Anthem Research Paper

Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” illustrates a series of ironic connections between great successors of Greek mythology and to her two main characters. The main characters, Equality 7-2521 and Liberty5-300, both contain very interesting and unique personalities, which makes them incompatible with their collectivism society due to who they are and what they believe. Ayn Rand disperses random clues throughout the book that provide evidence and reasoning of why she chose to rename her characters after two significant creator figures in Greek mythology. So, why did Ayn Rand chose the names? How does it explain her philosophy?

In source one, the writer evaluates how one must hold regard for others rights and freedoms and respect them and source three holds the opinion that collectivism on a small scale is acceptable but on a large scale it is dangerous. Both of these sources speak about how without collectivism, individualism can not prosper. Source two is different however, in that it shows a much more collectivist opinion. Although the views may not be in line with individuality, there are still some aspects of this ideology. If in an ant colony, One individual feels like they are more important than the others it will leave for chaos. However you also can not treat individuals as though they are nothing. You must be careful not to promote enough individualism so that the ideology spreads, but also be sure to provide enough so that each individual feels important. All three sources agree with the idea that collectivism and individualism are like ying and yang: Without one you can not have the

Everyone is the same, but everyone wants to be themselves. Throughout “Anthem” everyone in the city were taught to never put themselves before each other. The novel demonstrates this idea of individuality and collectivism through various archetypes. The three archetypes I found were Equality being a loner, Equality going on a journey, and everyone wearing white.

“It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see. It is base and evil… We have broken the laws” (17). Thus begins Anthem by Ayn Rand, a novella about a future collectivist society and a man named Equality 7-2521. Though the story takes place in the future, all technology that came after candles and glass has been taken away. The word “I” has ceased to exist in anyone’s vocabulary. Every person must agree on everything and feel like everyone else. To accomplish ‘cleansing’ the evils of mankind, society lead its people to believe that nothing can be done independently. The story is told through the eyes of Equality as he purposely defies the laws

Societies differ in many ways. The society of Anthem is collectivism, meaning they work together as one unit and are “owned” by a leader of some sort. Our society supports individualism, meaning individuals make their own choices in life and people live for themselves.

Relationships between the individual and society vary between cultures, religions and ethnicities. Nevertheless, throughout history, how the individual is seen in society varies accordingly. In Medieval Europe, China and Islamic countries, religious beliefs and different philosophies greatly contributed and effected how individuals in a community acted and interacted with their society and other countries. Different lifestyles and common norms contributed to the differences in relationships because how the community interacted with each other influenced the way society acted in general. In some societies individualism was stressed where as in others the importance of community was emphasized. As a result, these ideas shaped the way society

| |that it was from then, that is, if they know it was the past. |

Individualism in today’s society is the “belief that each person is unique, special, and a ‘basic unit of nature’.” The individualism concept puts an

Throughout the novel, Anthem, and a speech from Fountainhead, written by Ayn Rand, it expresses the argument between individualism vs collectivism. An individual is a person who has control of his or herself, while a collectivist is someone whose hard work benefits their society. Although, another ideology that Ayn Rand mentions in her literature is egoism, throughout her books the significant meaning of being an egoist is considered a good thing, but in our modern society today we consider it a trait reflected by a selfish person.

The dystopian novella, Anthem, is set in an age in which every aspect of life is controlled by oppressive leaders. In this society, everyone was deemed equal to each other, meaning no new ideas were allowed and the past could not be discussed. Individuals are told they exist only for the sake of serving society and have no other purpose. Strict rules were put in place involving everyone’s daily lives, their partners, and even when they were allowed to smile. The goal of this controlling environment is to be completely free from conflict and maintain peace and order by giving citizens little freedom.

Ayn Rand's novella, Anthem, displays a dystopian and totalitarian society that is in opposition to individualism. As shown in Anthem and many other real and fictionalized totalitarian societies, children live apart from their families. Why? Because dictatorial leaders enforce this living arrangement among the kinsfolk.

Collectivism is a very common theme in Ayn Rand’s writing. From Anthem to The Fountainhead, her opinion is very clear: individualism is the source of freedom and joy, while collectivism is the root of sorrow and slavery. In Anthem, the main character, Equality 7-252, has grown up in a collectivist society that has remained strong for centuries. In that society, no one has had the choice to do what they want to do, love what (or who) they love, and simply be who they are. That society praises the idea that men live only for each other. Living for oneself is evil, a Transgression. The idea of “I”, “Me”, and “Mine” has disappeared, dragging the precious words along with it. Throughout the plot, Equality 7-2521 is seen both unintentionally and intentionally defying his society. At first, he condemns himself, describing his evil acts and mind and labeling his different mindset as a curse. “We were born with a curse. It has always driven us to thoughts which are forbidden.” (Rand 18) He is also condemned by others, for things he cannot control. He is taller than most other people, he has preferences for what he wishes to become, and he has ideas and opinions. Yet when his life assignment is Street Sweeper, he rejoices. He sees that as a way to pay penance for his sins. Later on, however, he embraces his individuality. “I am. I think. I will.” (Rand 94) He is the first to accept the idea of individuality for centuries, and helps others accept it, too.

Anthem depicts a dystopian society in which everything is for the community, and no actions should be committed for self. Equality has a curse. He has selfish thoughts and commits transgressions frequently. Equality does not think for his brothers or sisters in the way that is “normal”. The society that controls the city where Equality lives believes they have congruity within the community and demands blind obedience to their morals and values. In the beginning of Anthem, Equality at first follows the rules of the society and presumes their morals are free of error, but eventually begins to realize that the society is depriving people the freedom of individuality.

No “I” and no “you”, just “we.” How could we live in a world like that? Ayn Rand’s book shows a twisted and different form of collectivism. Everyone is told what they have to do for the rest of their future. Children are not even allowed to know who their parents are and are never given the chance to meet them. Although, only one shines in the society that no one else may see until now. Equality finds it difficult to find individualism in his life and in the rules of his society. Equality eventually finds individualism in escaping, to a haven of his own, from his odd society. Equality can then find peace with himself and can live in a more individualistic life in his newfound house with “The Golden One” in the forbidden and

Anthem’s previous strategy, which focused on cost leadership, was supported by numerous factors including their high brand recognition through the Blue Cross Blue Shield network. However, because of the post ACA environment and novel payment models, the company is shifting towards a differentiation strategy. Their new strategy focuses on the following objectives: (Anthem website)