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Learn how the animals in Animal Farm modified the commandments to suit their own agenda. Read about this fascinating twist on George Orwell’s classic tale.
As the saying goes, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This notion is perfectly exemplified in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where the animals overthrow their human oppressors and establish a society based on equality. The governing principles of this new order are encapsulated in the Seven Commandments, which were meant to guide the animals towards a utopian existence. However, as time passed, the animals began to change the commandments to suit their own interests. This shift in morality and ethics paved the way for the rise of tyranny and oppression on the once-idyllic farm.
George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a political allegory that tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer and run the farm themselves. In the beginning, the animals establish seven commandments that they all swear to follow in order to create a fair and equal society. However, as the pigs gain more power and become corrupt, they begin changing the commandments to suit their own selfish interests. In this article, we will explore how the animals changed the commandments in Animal Farm.
The Original Seven Commandments
In the beginning, the animals establish seven commandments that they all swear to follow. These commandments are:
- 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.
“All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others”
As the pigs gain more power, they begin to change the commandments to suit their own selfish interests. One of the most significant changes is to the seventh commandment, which originally stated “All animals are equal.” The pigs change this to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This change reflects the pigs’ belief that they are superior to the other animals and should have more privileges and power.
The Commandment About Killing
Another important change to the commandments is the one about killing. Originally, the sixth commandment stated “No animal shall kill any other animal.” However, as the pigs become more tyrannical, they begin to use violence to control the other animals. In order to justify their actions, they change the commandment to “No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.” This change allows the pigs to use violence against any animal they deem a threat or an enemy.
The Commandment About Alcohol
Another commandment that undergoes significant changes is the one about alcohol. Initially, the fifth commandment states “No animal shall drink alcohol.” However, as the pigs become more corrupt and power-hungry, they begin to hoard and consume alcohol themselves. In order to justify their behavior, they change the commandment to “No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.” This change allows the pigs to continue drinking while prohibiting the other animals from doing so.
The Commandment About Beds
Another commandment that is changed is the one about beds. Originally, the fourth commandment states “No animal shall sleep in a bed.” However, as the pigs become more comfortable in their leadership roles, they begin to sleep in the farmhouse beds. To justify their behavior, they change the commandment to “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” This change allows the pigs to continue sleeping in the beds while prohibiting the other animals from doing so.
The Commandment About Clothes
Finally, the commandment about clothing undergoes a subtle change. Originally, the third commandment states “No animal shall wear clothes.” However, as the pigs gain more power and become more like humans, they begin to wear clothes themselves. In order to justify their behavior, they change the commandment to “No animal shall wear clothes without permission.” This change allows the pigs to continue wearing clothes while prohibiting the other animals from doing so.
The Commandment About Friendship
One of the few commandments that remains unchanged throughout the book is the one about friendship. The second commandment states “Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.” This commandment remains important to the animals throughout the book as they struggle to maintain their relationships with each other in the face of the pigs’ corruption.
The Animals’ Betrayal
The changes to the commandments in Animal Farm represent the pigs’ betrayal of the other animals and their abandonment of the principles that they all swore to uphold. The animals’ inability to prevent these changes and hold the pigs accountable for their actions ultimately leads to their own oppression and enslavement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the changes to the commandments in Animal Farm reflect the pigs’ corruption and betrayal of the other animals. By changing the commandments to suit their own selfish interests, the pigs demonstrate their belief in their own superiority and their willingness to use violence and manipulation to control the other animals. Ultimately, the changes to the commandments represent the failure of the animals to maintain their principles and hold their leaders accountable for their actions.
The Original Commandments: A Symbol of Unity and EqualityAt the beginning of Animal Farm, the farm animals were united in their desire for freedom from human oppression. The Old Major’s speech inspired them to create a new society based on equality and cooperation. To symbolize their ideals, they created the Seven Commandments, which were painted on the barn wall. These commandments represented the animals’ shared values, including the belief that all animals were equal and should work together for the common good.The Beginning of the Animals’ Struggle with PowerHowever, it wasn’t long before the animals realized that creating a utopian society was easier said than done. The pigs, who were the most intelligent animals on the farm, quickly assumed leadership roles. At first, the animals accepted this arrangement, believing that the pigs were working for the benefit of all. However, as time passed, the pigs became more powerful and began to take advantage of their position.The First Change: All Animals Are Equal, But Some Are More Equal Than OthersThe first change to the commandments occurred when the pigs decided that they deserved special treatment. They added a new commandment that read All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. This phrase was a clear indication that the pigs felt they were superior to the other animals and should be treated accordingly.The Slow Erosion of Unity and TrustAs the pigs became more powerful, the other animals began to lose faith in their leadership. The pigs started to hoard resources and privileges for themselves, while the other animals struggled to survive. The once-united community started to fragment, and mistrust grew among the animals. The pigs used propaganda to maintain their power, convincing the animals that they were the only ones capable of running the farm.From No Animal Shall Kill Another Animal to the Bloodbath in the YardsOne of the most significant changes to the commandments occurred when the pigs decided that they had the right to kill other animals. The original commandment read No animal shall kill another animal, but the pigs changed it to No animal shall kill another animal without cause. This change allowed the pigs to justify their actions and led to a bloodbath in the yards, where several animals were executed for crimes they didn’t commit.The Changing Role of the Pig Leaders in Animal FarmAs the pigs consolidated their power, their role in the community changed. They began to live in luxury, wearing clothes and sleeping in beds, while the other animals struggled to survive. The pigs also started to use violence and intimidation to maintain their control over the farm. They created a secret police force that terrorized the other animals, making sure that no one dared to challenge their authority.The Animals’ Blind Adoration: How Propaganda Manages to Change Their MindsDespite all of this, many animals still believed that the pigs were working for their benefit. The pigs used propaganda to convince the animals that they were the only ones capable of running the farm and that any challenges to their authority would lead to chaos and destruction. The animals were so blinded by their adoration for the pigs that they couldn’t see the truth, even when it was right in front of them.The Downfall of the Rebellion: Why Napoleon Became More Like a Human Than a PigNapoleon, the pig who took over as leader after the overthrow of Farmer Jones, became more like a human than a pig as time passed. He began to act like a dictator, using fear and violence to maintain his control over the other animals. He also made alliances with humans, something that was once unthinkable on Animal Farm. The other animals began to realize that their rebellion had failed, and they were worse off than they were before.From Revolution to Totalitarianism: How Animal Farm Morphed into a DictatorshipAnimal Farm, which had once been a symbol of revolution and hope, had morphed into a dictatorship. The pigs had taken all the power for themselves, using violence and propaganda to maintain their control over the other animals. The once-egalitarian community had become deeply unequal, with the pigs living in luxury while the other animals struggled to survive.The Last Change: The Commandment That Gave Napoleon Absolute PowerThe last change to the commandments was the most significant. The pigs added a new commandment that read All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. This statement gave Napoleon absolute power over the other animals, allowing him to do whatever he wanted without fear of repercussions. The other animals were powerless to stop him, and the dream of a utopian society based on equality and cooperation died in Animal Farm.
