What were the Seven Commandments in “Animal Farm”?

The Seven Commandments in George Orwell’s classic novella “Animal Farm” are a set of rules to which the animals on the farm must abide by. These commandments form the foundation of Animalism, an ideology based around the idea that all animals should be equal and free from human oppression.

Unpacking the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm

The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm provide a code of conduct for the animals to live by, embodying the ideals of Animalism. The first commandment reads: “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy”. This is meant to remind the animals of their loyalty to each other, and to not trust humans or adopt human traits or practices. The second commandment states: “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend”. This commandment reinforces the idea of fraternity and unity among animals, while excluding humans from their circle of friendship.

The third commandment reads: “No animal shall wear clothes”. This serves to remind them that they are different from humans and there should be no attempts to adopt human characteristics. The fourth commandment states: “No animal shall sleep in a bed”. This is meant to keep the animals from gaining comfort or luxury as humans do, and discourage them from acting like humans.

The fifth commandment reads: “No animal shall drink alcohol”. This serves to keep the animals from becoming dependent on substances that could impair their judgement and make them act in a way not dictated by Animalism. The sixth commandment states: “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause”. This is meant to enforce the idea of mutual respect among all animals, as well as banning cruel practices like killing for sport.

The seventh and final commandment reads: “All animals are equal”. This is the most important of all, emphasizing the equality among all animals and reminding the animals to treat each other fairly, regardless of differences in strength or intelligence. Together, these commandments serve as a set of guiding principles for the animals of Animal Farm and ensure that their new-found freedom is not abused.

Exploring the Messages Behind the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm

The Seven Commandments of Animal Farm are the laws set down by the animals to govern their behavior and ensure that all members of their society are treated fairly. These commandments represent a symbolic representation of the communist ideology, and were designed to create an idealistic vision for society. Exploring the messages behind these commands can help us understand the intentions of George Orwell’s novel, and the ideas he was trying to convey.

The first commandment is “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy,” which warns against the dangers of human oppression. This reflects a common theme in Soviet Russia at the time, where those in power were often oppressive and exploitative towards those who were less powerful. In Animal Farm, this commandment serves as a warning to the animals of the dangers that humans pose, and serves as a reminder for them to always be mindful and vigilant.

The second commandment is “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend,” which symbolizes the importance of solidarity among animal species. This reflects an idea in communist ideology that all working-class people should unite together in their shared struggle against oppressive forces. This commandment serves to remind the animals to always remember that they have strength when united, and should never be divided or broken apart by those who seek to oppress them.

The third commandment is “No animal shall wear clothes,” which symbolizes the idea of equality among all species. In Soviet Russia, clothing often represented a person’s wealth and class, as well as a way to distinguish one from another. This commandment serves to remind the animals that regardless of their differences they are all equal, and should never judge or treat each other differently because of it.

The remaining four commandments all focus on the idea of animal rights and freedom. The fourth commandment is “No animal shall sleep in a bed,” which symbolizes the idea that everyone should have free access to basic amenities, regardless of their economic situation. The fifth commandment is “No animal shall drink alcohol,” which stands for the importance of remaining sober-minded and not being corrupted by power. The sixth commandment is “No animal shall kill any other animal,” which serves as an important reminder to respect the rights of all species. Lastly, the seventh commandment is “All animals are equal,” which symbolizes the importance of equality and justice for everyone.

Exploring the messages behind the Seven Commandments of Animal Farm helps us understand George Orwell’s original intent with his novel, as well as provides insight into the ideology behind Soviet Russia at that time. By understanding these messages, we can better appreciate the symbolism behind Animal Farm and its relevance to our own lives today.

The Impact and Legacy of Animal Farm’s Seven Commandments

The impact and legacy of Animal Farm’s Seven Commandments have inspired millions and are still relevant today. Although the novel was written nearly seventy-five years ago, its themes remain as timely and powerful than ever before. The seven commandments set forth by Old Major at the beginning of the novel outline a utopian society in which animals rule over humans without fear or oppression. These commandments serve as a blueprint for the animals to create an equal society that is based on justice and compassion.

Although the seven commandments are never mentioned by name, they have become widely recognized symbols of freedom and justice. They have been used as a rallying cry for revolutionary movements around the world, from Latin America to South Africa. The powerful message of Animal Farm’s Seven Commandments is that all people, regardless of race or class, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

The legacy of Animal Farm’s Seven Commandments can also be seen in the modern anti-totalitarian movements throughout the world. The commandments serve as a reminder that tyranny and oppression must not go unchecked. They remind us that even in times of darkness and despair, there is hope for a better future.

The impact and legacy of Animal Farm’s Seven Commandments will no doubt continue to be felt long into the future. Whether it is in inspiring revolutionary movements, or simply reminding us to treat each other with respect and dignity, the seven commandments serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible. This timeless message of justice and compassion has been passed down through generations, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for centuries to come.