What change was made to Commandment #4 regarding sleeping in beds?

The change made to Commandment #4 in "Animal Farm" involves the alteration of the original wording to allow specific exclusions based on the presence of sheets. Initially, the commandment stated simply that animals were prohibited from sleeping in beds. However, it was later modified to include the phrase "with sheets," which introduces a distinction that downplays the severity of the commandment. This modification indicates a shift in the pigs' justifications and privileges, illustrating how the ruling class manipulates language to maintain their power and control over the other animals.

By adding the stipulation about sheets, the pigs imply that as long as certain luxuries are removed (like sheets), other comforts (like beds) are permissible, thus demonstrating their increasing resemblance to the humans they once rebelled against. This change in the commandment encapsulates the theme of corruption and the alteration of ideology that is central to the narrative of "Animal Farm."