Final answer:
The commandments in 'Animal Farm' initially reflect the ideas expressed in Old Major's speech, emphasizing equality and rebellion against oppression. Over time, the commandments are corrupted by the leadership, betraying Old Major's original principles and showcasing the central themes of Orwell's work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commandments in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' largely reflect the ideas expressed in Old Major's speech. In that speech, Old Major calls for a unified rebellion against human oppressors and the establishment of a society where all animals are equal and live free from the tyranny of humans. This revolutionary sentiment is encapsulated in the Seven Commandments that the animals create after the rebellion, which aim to codify the principles of Animalism and set the ground rules for the new society.
However, as the story progresses, the commandments are altered by the pigs who take on the leadership roles, demonstrating a shift away from Old Major's initial ideals toward a society that mirrors the oppression the animals sought to escape. The pigs' gradual corruption and the manipulation of the commandments to solidify their power betray the foundational principles of equality and justice that were proclaimed in Old Major's speech.
In conclusion, while the commandments initially reflect the revolutionary ideas of Old Major's visions for a better society, they eventually warp into tools of oppression that contradict those same ideals, highlighting the themes of corruption and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals which are central to Orwell's Animal Farm.