Themes Of Light And Darkness In Anthem By Ayn Rand

Is it possible that Equality didn’t make a wise decision during his time in Anthem? Should he have given away his light bulb so the scholars would destroy it?

Equality is going against the government, first he broke the rule of fighting with his brothers then he did not tell about the tunnel then he fell in love. A science-fiction novel “Anthem” by Ayn Rand. Something about this is interesting, “We raised our head and stepped back. For we did not understand what had made us do this, and we were afraid to understand it”(Rand 57-58). Liberty did not want to go against the government and do a sin but she still fall in love Equality. They both were happy for each other and sometimes Equality did not understand what he was doing and is afraid to find it out because he also knows, falling in love is a big sin. For Equality everything was a sin because he was smarter than the other people.

Throughout Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem, character developments play a crucial role in establishing the overall concepts present in the novella. One of the most significant developments present takes part in the life of Liberty 5-3000, the Golden One, or Gaea, depending on what stage of life is presented. The development of this character contributes to the idea of individualism, which establishes a base for the most copious theme destruction of a collective society.

Ayn Rand’s Anthem starts by Equality 7-2521 saying “It is a sin to write this.”

The novel Anthem by Ayn Rand is a great example of dystopian literature. The natural world is banished, independent thought is restricted and citizens live in a dehumanized state showing that Anthem is a true example of dystopia.

Throughout Ayn Rand’s novel Anthem, numerous objects and occurrences symbolize much more than what they are presented as. Of the more obvious symbols, light has the largest impact on the course of the story. The most important instance of light centers around Equality 7-2521’s re-invention of the light bulb. Rand uses light to provide a religious, mythic feeling to the acts of Equality 7-2521 and how he symbolizes light himself. In a society where all men and women are one equal and single minded being; Equality 7-2521 becomes the lone source of individuality and a beacon of light to the people of this oppressed civilization. When the Golden One gives Equality 7-2521 the name Prometheus after the Greek deity it symbolizes his heroism and gift

The book Anthem by Ayn Rand is about Equality 7-2521 who later renamed himself Prometheus. A literary device used in the very beginning is the setting. The setting is some time in the future where everything we know now has somehow been erased and called the unmentionable times. Everyone is taught from when they are babies that they don’t matter and everything they do is for the earth. They are not allowed

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

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. One major way Anthem differs from most books placed in a future time period is the absence of scientific and technological advancement in this society. In fact, there is scarcely any technology in this society at all! Ayn Rand was trying to illustrate certain ideas to the readers about discoveries that are made, particularly in these areas. Let's delve into her ideas presented regarding these

Ayn Rand taught the principle, “One must never fail to pronounce moral judgment.” The grade of morality fluctuates depending on the time, place, and society. While today’s society will compose the portrait that we are continually growing stronger and improving, the politics of men cannot overcome simple flaws such as controlling the people of their society. This is no different in the novella Anthem. The ironic name given to Equality gives the indication that perhaps society is not as equal as they would fancy. Equality has an internal conflict within the novella, which is, the mind must be free to act and think about its own findings. In Anthem, Ayn Rand shows her character, Equality 7-2521, of being critical of the totalitarian society

The passage, Anthem, is a science fiction novel written by Ayn Rand. It is mainly about the protagonist, Equality 7-2521's, futuristic journey on rediscovering various aspects of human’s nature. Concepts such as individualism and freedom have been lost due to the oppressive rule of the government, serving as the main antagonist of the novel. Throughout the passage, Anthem, the author uses the literary element of theme. The theme is the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. The author uses a theme to convey the central idea of the importance and effects of a person’s individuality on both their freedom and euphoria.

When one is confined to society and held captive against their ego, it is imperative that they learn to eulogize their own individuality, and learn to improve themselves. In Ayn Rand’s novella, Anthem, Rand uses Equality 7-2521 to communicate the importance of the individual. Equality has always had his own sense of individuality that causes him to stand out and defy the social norms. His individuality allows him to persevere and diverge from collectivist society.

In Anthem by Ayn Rand, there are many uses of symbolism throughout the entire novel. Specifically, the quote (found on page 52) “The secrets of this earth are not for all men to see, but for those who will seek them.” is a great example of this. Equality 7-2521, a street curious street sweeper discovers a new way to create light and control electricity while working underground late at night. Equality then returns several times, experimenting and improving this newfound power. This quote, is in direct correlation with this part of the story, as

Edison invented the lightbulb in 1879, and today it powers more than 20 million appliances(LED). In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, the government enforces “fairness” forbidding any distinct skills keeping their citizens dull. Equality 7-2521 the main protagonist, wants to escape from this norm even if the government forbids it; leading to the discovery of remnants from the unmentionable times, and then fully betraying the government as a whole. Equality throughout the book starts to slowly develop an understand about individuality, during his work with the box, representing Rand's beliefs of individuality being ultimate power when compared to a group.

"We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One, indivisible and forever’”(Rand 19). In Ayn Rand’s dystopian novel, Anthem, the citizens are trained from birth to think only in the plural, to the point where they cannot even conceive of individuals, but only see each other as part of the whole group. Rand’s protagonist, Equality 72521, begins the novel as a street-sweeper who is devoted to the group, but begins to move towards individuality as he progresses towards pure selfishness, as Rand believes we all should. Rand uses the words “we” and “I” to represent Equality’s journey from being dependent on the group, to being utterly independent of everyone.