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Failure Of Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Living in a society where individualism is scorned, makes collective progress a strenuous task. In addition, attempting to make advancements in any field of study becomes a futile effort due to the disregard for ego. In the dystopian fiction, Anthem, by Ayn Rand, Equality 7-2521 breaks the shackles of collectivism by discovering the value of progress through personal efforts. Due to his love for Liberty 5-3000 and his intelligence, Equality is noble and rejects society to protect his individual freedoms. Equality’s intellect allows him to recognize the damage of collectivism on technological advancements and self-sufficiency. Equality is assigned a job as a street sweeper, but his curiosity leads him to secretly conduct scientific experiments …show more content…

Though their love is romantic, it is also a symbolic representation of individuals’ longing for the ability to express emotions. Equality’s love for Liberty inspires him to take action against the oppression of society to protect his individual freedoms, even if it means risking his own well-being. This makes him noble since he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and security for the sake of love and freedom as he sleeps “In the midst of [a] ring [of fire], and the beasts dare not attack [him]” rather than sleeping in society on a bed (Rand 84). As they live in the forest, Equality and Liberty learn to be free from the constraints of society because they have each other for support. This independence is a large factor in their rejection of the collectivist society and drive for individual freedoms. Having a companion in a time of uncertainty gives unprecedented confidence which drives Equality’s goals of leading “Individuals to [his] fortress…[where he and his] fellow-builders, shall write the first chapter in the new history of man” (Rand 101). Equality recognizes that the greatest joys in life come from personal affairs and Liberty gives him a joy that belongs only to him. Having something unique fills him with joy which further instills confidence that leaving society was the correct choice. Equality is told throughout his life that working for the good of others is the only way to live, yet when he works for himself he no longer feels weary. He is also told that joy must be shared with everyone, yet his greatest joys belong solely to him, the greatest of which being Liberty (Rand 86). Equality’s love for Liberty drives him to reject society and fight for individual freedom, giving him the courage to take action against oppression and make sacrifices for love and

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