Character Analysis Of Equality 7-2521 In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Though Equality 7-2521 was kept in an obedient, collectivist state of mind by the City, he was different than the others. Equality was curious to learn things he wasn’t supposed to know, he possessed his own thoughts and wasn’t afraid to act alone. After defying societal laws and discovering electricity, he escaped the collectivism in which he lived and was imprisoned. Equality ran to the only place he knew others wouldn’t search for him, a place strictly forbidden- the Uncharted Forest. In order to survive in his new and unknown surroundings, Equality learned to make his own decisions, learned to act for his own benefit, discovered individuality and “ego”. Throughout Anthem by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 is an embodiment of defiance and independence in a society where it is prohibited.

He “fought with [his] brothers” (20) in the Home of Infants, his “head [was] too quick” (21) in the Home of the Students. As he grew older, his “questions [gave him] no rest” (24). Equality became more curious about the world than he should’ve been; he knew that there were “great things on this earth of ours, and that we can know them if we try, and that we must know them” (24). After discovering the light bulb and consequently being imprisoned, Equality escaped to the Uncharted Forest. He had not thought of going there, but his “legs had carried [his] wisdom” (75) and brought him to the place where no one would attempt to locate him, let alone have authority over him. Upon entering the Uncharted Forest, Equality knew he had violated laws, opposed the City, and resisted the collectivist way of life he was born into. More importantly, however, he knew he had found a safe haven apart from the corrupt society. Not only did Equality learn the Forest’s concealed secrets of the past, he discovered individuality, the ultimate act of defiance and rebellion towards his former