The Debate Over Individuals And Groups

This novel displays exactly what Ayn Rand’s theory of Objectivism does not support in order to expose the weaknesses of her opponents ways and express the importance of self improvement. She puts forth for the reader the faults of a collective minded society as the leaders and society within Anthem attempt to control mans body and mind. Towards the close of the novel, as Equality 7-2521 discovers the sacred word he also comes to understand the perks of self improvement and striving to advance as an individual. The leaders and society attempt to accomplish the tyrannical end to their dictatorship through their control of mans body and mind by hiding the past and maintaining a collective

At the start of Anthem, a lack of free thought and individuality resulted from religious connotations in the negative form. The government dominating Equality’s society referred to all the information they wanted hidden from society through dismissive yet holy terms. On the contrary, beliefs that

The society depicted in Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, has the people working for other people, and that their own lives are useless, a system known as collectivism. The rules are quite restrictive in Anthem’s society for the purpose of keeping people in line so they would not rebel against the government. Rules also serve to keep people equal to one another; however, at the end of the novel, Equality 7-2521 creates his own society with hopes to give people full freedom and individualism. The government’s society in Anthem created laws to keep the collectivist ideals alive.

The first purpose and the reason to Anthem’s society is because of how the government was trying to make a utopia. In the book Anthem I feel the government is trying to make a utopia because of how they society as a whole is ruled by a government that has completely taken away peoples being as a whole like how instead of names they gave the people numbers. “Our name is Equality 7-2521, as it is written on the iron bracelet which all men wear on their left wrists with their names upon it.” (Ayn Rand Page 18) This quote shows how each person was distinguished by a number and not by a name. Another way that the government in the book Anthem were trying to

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 is a story about how mankind enters a dark age where individuality is now eliminated by ‘The Council’ in an unspecified future date and unspecified location. The narrator of the novel, Equality 7-2521 is a rebellious young protagonist that conducts illegal secretive scientific research alone and writes in a journal in an underground abandoned railroad tunnel. This dystopian novella deals with authoritarianism as the government has taken control and assigns jobs and duties for every being based on the Council's decision. In the novels Anthem by Ayn Rand and V for Vendetta by Alan Moore, the totalitarian government takes advantage of their higher power to enforce strict obedience on citizens, without concerning for their opinions or wishes and removing their personal freedom, which causes a rebellious protagonist to take charge and struggle to find their freedom.

Individuality is non-existent and is known as one of the most sinful things they want. They aren't allowed to express their thoughts freely. “The laws say that men may not write unless the Council of the Vocations bid them so” (17). “We strive to be like all men, for all men must be alike” (19). “We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but the great WE, indivisible and forever” (19). Anthem’s society has none to minimal amounts of technology. “All the great modern inventions come from the Home of the Scholars, such as the newest one, which was found only a hundred years ago, of how to make candles from wax and string; also how to make glass, which is put on windows, to protect us from the rain” (24). “They whisper many strange things, of the towers which rose to the sky in those Unmentionable Times, and the wagon moved without forces, and lights which burned without flame”. “We pulled the heavy curtains from the windows and we saw that not more than twelve men could have lived here” (90). In Anthem’s society, education is not important nor needed for future jobs. “Men must learn until they reach their fifteenth year. Then they go to work” (20). “Dare not to choose in your minds the work you would like to do when you leave” (22). “We asked so many questions that the teachers forbade it” (23). Anthem’s society was created to be in the future which we imagine as a

In Anthem, a novel by Ayn Rand, depicts a dystopian society where people are categorized into groups and everyone is opposed to individuality. The individuality of ,the main character, Equality 7-2521 and his intrusiveness made him seen as an outcast by society and the council, which is seen through the selection of themes, characterization, major conflicts, and point of view.

In Anthem, there is not much freedom, the government controls most of what happens, and there was not much knowledge. “The laws say that none among men may be alone, ever at any time, for this is the great transgression and the root of all evil.” (Rand,17) “But we may never speak of the times before the Great Rebirth, else we are sentenced to three years in the Palace of Corrective Detention.” (Rand,19). These quotes show how the laws are against freedom, they show that no one is allowed act how they want or say what they want to say. The government also has all the control in what people can say and do. “There is some word, one single word which is not in the language of men, but which had been. And this is the Unspeakable Word, which no men may speak or hear.” (Rand, 49) This quote shows how the government restricts what they are

The first tactic that the government uses to hinder individualism in both novels is by moderating or banning certain literature. Literature is an important form of expressing individuality because, those who read it develop educated thoughts and opinions. These educated thoughts and opinions are feared by those in power because, they are the backbone of activism, change, and freedom in a society. In today’s world we often hear the phrase “don’t burn the books”, when referring to the importance and freedoms of political and religious literature in our society. In Anthem, the government moderates literature by burning books that came from “The Unmentionable Times”. This is of course, is the time in which individuality and

Anthem by Ayn Rand is a collectivist society. In Anthem the highest leaders are the World Council. The World Council forces them to say “we” instead of “I,” so that everyone will think they are one with society, but if anyone thinks or speaks as an individual they will be sent to the Corrective Detention or burned to death; but Equality has no fear and discovers that individualism is just.

The book Anthem is taking place in a collectivist society. Evidences that proves this existence includes laws within the society, similar clothings, same opportunities, and “group before individual” thinking style. Its people have routine rules depending on their age. There are leaders and then, there are its followers. Its followers are wired to believe that it is a sin to think about yourself before anyone. They are to replace the word “I” to “we”. Their futures are not in their control but the leaders. In a way, it’s the same as being imprisoned in a labyrinth. Equality 7-2521 is the main protagonist and he is 21 years old. He is different from his brothers because he thinks in an individual way. He did not report the secret tunnel he found.

The autocracy in Anthem decide to keep the members of its society subdued and suppressed through brute force and blatant indoctrination of its folks, particularly the accentuation of the importance of conformity and

In Anthem, the somewhat like communism government has ruled over the people and have made laws and come with ideas that in the modern society , is mostly thought to be outrageous. Equality 7-2521 is the main character of the story and is so worried

Throughout all great works of literature, the authors try to include a theme or center point to base their writing on. Within the plot there can be found many similar references and coinciding points to be discovered among the lines the author writes. Richard III is a play written by the great playwright, poet, and storyteller, William Shakespeare. He was a man who wrote many popular stories known today as some of the greatest works of literary art ever read. He lived throughout the late 16th century into the early 17th century, a time where he produced many plays that were appreciated by the masses and even some royalty. Richard III, one of his popular works, is rife with political criticisms while simultaneously veiled by comedic coverage full of metaphoric insults.