Anthem Essay In the book Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, there is a clear definition of what is meant to be proclaimed in the writing. There are two main words that are the central focus; individualism and collectivism. Imagine a world where a group of people could only do what they were told with the same routine everyday. Along with that, a certain person is referred to as they instead of I with no opinions, and no personality. First, Anthem introduces collectivism as a detrimental mindset which portrays a harmful and dismissive feeling. Second, through an individual's understanding, they realize what is important compared to collective thoughts. Lastly, in one’s nature, we must understand the importance of having our own motivation and dedication …show more content…
For example, vision an individual choosing a diversion that makes them unhappy, and simply miserable most of the time. They work for no reward, but they do it to be in articulation because that is what everyone else was doing. That is an example of collectivism which is said like this in Ayn’s words, “We wish to write this name. We wish to speak it, but we dare not speak it above a whisper (38).” Furthermore, vision an Olympian’s dedicated mind racing and heart pounding to cross the finish line for the gold. When the gun fires and the time starts, their whole world is focused on what they want and desire; being the first to cross the finish line to garner their reward. “That individual did it for themselves; not caring what others thought” (Ayn Rand- In Her Own Words). Therefore, this example of individualism is also portrayed when the golden one and equality 7-2521 choose to be different. Without question, these two individuals exclaim their heart and mind saying, “We do not know, but we shall learn. We cannot stop now, even though it frightens us that we are alone in our knowledge (54).” Likewise, the book also reads, “so long a road lies before us, and what care we if we must travel it alone! (54)” Why is it that being a part of collectivism is viewed as a higher rank in society when it is really not? Ayn Rand is a person …show more content…
Throughout the story, he was a big part of doing what everyone else was supposed to do and having no knowledge of his own. He eventually had the audacity to stick up for himself and procure an understanding of the word, I. He found himself in a world that deprives individualism and independence, and overtook the commands of the “superior”. Ayn said, “To be free, a man must be free of his brothers” (intellectual takeout).As the introduction to collectivism and the minds purpose, an individual's understanding of the importance of their values, and realizing the qualities one can contain, a person can be better than the
There are no men but only the great WE, one, indivisible and forever” (Rand, 19). This illustrates that in Anthem’s society collectivism is enforced. With no individualism means no I, no ego, no opinions which allows the dystopian society to flourish. Finally, it is time to wrap this essay
An individual in an authoritarian socialist society has no ability to prosper because it is in the best interest of the government to keep the people down. This allows for easy control over the people by the government. In Anthem, you are held back as an individual and are not allowed to prosper because goes against your brothers. If you have “What is not done collectively cannot be good”(Rand 73). The quote was said by a scholar in anthem.
Individuality’s Role in Society Anthem is a dystopian novel written by Russian author Ayn Rand in 1937. Ayn Rand was avid about the importance of the individual, and she supported a hands off government, where the people define and sustain themselves. Ayn Rand’s interest in the government’s effect on society certainly led into her creation of Anthem. At the start of the novel, Equality 7-2521, the protagonist, writes from a secluded tunnel and shares about the dystopian society he lives in which prevents education, and individualism. The society prevents individuals from learning on their own, having questions, doubting their elders, and threatens any sort of rebellion or individuality with extreme punishment.
In Ayn Rand’s novella, Anthem, mankind is a philanthropic machine. The brotherhood nobly works together to achieve a common goal. In doing so, each man is asked to disregard his own personal means and goals. For every decision must be a collective thought and every advancement, a joint action. However, one man in this machine malfunctions.
Anthem Ayn Rand’s strong opinion of individualism is exaggerated in a most extreme way in her world famous novel Anthem. Her book focuses on “we” rather than “I,” and about the community rather than the individuals. She magnifies communism to every possible extremity.
The citizens in Anthem belittle and threaten the main character, Equality, because he “[held him]self as one alone and with the thoughts of one and not of many,” and say he should “be burned at the stake" for it. The word “I” is a representation of Individuality. It allows people to communicate their individual thoughts and feelings. In Anthem, since they are not allowed
Ayn Rand’s novel Anthem depicts a collectivist society in which members are shunned for being different, and are not allowed to act or think as an individual. On a stage set many years in the future, Rand gives the reader a unique insight into her individualistic views in which she highlights the dangers of this collective society through the leaders in Anthem using propaganda, fear, and the restriction of knowledge in order to enslave the minds of their subjects. Through this, Rand is also able to share her insight on collectivism in which she believes that collectivism is evil, nonsensical, and impractical. First of all, Ayn Rand’s novel exemplifies the ridiculousness and evil contained in a collective society by showing how the leaders of
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
Individuality allows every person to be themselves and be different from each other. However, In Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem, Rand describes a society where the people were not allowed to openly be themselves, or else they would be punished for being different. The main character, Equality, notices he is different slowly throughout the novella, but kept continuing to be like everyone else for awhile. These rules exist in this society to strip human individuality in order to achieve total equality.
The Power of Society Ever heard the saying, “You are who you surround yourself with”? People are mere products of their society. Society shapes us as individuals, affecting the way we think, feel, and act. Ayn Rand conveys this in Anthem as Equality 7-2521 changes because of the society he is in.
In the book Anthem, Ayn Rand uses diction, imagery, and syntax to create a confident tone in Equality 7-2521 to show how he is changing for the better. Equality learns that individuality is ok and states “ I am done with this creed of corruption,” to emphasize that he’s “done” with how the governing body brainwashed him and that he now has his own views on society (55). Equality thought all the things the governing body wanted him to think, but as he broke off he realized that none of it was true. He did not want to live by the standards of the governing body so he broke through the standards and started to individually listen to himself. Equality grew up with the impression of everyone should have the same thought but, the individuality
Obstacles of Advancement In Ayn Rand's Anthem, we encounter a very unstable future society. Totalitarianism has overtaken this culture. This means that one group of people rules over society and tolerates no variation of opinion. We find the people in Anthem's society to be slaves to the god "We" and individuality eliminated as much as possible.
The dictators in Anthem are taking control of people 's basic repetitious lives. These demonarchs are telling people where to go, what to eat, when to sleep, when to wake, when to go to work, what to do for work, when to stop working, when to be sick, when to be healthy. The authoritarians have taken the
How could losing individuality affect a society? The novel Anthem by Ayn Rand is about a guy named Equality 7-2521 who is trying to find himself in a society where everything is controlled and different. Later, he finds himself even though he will have to go through many obstacles to get there. The process behind losing individuality in an Anthem’s society are in forcing strict laws, brain washing of their citizens, and removing of family. The Anthem society in forcing of strict laws made it easy for everyone to lose their individuality.
Collectivism and Selfishness in Anthem Imagine living in a world where everybody's lives are completely mapped out by the government. Where every decision is made without the input of the citizens it affects. In the novella Anthem, Ayn Rand depicts a completely collectivist society, where every idea, action, and invention is purely for the benefit of society as a whole. Everything is done with the entire population in mind, and individuality is extremely frowned upon.