What are the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm Changed To?
George Orwell’s classic novel, Animal Farm, is a powerful allegory that criticizes the Soviet Union’s political system and the corrupting influence of power. The story revolves around a group of animals who rise up against their oppressive human masters and establish their own society. The original seven commandments, which serve as the foundation of this new society, are later altered to reflect the animals’ descent into tyranny. This article explores the changes made to the seven commandments and their significance in the novel.
The original seven commandments, as written on the wall of the farm, are as follows:
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.
As the story progresses, the pigs, who are portrayed as the leaders of the revolution, begin to manipulate the commandments to consolidate their power. The first change occurs when the pigs alter the second commandment to read, “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” This change is significant because it allows the pigs to maintain their luxurious lifestyle while still claiming to be equal to the other animals.
The second change is made to the seventh commandment, which is altered to, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” This change is a direct attack on the principle of equality that was supposed to be the cornerstone of the animal society. It allows the pigs to justify their superior status and to maintain their authority over the other animals.
The third change is to the fourth commandment, which is altered to, “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.” This change is a subtle way for the pigs to maintain their control over the animals, as it allows them to restrict the animals’ access to alcohol while still being able to consume it themselves.
The fourth change is to the fifth commandment, which is altered to, “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.” This change is a way for the pigs to maintain their power by ensuring that they are the only ones who can make decisions regarding the lives of other animals.
The fifth change is to the first commandment, which is altered to, “All humans are enemies.” This change is a reflection of the pigs’ growing animosity towards the humans and their desire to maintain their dominance over them.
The sixth change is to the third commandment, which is altered to, “No animal shall wear clothes, except to protect against inclement weather.” This change allows the pigs to wear clothes while still claiming to be equal to the other animals.
The seventh and final change is to the second commandment, which is altered to, “No animal shall go to the town.” This change is a way for the pigs to restrict the animals’ access to information and to prevent them from learning about the outside world.
In conclusion, the changes made to the seven commandments in Animal Farm serve as a powerful symbol of the corruption of power and the betrayal of the original ideals of the revolution. These alterations highlight the pigs’ gradual transformation from revolutionary leaders to oppressive dictators, and they serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism.
