Old Major’s teachings, it serves as the ideological foundation for the animal revolution, advocating for a society where all animals are equal and free from human exploitation. However, the pigs distort Animalism to justify their own dominance and control over the other animals.
The Seven Commandments, conceived by Snowball and Napoleon, encapsulate the initial hopes for a better society but ultimately reveal the vulnerability of revolutionary ideals to corruption.
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