Once upon a time, on the Manor Farm, all of the animals were under the rule of Mr. Jones. However, one day, the animals decided to revolt against their human oppressors and take over the farm for themselves. The pigs, who were the smartest animals on the farm, took charge and established a set of commandments that all of the animals were to follow.
At first, the commandments were simple and straightforward. They included things like Four legs good, two legs bad, and All animals are equal. However, as time went on, the pigs started to change the commandments to better suit their own needs.
The first commandment to change was No animal shall sleep in a bed. The pigs realized that they could sleep in beds, but they didn’t want the other animals to know about it. So, they changed the commandment to No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.
The second commandment to change was No animal shall kill any other animal. The pigs realized that they needed to kill some of the other animals in order to maintain control over the farm. So, they changed the commandment to No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.
The third commandment to change was All animals are equal. The pigs realized that they were smarter than the other animals and deserved more privileges. So, they changed the commandment to All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
As the years went on, the pigs continued to change the commandments to better suit their own needs. The other animals were too scared to speak out against them, so they just went along with it.
Point of View
The changing of the commandments in Animal Farm shows how those in power can manipulate language to control those beneath them. The pigs, who were the leaders of the farm, changed the commandments to better suit their own needs and maintain control over the other animals.
This manipulation of language is a common tactic used by those in power throughout history. By changing the meaning of words and phrases, they can control the thoughts and actions of those beneath them without any real opposition.
Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following those in power and the importance of questioning authority. It reminds us to always be vigilant and aware of the language being used by those in power and to speak out when we see injustice being done.
- Manipulation of language is a common tactic used by those in power to control those beneath them.
- Animal Farm serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following those in power.
- The changing of the commandments in Animal Farm shows the importance of questioning authority and being vigilant about the language being used by those in power.
As we come to the end of our discussion on how the animals changed the commandments in Animal Farm, it is important to note that this book is more than just a story about animals taking over a farm. It is a political allegory that highlights the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of being vigilant against the erosion of our freedoms. The changes to the commandments are just one example of how those in power can manipulate language and deceive others for their own gain.
Throughout the novel, we see how the pigs use their intelligence and cunning to control the other animals. They start by changing the commandments to suit their needs, gradually taking away freedoms until the animals are no better off than they were under human rule. The most significant change to the commandments is the addition of the phrase but some animals are more equal than others. This phrase reflects the pigs’ belief that they are superior to the other animals and can do whatever they want without consequence.
It is easy to see parallels between the events in Animal Farm and the rise of authoritarian regimes throughout history. The manipulation of language, the suppression of dissent, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few are all tactics used by dictators to maintain control. As readers, we must be aware of these dangers and work to protect our freedoms and democracy.
In conclusion, the changes to the commandments in Animal Farm serve as a warning to us all. We must be vigilant against those who seek to control us and remember that our freedoms are not guaranteed. It is up to each of us to stand up for what is right and fight against tyranny in all its forms. Thank you for joining me on this journey through Animal Farm, and I hope it has been a thought-provoking and enlightening experience.
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People also ask: How Did The Animals Change The Commandments In Animal Farm?
- What were the original commandments in Animal Farm?
- 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 did the animals change the commandments?
- Why did the animals change the commandments?
- What was the significance of the changing commandments?
The original Seven Commandments in Animal Farm were as follows:
The animals changed the commandments over time as they were manipulated by the pigs. Initially, the pigs began to make subtle changes to the commandments, such as adding the words without cause to the rule against killing other animals. Later, the pigs began to change the commandments more drastically, often rewriting them entirely to suit their own interests. For example, the commandment No animal shall sleep in a bed was changed to No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets, which allowed the pigs to justify sleeping in beds themselves.
The animals changed the commandments because they were being controlled and manipulated by the pigs, who wanted to maintain their power and privilege. By changing the commandments, the pigs were able to justify their own actions while suppressing dissent and opposition from the other animals.
The changing commandments in Animal Farm were significant because they represented the gradual erosion of the animals’ rights and freedoms under the pigs’ rule. As the pigs became more powerful, they used the commandments to justify their own actions while suppressing dissent and opposition from the other animals. The changing commandments also symbolized the corruption of power and the dangers of totalitarianism.