Symbolism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

The novel “Anthem” is written very uniquely. It encloses individuality and makes the readers believe of how people can adapt to humankind and to do as they are advised to do without being aware of the results of their compromise. Also, it teaches the significance of self expression and the independence that comes additionally with being your own individual and obtaining the capability to choose what direction to take in your own lifestyle. Figurative language is used frequently in this novel and with differently use of quotes that have excellent importance to the theme, plot, and conflict of the novel. “We blew out the candle….” The primary thing that is obvious about this quote is the use of “We”. The expression “We” is used all through the

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Could a tune often sung by children in Bible study also be used to depict an expedition of self? Similarly, Ayn Rand portrays a hymn of “I” in Anthem through a boy confined within a collectivist society. Throughout Anthem, Ayn Rand uses Equality’s journey to awareness in which Rand displays religious connotations’ ability to stifle individuality, foreshadow through the Saint of Pyre, as well as consecrate “ego” in order to emphasize the need for self-worth and individuality.

“The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the grey of it. It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue of the good, by which the weak steal the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the sages” (Rand 66). Anthem is a science fiction book written by Ayn Rand. This book takes place in a futuristic time in which freedom and individual rights have been demolished and substituted by collectivism. Equality 7-2521 has a different perspective on reality than the rest of society and therefore searches to find his way despite many hardships. Within Equality 7-2521’s exploration, he is able to

Throughout the novel, multiple different symbols are being portrayed, although the symbol of light depicts the full meaning of the characters and theme of Anthem. Ayn Rand uses light to symbolize knowledge, hope, freedom, and life. The light symbolizes hope since, it shows how Equality separates himself from collectivism and thinks for himself when he proclaims “We made it. We created it. We brought it forth from the night of the ages. We alone. Our hands. Our mind. Ours alone and only” (59). By contrast to the light of the box, the City is dark and only lit by candlelight. Therefore the light shows the hope that Equality and all others have of breaking away from the collective society and becoming individuals and to have freedom to be themselves. The discovery of light starts Equality's journey of changing the society and granted him the chance to create a new world where light and other things from the Unmentionable Times exist.

Ayn Rand's Anthem shows us her view of our world united under what seems to be communist rule. For example their view of right and wrong; which Anthem portrays is a system of very strict rules which mainly make sure that everyone is involved in a collective role within the society in this system no one is considered an individual or that they can even think as an individual.

brought them for a civilization where the word ?I? did not exist to a world

“My happiness is not the means to any end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose” (Rand, 95). Anthem is written by American author Ayn Rand about Equality 7-2521 on his quest for happiness. The novel is set in an unspecified time and place in the future. Years after human civilization has gone through a deconstruction in which all knowledge was lost and a new society established with no concept of the individual. “The novel describes the efforts of the main character, Equality 7-2521, to reestablish a sense of personal identity and restore the knowledge of the past by objective scientific inquiry. In doing so, he must face many dangers and privations” (Anthem). Anthem is a dairy of the Equality

Ayn Rand, a prominent political figure in the 1930s and ‘40s, wrote Anthem, which is known for it’s political stances during the late 1930s, particularly on the political dilemmas during that time. On the other hand, there are plenty of gender ideals represented throughout the book, seen in the theme, the overall setting, and the two main characters in Rand’s literary work.

“Anthem” is an engrossing novel by Ayn Rand focusing on the character Equality 7-2521’s descent into rebellion against the new socialistic government that has taken all previous scientific advancement out of life, only to leave the ideology of collectivism. His quest to discover, learn, and invent is problematic to those that oversee the progress of the civilization, and from roughly around the age of five, he is punished for his nature. Soon enough, the twenty-one year old is on a journey to learn, not only about nature’s mysteries, but also about what sets him apart from his dead-eyed peers. Equality 7-2521 has many distinctive characteristics that others in the restricted city do not, some of which are relatable, and others that are indeed unique.

Equality 7-2521, the main character of Anthem, lives in a society where everything is controlled by the government. There is no individuality; every person refers to themself as “we.” After finding a secret tunnel, Equality 7-2521 escapes here to write about himself and his childhood stories. Although he knows that he is breaking the law, he states that he feels guilt for his actions. As Equality 7-2521 writes about his childhood, it is discovered that he never wanted to be a street sweeper; his desire in life was to be a scholar so that he could explore and learn things about life. He remembers an instance where someone was executed for using the word “I”. Equality 7-2521 believed that he was called to be the next Transgressor. During the nights, he experiments in his tunnel. One night, he discovered electricity. While Equality 7-2521 is at work, he sees a young woman whom he referred to as the “Golden One.” Although the laws forbid men and women from speaking to each other, Equality

What is your opinion on how society impacts everyone’s meaning of who they are? We wonder, why is there always expectations for us to live our lives. We ask ourselves, “Why is there always a type of judgement?” Is it ever going to end?” Society gives humanity a different type of understanding and visual towards who people are.

He was known as this for majority of the book because that is the only form of identity he was given. The author gave the main character this name because his collectivist society demanded that everyone be treated as equals. They believe "It is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them (Rand 21)." However, Equality recognizes early on that he is anything but equal to his brothers because he is capable of so much more. When he is known as Equality he cares what his brothers think and he fears being different.

Vision a lifestyle where one perceives it as a sin to comprehend data more efficiently than of one’s peers; a felony to long for things that others do not wish upon. Where floods of white tunics and austere minds obliterate the Earth. A colony built upon leaders who asphyxiate anyone from infatuation of any object or significant being; moreover, a world suffocating in collectivism. Through exasperated transcription, Anthem brings about such a community; nevertheless, a world of black and white. Ayn Rand does not overemphasize the effects of totalitarianism, but amplifies it so that it is more effortless for one to enlighten he or she’s notion on the particular proposal. First, by analyzation of “Equality 7-2521”, and

After reading Ayn Rand’s Anthem, I find myself questioning the importance of the sacred word and it’s meaning, both figuratively and literally. A paramount argument has arisen: is Prometheus, narrator and main character of Anthem by Ayn Rand, an egoist? It is essential to understand what the author of this classic novel meant to express; evaluating and reading in between the lines is a critical step in doing so. I can understand both points of view, which means I can understand where people are coming from when they say he’s not, but I also understand people who believe he is. Somewhere between chapters 9 and 10, Equality sees his reflection for the first time.

Equality doesn't always equal happiness. Ayn Rayn used symbolism in her book Anthem to show a deeper meaning on how she feels about collectivism based on how it affected her at the time. Three of of the most important symbols are a simple light bulb, a screaming person, and the Uncharted Forest. This proves that Anthem is classified as a dystopia because each symbol represents the fear and how powerless the people really are in their lives.