Who Made the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm and Why Do They Sound Like a Grocery List?

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a timeless allegory that critiques the rise of totalitarianism through the lens of a farmyard rebellion. At the heart of this rebellion lies the 7 Commandments, a set of rules crafted to guide the animals toward a utopian society. But who exactly created these commandments, and why do they feel like they were written by someone who just discovered the concept of equality while shopping for carrots? Let’s dive into the origins, evolution, and absurdities of these infamous rules.

The Architects of the Commandments: Pigs with a Plan

The 7 Commandments were not the result of a democratic brainstorming session among the animals. Instead, they were primarily the brainchild of the pigs, particularly Snowball and Napoleon, who positioned themselves as the intellectual elite of the farm. The pigs, being the most “intelligent” animals, took it upon themselves to distill the principles of Animalism—a philosophy inspired by Old Major’s speech—into a digestible set of rules.

But let’s be honest: the pigs didn’t just wake up one day and decide to create a manifesto. They had an agenda. The commandments were designed to maintain order and control, ensuring that the animals remained united against their human oppressors. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the commandments were less about equality and more about consolidating power. Spoiler alert: the pigs were playing the long game.

The Evolution of the Commandments: From Idealism to Hypocrisy

Initially, the 7 Commandments were a symbol of hope and unity. They represented the animals’ collective desire for a fair and just society. The first commandment, “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy,” set the tone for the animals’ rebellion against human tyranny. The second, “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend,” emphasized solidarity among the animals. These rules were simple, clear, and seemingly unbreakable.

But as the pigs grew more powerful, the commandments began to change—subtly at first, then blatantly. For example, the commandment “No animal shall sleep in a bed” was later amended to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” This shift allowed the pigs to enjoy human luxuries while technically adhering to the rules. Similarly, “No animal shall drink alcohol” morphed into “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess,” giving the pigs carte blanche to indulge in their vices.

The most infamous alteration was the final commandment, “All animals are equal,” which was revised to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This Orwellian twist perfectly encapsulates the hypocrisy and corruption that had taken root on the farm.

The Absurdity of the Commandments: A Satirical Masterpiece

Orwell’s genius lies in his ability to use the commandments as a vehicle for satire. On the surface, the rules seem noble and straightforward, but they are riddled with contradictions and absurdities. For instance, the commandment “No animal shall kill any other animal” is later violated when Napoleon executes animals for allegedly conspiring with Snowball. The pigs justify this by adding “without cause” to the rule, effectively rendering it meaningless.

The commandments also highlight the animals’ naivety and susceptibility to manipulation. Despite the blatant changes, most of the animals fail to notice or question the revisions. This blind obedience underscores the dangers of propaganda and the ease with which those in power can rewrite history to suit their needs.

The Commandments as a Reflection of Human Society

While Animal Farm is a critique of Soviet communism, the 7 Commandments resonate far beyond that specific context. They serve as a commentary on the nature of power and the ways in which rules can be twisted to serve the interests of the ruling class. In many ways, the commandments mirror the empty promises and broken ideals that have characterized countless political movements throughout history.

The gradual erosion of the commandments also reflects the fragility of moral principles in the face of greed and ambition. What starts as a noble vision of equality and justice is corrupted by the very individuals who were supposed to uphold it. Sound familiar? It’s a pattern that has repeated itself time and time again, from ancient empires to modern democracies.

Conclusion: Who Really Made the Commandments?

In the end, the 7 Commandments were not just the work of the pigs; they were a product of the animals’ collective desire for change. However, the pigs exploited this desire to establish their own dominance, turning the commandments into a tool of oppression rather than liberation. The story of the commandments is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind faith and the importance of vigilance in the face of power.

So, who made the 7 Commandments in Animal Farm? The pigs may have written them, but the animals allowed them to be rewritten. And that, dear reader, is the real tragedy.

Related Q&A

Q: Why did the pigs change the commandments?
A: The pigs altered the commandments to justify their increasingly hypocritical behavior and consolidate their power over the other animals.

Q: Did the other animals notice the changes to the commandments?
A: Some animals, like Benjamin the donkey, were aware of the changes but chose not to speak out. Others were too naive or intimidated to question the pigs’ authority.

Q: What is the significance of the final commandment?
A: The final commandment, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” highlights the complete corruption of the original ideals of Animalism and the pigs’ transformation into the very oppressors they once rebelled against.

Q: How do the commandments reflect real-world political systems?
A: The commandments mirror the ways in which political leaders and regimes often manipulate laws and ideologies to maintain control, often at the expense of the people they claim to serve.