What is the first commandment in Animal Farm?
A. No animal shall wear clothes
BWhatever goes upon two legs is an enemy
CNo animal shall sleep in a bed
DNone
Answer:
B. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy
Read Explanation:
Understanding the First Commandment in Animal Farm
- The novel Animal Farm, written by George Orwell (pseudonym for Eric Arthur Blair), is an allegorical novella published in 1945. It reflects the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then into the Soviet Union's early Stalinist era.
- The animals, led by the pigs, overthrow their human oppressor, Mr. Jones, and establish a new society based on the principles of Animalism, outlined by the pig, Old Major, before his death.
- The core principles of Animalism are codified into Seven Commandments, which are painted on the barn wall. These commandments are intended to be immutable laws for the animals to live by.
- The First Commandment, “Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy,” establishes the fundamental principle of animal superiority and human oppression. It explicitly identifies humans as the primary adversaries.
- This commandment symbolizes the initial revolutionary fervor and the clear distinction drawn between the oppressed proletariat (animals) and the oppressive bourgeoisie/aristocracy (humans) in the context of the Russian Revolution.
- Over time, the pigs, particularly Napoleon and Squealer, gradually corrupt and alter these commandments to suit their own tyrannical rule, mirroring the rise of totalitarianism.
- The alteration of this commandment, along with others, demonstrates the insidious nature of propaganda and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. Eventually, the commandments are reduced to a single, cynical statement: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
- Key Characters associated with the Commandments:
- Old Major: The visionary who inspires Animalism.
- Snowball: Initially helps codify the commandments and promotes literacy among animals.
- Napoleon: Systematically undermines and alters the commandments for his own power.
- Squealer: The propagandist who justifies every change to the commandments.
- The evolution of the commandments throughout the novel serves as a powerful critique of totalitarian regimes and the erosion of freedom and equality.