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The Role Of Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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In the novel, Anthem by Ayn Rand, conveys a deep understanding of collectivism. Collectivism is when you give a group priority over yourself as an individual. The main character, Equality 7-2521, does not have an identity and cannot express himself as an individual. In Equality’s world they can not be self-centered and always have to think about others. Anthem takes place in the future, and the citizens are unaware of the past. Equality 7-2521 is unique and different than everyone else. He believes there are greater things in the earth yet to discover. Ayn Rand focuses this book towards the future, but makes connections to the past.
Equality 7-2521 can think and process faster than other citizens he is surrounded by. It is a sin to have quick brain and be intelligent, that can lead to extreme punishments such as; being sentenced to ten years in the Palace of Corrective Detention. He always tried to be like the other …show more content…

He is always curious what is hidden or yet to discover in the world. It is forbidden to ask questions to the teachers or the councils, but Equality 7-2521 cannot resist from them and is pondering for answers. The teachers always despised him for being intelligent and curious. Equality found out about electricity, but wasn't sure if he should tell the people he did not want to risk getting punished. In the novel “Anthem” by Ayn Rand it states, “ And the questions give us no rest. We know not why our curse makes us seek we know not what, ever and ever. But we cannot resist it. It whispers us that there are greater things on this earth of ours, and that we can know them if we try.”(Rand,24). Equality 7-2521 is trying to point out that if we just try to discover things they might find out about the truth. “ The truth is ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.” If the whole society tries to figure out about the Great Truth they can know why individuality is a

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