The Importance Of Human Identity In Anthem By Ayn Rand

“Anthem” – one of writing authors Ayn Rand, shows her at her most vicious, hungry, and ambitious reading personality not only as a writer, but as a storyteller as well. The classic hit novel “Anthem” is the predecessor to Ayn Rands later books and storytelling works such as “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged”, often tackles controversial themes that are still prevalent within modern America today, such as Family & Love. The grandeur novel “Anthem” is a reflection of such topics, all whilst being told with almost an aura of mystery within the novels plotline / storyline. “Anthem’s” take on things such as individuality and self discovery along with universal, self serving terms such as “I” & the word “We” are the key factors in helping differinciate this author Ayn Rand from other authors that write and compse the same genre of literature as Ayn Rand. Anyways, please allow for me to introduce you to the under the surface, deeper themes expressed in the classic debut novel, Ayn Rands “Anthem”

During Equality’s first days in the Uncharted Forest, he starts to realize that perhaps there is more to life than the beliefs of the collective. The simple act of going into the Uncharted Forest was forbidden; however, Equality feels as though the forest is the place he is meant to be. While exploring the forest, Equality notes that “the trees parted before [him], calling [him] forward. The forest seemed to welcome [him]” (Rand 79). In this important part of the novella, Rand utilizes personification of trees to convey the idea that the forest is not as scary as the Council made it out to be. It is, in fact, quite the opposite as the trees welcomed Equality with open arms like a human would do when embracing a newcomer to a community.

Novelists create science fiction novels that represents what today’s society could possibly look like if the government has too much power. Today’s society would fall into a state of corruption, where nothing belongs to a single person and everything is owned by the government. It would be a place where people cannot openly voice their thoughts or opinions without getting in trouble with the powerful government. Ayn Rand’s science fiction novel, Anthem, depicts a dark vision of the future world where individuality is not permitted to exist. The main character, Equality, sets himself aside from the other people living in society. He knows that he is different, but with a sense of naivety, he finds his independence wrong, but he cannot help it. Liberty, the female character in which Equality has feelings for, also finds herself to be different from others and follows Equality’s path. In conveying the insidious corruption of the collectivist society of Anthem, Ayn Rand uses dramatic and situational irony.

The novel of Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, contributes to controversial subjects in society that are still relevant today. Some issues addressed by Rand in her novel include: equality, social hierarchy, individuality, and government. Throughout the duration of reading Anthem the issues in which Rand makes relevant are not obvious, but more so discussed through conflicts and situations that the main character, Equality 7-2521, encounters. Although many of the altercations that present social issues are provided by either other characters singlehandedly or by a group of the characters in alliance, some of the main issues that arise in this novel are presented within the main character himself.

Equality contemplates, “I wonder, for it is hard for me to conceive how men who knew the word “I”, could give it up and not know what they lost” (103). This quote narrates the discovery of one of the most essential words used to identify as a single, original person, I. Equality realizes the tragedy of the loss that his previous society created before his lifetime and really ponders why and how this could happen in a very separate world. Equality readies himself to be an individual person as a result of feeling strongly against the beliefs of his previous society. Equality excitedly states, “We made a fire, we cooked the bird, and we ate it, and no meal had ever tasted better to us. And we thought suddenly that there was a great satisfaction to be found in the food which we need and obtain by our own hand” (79). In the past, Equality had never done anything to express his originality because of the law stating otherwise, so when given the opportunity to finally understand his own strengths and weaknesses, he takes it. He disregards the law and excitedly grasps the concept that he isn’t supposed to be a follower like his peers were, he was meant to be a leader. Disagreeing with the law was a main point of Rand’s novella, promoting personal

In conclusion, in Anthem by Ayn Rand, Equality’s new society will have none of the rules of the old society. The rules were put in place to shun differences and keep everyone equal. Because Equality hated the old society, he encourages differences, and he was an outcast in the old society, he will not allow any of the rules to carry over into his new

All success starts with inner motivation. The most talented people that are living have an inner motivation that started their success story. The book “Anthem,” by Ayn Rand portrays the character  Equality's  main motivation which is individuality. Through his fearless discoveries he finally realizes the truth and that truth will set him free.

