Ayn Rand's Anthem: Underlying Carelessness With The Law

“It is a sin to write this.” (1). This concise string of syllables instantly tells the story of Equality 7-2521. He knows what is and is not allowed in the totalitarianistic society pictured in Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and proceeds regardless. While the outright and truthful account is being given at the beginning, the reader comes to understand that Equality is unsure of what the response will be to his purposeful fracture of the law. “For should any men save the Scholars learn our secret, they would not understand it, nor would they believe us. They would see nothing, save our crime of working alone…” (61). But something more subtle is apparent following the conclusion of the book: Equality’s underlying carelessness with the law. Though acknowledging his refusal to adhere to every mandate set forth by the Council, he still maintains his sense of apprehension. The arc Equality undergoes throughout the course of Anthem exposes the stubborn resistance every man has through instinct and the film of consciousness

The main character is subjected to both extremes (strict and no law) and his assessment of what is right and wrong changes as a result. It can be seen in the first half of the book that Equality 7-2521 yearns to seek more in life than what is given to him by the Council, and feels shame when he lets his thoughts wander towards what they prohibit, “The sacred word: EGO” (105). Throughout the story, the minimalist writing of Ayn Rand shows how Equality gradually begins to no longer associate free thought to that which requires punishment. Laws exist only by preference of the few. Equality has unearthed this, and Rand has brought it to our eyes: free thought is something that cannot and should not be controlled, and change for the better can only happen when someone apart from the norm challenges the accepted, to better the future for the