The Theme of Equality and Its Corruption

Animal Farm

Examines the journey from 'All animals are equal' to 'some are more equal than others,' tracing the corruption of the central ideal.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Declaration of EqualityThe Declaration of Equality
The Foundation of the New Society The Seventh Commandment 'All animals are equal' is inscribed as the final law. It is the bedrock of Animalism, promising a fair society. The Initial Practice All animals work together, share the food, and have equal rights. The farm seems to be a true democracy. The Ideal Stated The principle is clear: no animal is superior to another. The rebellion is fought for this equality.
The Gradual ErosionThe Gradual Erosion
The First Exceptions The Pigs' Special Rations Milk and apples are reserved for pigs. This is justified by necessity, but it creates a privileged class. The Pigs' Leadership Role They take over decision-making, and the other animals have no say. The principle of equality is weakened. The Alteration of Commandments The Commandments are changed to allow pigs to sleep in beds, kill animals, and drink alcohol. Each change erodes equality further.
The Final Statement of InequalityThe Final Statement of Inequality
The Ultimate Corruption The Single Commandment All the Commandments are replaced by one: 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.' The Open Tyranny The pigs now walk on two legs, wear clothes, and carry whips. They are the 'more equal' ones, and the others are their subjects. The Complete Betrayal The ideal of equality is dead. The farm has become a rigid hierarchy, with the pigs at the top and the rest at the bottom.
the night of the Rebellion
throughout the story
the end of the story