They explained that by their studies of the past three months the pigs had succeeded in reducing the principles of Animalism to Seven Commandments. These Seven Commandments would now be inscribed on the wall; they would form an unalterable law by which all the animals on Animal Farm must live for ever after.

Question

–Animal Farm,
George Orwell

What does the name Seven Commandments suggest about the new laws?

that they are based on commandments of the Constitution of the United States
that they are replacing the religious laws known as the Ten Commandments
that they are the same as the commandments of The Communist Manifesto by Marx
that these commandments will be enforced with punishment for those who break them

Answer 1

The name "Seven Commandments" suggests that these new laws are intended to be absolute and fundamental rules governing the behavior of the animals on Animal Farm, much like religious commandments. The reference to "commandments" implies that they are seen as authoritative and unchangeable, which aligns with the idea that breaking them would lead to consequences. However, the specific association with the Ten Commandments of religious tradition suggests that they are replacing previously held beliefs (either moral or social) with a new set of laws. Therefore, the most fitting option based on the context would be:

that they are replacing the religious laws known as the Ten Commandments.

This aligns with the theme of the novel, where the ideals of the revolution are positioned as a new guiding principle, akin to religious commandments, to emphasize obedience and adherence among the animals.