Nowadays, individuality is perched on top of the highest pedestal. There's nothing that compares with the ability to stand apart from each other and no one dares take that away. But in Ayn Rand’s novella called Anthem, it is the complete opposite; there are numerous Councils who are in charge of everything for the people. Some of the things include, what jobs and what future people have and also they regulate intelligence and inventions. Equality 7-2521, later renamed Prometheus, is a member of this dystopian society; he isn't at all similar to his brothers. This, leads to his urge to break away from them. The Council and the society damn him because of his actions and brain, but after his escape, he realizes this damnation is hilarious because they are the damned, not him.

The book, Anthem by Ayn Rand, is a story that is written about a man named Prometheus, or otherwise known as Equality 7-2521, who chooses to be different in a society where everyone was meant to be the same. Throughout most of the book, he has trouble finding the meaning of his life. As he realizes that he can be different, he discovers the power of his own mind so towards the end of the book he turns into a more proud and independent individual. He learns the wrongs of his society, so as a result he rebels against them. Ayn Rand represents the cruelty of collectivism in Anthem by portraying a society that is oppressed by men.

Often, this will negatively impact self esteem, self worth and self confidence. “We are one in all and all in one . There are no men, but only the great WE , One , indivisible and forever.” Equality 7-2521 condemns himself as evil and cursed, and labels himself as a sinner and criminal. He admits his unhappiness in the Home of the Students as well as in the Home of the Street Sweepers. In our world, Equality 7-2521 would be a promising student, and later a successful scientist. However, in the story, instead of benefiting society, his talents go to waste. Even his name indicates a lack of personal identity, until he meets Liberty 5-3000, and they name each other “the Golden One” and “the Unconquered”. Anthem provides proof for how collectivist ideals oppress the individual, and deeply affect personal identity and purpose in

​In the society of Ayn Rand’s novel Anthem, it is a crime to show any individuality, and it is a reminder of how some people fear being themselves in today’s society. In the novel Equality 7-2521, the main character, knows that they are different from everyone else they know. However, they are forced to hide it because they know that they will be punished for these thoughts. When Equality 7-2521 has these thoughts, they must say to themselves, “We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One, indivisible and forever” (Rand 19). Equality 7-2521 is forced to be a follower, which I can connect to my own life. Today, it can seem like it is wrong to be a certain way or to have certain interests. Because of this, many

Beyond Anthem’s Society's Rules, Controls, and Boundaries In the critically acclaimed novel, Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, the main character, Equality 7-2521, faces countless difficulties throughout the course of the book. In this dystopian society created by Ayn Rand, there are numerous rules, controls, and boundaries that are set by leaders of Equality’s community to keep the peace in the city. These alleged “rules” are Equality’s main conflict in the novel, due to his vast curiosity. Each of these rules have a reason for existence and have a purpose in Equality's society.

War-torn societies, families broken apart, and many people’s individualism taken away. A pattern most people in today's modern society are used to. A character in Ayn Rand’s novel, Anthem, Equality 7-2125 is also quite familiar with this pattern. In this novel Society has stripped down of all individualism. The novel focuses on the main character, Equality 7-2125 and his journey navigating not only himself, but the closest ones to him back to the idea of individualism.

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.

Throughout the story of “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, there was one character that sticks out to me throughout the entire story was the main character himself, Equality 7-2521. In the beginning of “Anthem”, Equality 7-2521 seemed to me in my opinion a depressed person, who seems like he has no opportunities in the world, as Equality 7-2521 mentions about the different sections of his city along with the laws of the Council of Vocations and how it would be a sin to go against their rules. Even though it seems like Equality 7-2521 is a benighted person, he is aware or from his perspective that he seems to be aware that he is different than everybody around him such as his personal experiences and travels with a good friend International 4-8818. Despite