The Seven Commandments are a set of rules that are designed to control the behavior of the animals on the farm. They are based on the idea that the animals are all equal, and that they should all work together for the common good. However, the commandments also contain elements of totalitarianism, which is a form of government in which the state has complete control over the lives of its citizens.
For example, the first commandment states that "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy." This means that the animals are not allowed to have any contact with humans, even if they are friendly. This is because the humans are seen as being inherently evil, and the animals are afraid of being corrupted by them.
Another example of totalitarianism is the third commandment, which states that "No animal shall sleep in a bed." This means that the animals are not allowed to have any comforts or luxuries. They must all live in the same simple conditions, and they are not allowed to own any personal property.
The Seven Commandments are a powerful tool for control, and they are used to keep the animals in line. They are also a reflection of the totalitarian nature of the regime that is in place on the farm.
What Happens after Revolutions
The Seven Commandments are also a commentary on what can happen after revolutions. In many cases, revolutions are successful in overthrowing the old regime, but they are often followed by a period of chaos and instability. This is because the new regime is often not prepared to govern, and it may not have the support of the people.
In Animal Farm, the revolution is initially successful, and the animals are able to overthrow the farmer. However, the new regime is quickly corrupted, and the animals soon find themselves living in a more oppressive society than the one they overthrew.
The Seven Commandments are a warning about what can happen after revolutions. They show that it is not enough to simply overthrow the old regime. The new regime must also be prepared to govern, and it must have the support of the people. Otherwise, the revolution may end in failure.