Individualism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Louis Kronenberger, a novelist, once said: “Individualism is rather like innocence, there must be something, unconscious about it”. Individualism is truly at the core of every being and is a fundamental part of every living thing. There will always be differences in a community, whether it is among humans, plants, or animals. These variations, whether physical or not, make us separate from the rest of the population. Collectivism cannot occur because no matter how someone attempts to make everyone alike, suppressing personality is not possible. Equality, the main character of Anthem, is used as a device to exhibit this. He is constantly pressured to conform, but is not able to change who he is. The author uses three topics throughout the book …show more content…

This is a theme shown throughout Anthem. One instance which proves this impact is the restriction used in the society. Singularity is highly prohibited in jobs and lifestyle. This causes depression and fear among the citizens of the town. Their depression is uncovered when Equality reveals, “the eyes of our brothers are dull, and never do they look one another in the eyes”(Rand, 46). They do not enjoy life because they are not allowed to choose what they want to do. Life is meant to be about someone finding their own purpose. When this is taken away people suffer. Another example of the effect of individuality is Equality. When he is down in the tunnel, allowed to be his true self he can create wonderful things. His separate thoughts lead to the discovery of electricity and light bulbs, which could have been used to better the society. What he created separately was a groundbreaking discovery which could have changed the lives of the people. He, himself excels in a field that he enjoys. One more example of this impact on Equality is when he escapes from this society. He finds a home where he and Liberty end up living. Once he is free from collectivism to act by his own choices, he realizes the joy and pride it gives him. He realizes that working for a group is evil. He moves on his own, pleased that his actions are truly his own and not made to better a group. When individuality is suppressed it leads to despair among the people. If it was permissible then the society would benefit and the citizens would be

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