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The Theme Of Equality In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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In today’s society, there is much talk of equality. Equality is a seemingly flawless ideal in which every person could find true happiness. No one person would be above another and everyone would find fulfillment by being made equal. What if, however, equality was not what is seemed? What if this perfect ideal was distorted to mean something more sinister? In the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand, everyone is made equal, and the results are terrifying. Anthem is told from the perspective of a man named, ironically, Equality. Equality is unlike other in his community. He has desires, ideas, and thinks for himself. Although at first he gives in to the society’s rules, he eventually rises above is all and learns to be his own person. He discovers individuality. …show more content…

There are no men but only the great We, One, indivisible and forever” (19). This is the single thought behind Equality’s society. From the earliest age, all people are taught that they are nothing alone, and exist only to serve each other. The leaders of the society are known as the council. This group of scholars makes all of the rules for the people. They supposedly choose what is best for everyone. The council decided that individuality was the root of all problems, and therefore decided that everyone should be made equal. In this way no one person would be above another. No ideas that weren’t shared by all could be expressed. This also ensures that no one will challenge the council’s power. Equality is a smart man, but in a society where everyone must be the same, he cannot express his ideas freely. He finds a subway tunnel from the Unmentionable Times. This is where he learns, writes, and invents in secret. He rediscovers electricity. He is terrified that if he is caught, he will be punished. Equality, however, also has the drive to help others by sharing his knowledge. When he brings his invention before the council, he is reprimanded. The council puts him in jail for working on this project alone. He was punished for not staying in his

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