Animal Farm uses a small set of rules to control the animal community, but over time these commandments shift to serve those in power. Understanding the original principles and how they are twisted helps readers see the story as a critique of political corruption.
The following sections break down the foundational rules, track their evolution, and connect them to broader themes of propaganda and authority in the novella.
| Commandment | Original Wording | Thematic Role | Later Reality on the Farm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whatever walks on two legs is an enemy | Unity against humans | Pigs negotiate with humans |
| 2 | Whatever walks on four legs, or has wings, is a friend | Animal solidarity | Horses exploited, cats manipulate rules |
| 3 | No animal shall wear clothes | Rejection of human vices | Pigs wear clothes to seem respectable |
| 4 | No animal shall sleep in a bed | Equality and simplicity | Pigs alter the rule to add "with sheets" |
| 5 | No animal shall drink alcohol | Temperance and self-control | Pigs get drunk and change the limit |
| 6 | No animal shall kill any other animal | Protection of life | Executions without trial |
| 7 | All animals are equal | Justice and fairness | Pigs claim superiority by intelligence |
The Original Seven Commandments Explained
Commandment One: No Hairless Biped
The first commandment establishes humans as the primary enemy, reinforcing the animals’ alliance based on shared oppression. This rule channels revolutionary anger toward a common external threat.
Commandment Two: Four Feet or Wings
The second commandment promotes unity among non-human creatures. Yet it conveniently ignores the complicity of certain animals and creates a sense of moral hierarchy among the exploited.
Commandment Three: No Clothes
By banning clothing, the commandments reject human materialism and status symbols. The pigs later exploit this by appropriating human-style garments to signal their elevated status.
Commandment Four: No Beds
This rule is framed as a moral safeguard against luxury. The pigs’ manipulation of the rule with the simple addition of “with sheets” shows how language can obscure hypocrisy.
Commandment Five: No Alcohol
The prohibition on drinking aims to preserve the animals’ strength and focus. When the pigs drink and then rewrite the limit to “too much” rather than “none,” the law becomes a tool of deception.
Power and the Corruption of Language
How Commandments Are Changed
After the pigs assume leadership, they subtly alter the commandments to justify their privileges. These revisions are painted on the wall at night, ensuring the animals wake up to a changed reality without evidence of tampering.
Squealer’s Role in Reframing Rules
Squealer uses statistics, emotional appeals, and fear to reframe each violation as necessary for the farm’s success. The animals’ limited memory and trust in leadership allow the propaganda to overwrite their understanding of the original rules.
Symbolism and Real-World Parallels
Commandments as Political Ideology
Each commandment functions like a political slogan, easily distorted to serve those in power. The story mirrors historical instances where revolutionary ideals are reshaped to legitimize authoritarian control.
The Function of Rewritten Rules
By changing the commandments and controlling information, the pigs maintain power without overt rebellion. The evolving rules reflect how laws and narratives can be distorted in real societies to protect elite interests.
Key Takeaways on the Commandments
- The original commandments represent idealistic principles meant to unite the animals.
- Each revision benefits the pigs while maintaining the appearance of moral continuity.
- Language manipulation through altered commandments enables the pigs to control reality.
- The evolution of rules reflects broader themes of propaganda and authoritarian abuse.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many original commandments are there in Animal Farm?
There are seven original commandments that form the foundational rules of Animal Farm.
Which commandment is altered to allow the pigs to drink alcohol?
The fifth commandment, originally forbidding alcohol, is changed to permit drinking in moderation.
Which commandment is repeatedly blurred to justify executions?
The sixth commandment, protecting against killing, is adjusted to excuse the executions of alleged traitors.
What phrase remains unchanged on the wall, even as other rules shift?
The phrase “All animals are equal” stays the same, though its practical meaning is gradually corrupted by the pigs.