Ayn Rand's Anthem

He still chooses to even though it is forbidden which eventually causes a problem for him once he is found out. Throughout all the issues though, he manages to remain an individual. Equality is the protagonist in this dystopia and he handles his trials along the way with pride, dignity, and beauty. He is unique and more intelligent than the rest of his peers just based on the premise that he can understand conflict and somehow manage to solve his issues.

“IT IS A SIN TO WRITE THIS”(17), as Equality 7-2521 said when he was in the dark damp cave of blackness where he went to be alone so he could concentrate on his ideas that he wasn’t allowed to have. Anthem, by Ayn Rand, portrays a primitive way of life that describes a depressing future only consisting of rule and the unknown. Throughout the book there is one main thought made by all the characters and they all wonder what had happened before “The Great Rebirth” and why the Council wanted to hide it from them. It is like all their minds were wiped from the face of the earth and the clock of all time had started from zero. They had forgotten science and everything invented by it.

This made Equality find out who he is and gave him the chance to be an individual. Equality’s views and mindset changes through out the book. He was born in a society where people are named by numbers. A world where people are used as machines. In this world the word “I” is out of existence.

Equality disregards the fact that what he has been doing if forbidden in his society and takes his invention to the World Council of Scholars. But, before he can take his invention to the council, he is caught in the act of creating the glass box and is taken to he Palace of

Equality’s road to individuality begins with standing up to his oppressors and learning that thinking for one’s self is the only way to happiness and success. To begin, Equality’s road to freedom begins with finding the underground tunnel system. This is where Equality begins to explore his individuality. He steals candles, flints, knives, paper, glass vials, powders, acids, and even manuscripts. He is breaking the law by taking these things, but he is curious, which is where his individuality stems from.

Besides, the knowledge and materials used to guide his discovery were obtained through burglary. Sneaking out of the City Theatre every night, Equality stole candles, flints, knives, paper, glass vitals, acids, and manuscripts to formulate his reinvention (Rand 35-36). Stealing, sneaking out, and self guided research are all transgressions of the council's society. His transgressive behavior for his own personal interest classifies him as a selfish narcissist. Equally, he feels no guilt in his delinquencies when he reveals “there is no shame in us and no regret.

However, since the council fails to recognize this idea, Equality has two options: either face imminent execution or flee. By choosing the latter and fleeing into the Uncharted Forest, Equality finally is, in a physical sense, free from the rule of collectivist society. Now he is alone in the forest, alone with his thoughts. He decides where he goes, when he sleeps, what he eats. However, he is still not fully

Equality also talks about the Home of the Infants and the Home of the Students. He talks about how much he loves the Science of Things and yearns to learn more about how things are made. He asks so many questions that the Teachers restrains how many he may asked, “We asked so many questions that the Teachers forbid it,” (23). Equality was determined to learn about everything around him and how everything worked, he asked questions after questions that no more questions where allowed. Equality eventually finds out his life job as a Street Sweeper, he meets a woman named Liberty 5-300 working in the fields.

With all of his experience that nobody has known in at least a century he is extremely capable of deciding whether of his choices are right. His personality keeps him from giving up hope and giving up on his society and his companion but keeps him curious enough to keep searching for something better in life. Equality has aged to the point where he thinks he needs to change the world and will try to do so. Most would believe that Equality’s actions were righteous and could not contemplate that his actions were

So long a road lies before us, and what care if we must travel it alone!” (54) In this statement all Equality cares about is his invention and he is still trying to expand his

Equality discovers what individualism is and what it means, but when Equality finds out what it means it changes his view throughout the

As I mentioned Equality was in the forest he finds a stream and bends down to get a drink of water, while kneeling there he sees a reflection, his reflection. At first I believe he was startled because he has never seen his face before, but after looking at it for a moment longer, Equality was very pleased by his looks. He described his body and face to be beautiful. He also mentions he doesn’t look like anyone he has come face to face with throughout his life. He now has proof before his eyes that he really is an individual and that he does not need anyone.

As Equality starts to grasp onto topics not known to people of his society, he starts questioning the actions he involves himself in, but ultimately develops a sense of independence from society as these new activities start bringing him happiness and delight. Equality shows these emotions as he describes, “And yet there is no shame in us and no regret... it seems to us that our spirit is clear as a lake troubled by no eyes” (37). Equality feels “no shame” and “no regret” in everything he’s doing, but this is just the beginning of his growing awareness towards being sovereign from his original society. He continues by expressing that his “spirit is clear as a lake troubled by no eyes.”

To start, Equality feels it is important to be true to himself. He grew up in a strict community

Equality’s individuality is the second step to rediscovering the lightbulb. He has his own individuality, and his individuality is what makes him