Religion In George Orwell's Animal Farm

In Animal Farm by George Orwell, Religion plays a huge role in the beliefs of the animals. Religion can have multiple meanings and be interpreted in many different ways. This can mean believing and worshipping a higher power, or a set of beliefs that are learned and practiced. In Animal Farm, the animals beliefs and religion have an impact on the actions and thoughts expressed by the animals. Like Karl Marx said, “Religion is the opium of the people”. Animal Farm was based on the principles of Animalism. These principles were broken down into seven commandments that the animals followed, “...unalterable laws...animals on Animal Farm must live by…” (24). These laws were the base of the animals religion along with the motto, “Four legs good, two legs bad” (34). The commandments of Animal Farm covered everything that the pigs on the farm found wrong or immoral. The commandments served as a base of religion for the animals since they had to follow the commandments closely and they didn’t have a choice on what they truly believed. Even though the pigs changed the commandments to fit their needs, the animals still followed the rules because they did not want to return to the way it was when the humans ruled.

In Animal Farm, that person was Napoleon. Napoleon served as the leader of Animal Farm and was ultimately the one who decided what was right and wrong. The animals respected Napoleon so much that they believed pretty much everything he said, “If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right”(82). Even though there may have been doubt throughout the farm, it was quickly stopped by Napoleon’s loyal followers who convinced them that Napoleon was right. The animals thought of Napoleon as their “savior” and was willing to do anything he wanted them to do, even if that meant sacrificing themselves for the good of the