Figurative Language In Anthem

The tone of authors throughout the world varies greatly based on their intentions for writing. In the case of Anthem, author Ayn Rand invents a dystopian society in which collectivism is promoted in great favor over individualism. One character, however, pushes the boundaries and embraces a sense of independence. Rand likely desired audiences to take her views presented in her novel into consideration. Accordingly, for the purpose of creating a serious relationship with its readers, Anthem adopts a reverent tone by utilizing formal language and addressing critical subjects.

Ayn Rand manipulates the vocabulary in Anthem to express a great earnestness in the story. While establishing the setting, she describes the sky above “like a black sieve pierced by silver drops that tremble, ready to burst through” (Rand 28). This illustration of the expanse above uses both a simile and potential symbolism to represent an individual, the silver, trying to force his way out of his collectivist society, the sieve. By employing figurative language, Rand arranges a

One instance occurs when the narrator shows a pivotal moment in the text by saying, “We forget all men, all laws and all things save our metal and our wires” (Rand 54). In claiming purposeful ignorance of all laws in his society, Equality 7-2521 entirely rejects his former ways of life along with the civilization that raised him. He dares to abandon every service provided to him in favor of isolated survival, which may be fatal. Moreover, Equality 7-2521 later publicly disobeys the rules and undergoes torture in the form of strapping. The individuals in charge of his torture use such great power that “The lash whistled like a singing wind” (Rand 64). With this occasion, the text displays both an emotionally and physically harmful matter that evidences Ayn Rand’s solemn attitude towards the