What Is The Role Of Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

During the 1950s, Soviet Russia tried to establish communism in many other countries in the world. The communist ideology instilled in Russia during the 1950s had a large influence on Ayn Rand’s depiction of Anthem’s society with the doctrine of collectivism. The novella shows a society in which everyone is under the control of a group of people who live only to serve others, and no one can do anything that would defy the collectivist beliefs. This community teaches its children to only use pronouns such as“we” and “our”, and separates its people from others who may be different than them. The main character, Equality, falls victim to these collectivist beliefs. Only until he was rejected by the World Council after announcing his discovery

Whether it be speaking or writing, word choice is important to those listening or readings they can understand what the context is. Choosing the right wording can be crucial within a phrase. Pronouns establish who or what is the topic of the conversation, therefore “the word ‘We’ must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought.” (155). The word we describes a group of people and will always refer to a group of people. Forcing people to use only pronouns that is usually only referring to more than one person serves as a constant reminder that the main priority will be everyone’s needs and not just one person’s needs. Within this world of uniform and collectivism, teaching its people to use certain words and refusing to teach others is key to drill in communist views. This puts tight restrictions with conversations and thoughts, not being able to express what is truly being said. Such boundaries are so restricting “the word ‘We’ is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the grey of it” (156). Creating this form of restriction around speech and words limit what is trying to be said. People cannot vocally express their thoughts and desires without having to use “we”

Religion says a lot about someone’s virtues and morals. It unites people over a belief and allows connections to be made. Religious terminology gives the obligation and provides the rules of life. Depending on context, religious wording can make something seem like a bigger power, or it can make things seem as abominations to life and pure evil, such as the “sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see. It is base and evil.” (10). The word evil has the power to change people’s morals and change their belief. Everyone was raised in a way where if they were different it is unfair making them also evil. This fear of being “evil” stops anyone from defying the collectivist doctrine because of such negative, yet powerful words. Furthermore, religious acts often involve prayer. People unite in order for them to pray in unison. Something like prayer allows for unity and can also allow collectivism to take place. This reminds the people what is vital and mandatory to live in this sort of society. They are taught that “We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State. Amen.” (18). The first part of this prayer, “we are nothing” signifies