The scene I chose in George Orwell's Animal Farm is when the pigs alter the Commandments written on the barn wall, especially the Commandment stating that all animals are equal. This part takes place in the barn, where all the animals come together to reflect on the seven Commandments that form the foundation of Animalism. Particularly, the pig Squealer manipulates the wording of the Commandments to justify their actions and consolidate their power. Eventually, the Commandment changes from "All animals are equal" to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This alteration is crucial as it encapsulates the dynamics of power and corruption that this novel explores.
The characterization of the pigs, especially Napoleon and Squealer, is central to understanding the motivations behind the moral decline. Napoleon, who has ascended to the leadership of the farm, showcases an unwavering ambition for authority. His actions reveal a significant shift from the revolutionary ideals that the animals initially cherished. Squealer, the propaganda minister, emphasizes the cunning nature of the ruling class, using deceptive language to mask the realities of oppression. This scene illustrates their gradual transformation from revolutionary leaders to tyrannical figures driven by self-interest rather than the collective good.
In this sense, the scene profoundly highlights power, corruption, and inequality. The manipulation of the Commandments symbolizes the erosion of principles and the moral decay that accompanies the rise of totalitarianism. It reflects the theme that those in power will inevitably seek to maintain their supremacy, often at the expense of truth and justice. The Commandments serve as a symbol of the animals' initial hopes for a fair and equal society, and their alteration signifies the betrayal of those who hoped for a distortion of their revolutionary ideals.
In conclusion, the scene where the Commandments are altered is vital to Animal Farm, encapsulating the themes of power, corruption, and the distortion of ideals. It reveals the depravity of characters like Napoleon and Squealer while marking a pivotal moment in the plot that drives the animals deeper into oppression. Additionally, the literary techniques employed highlight the irony and symbolism inherent in this transformation.