Knowing about self Knowing what am I really scared of?The book we reviewed are “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, “Emancipation Proclamation,”by Abraham Lincoln,”prometheus,” written by Greek mythology,”critical thinking,”by Lou. also a Socratic seminar from my fellow classmates. The thing I’m afraid of is expressing who I am. First, equality is also afraid to express who he is but was still able to be himself.An example is on Pg.54 when equality, says,”we cannot stop now, even though it frightens us that we are alone in our knowledge”.this quote means that he can’t stop his pursue of knowledge, even though he is alone with that knowledge.how this connects to me cause I am afraid to show my opinions on things that are occurring cause I feel my comments won’t change many things or do anything.
Equality is different from the other men in his world, and because of this he has lived most of his life concealing his emotions, being outcasted and punished by the leaders and teachers of his society, and stripping himself of his talents and uniqueness, therefore he has every right to criticize the leaders who kept the real Equality trapped inside for so very long. Equality expresses his love for science and aspiration to be a Scholar throughout the book and talks of how he wished to be sent to the Home of Scholars so badly his hands trembled under the blankets at night and he had to bite his arm just to stop the pain of wanting something so much (Rand 24). To want something so badly and have to conceal it everyday with no one to share it with is a very difficult thing for someone to have to do. Equality also struggled with concealing his friendship,“International 4-8818 and we are friends.
At this point in the novel Equality does accept the moral teachings of his society. He doesn’ feel shame When Equality and his friend find the hidden tunnel from the past, they knew that they probably shouldn’t explore it, but they do it anyway because curiosity is purely human nature and sometimes you just have to go with your instincts rather than what other people say for you to do.
In Ayn Rand’s famous, or in some circles, infamous, story Anthem, the differing ideologies of objectivism and collectivism are pit against each other. With objectivism being so tight knit and different from the society in the book, it seems that it would be almost impossible to truly follow in its entirety. However, Anthem, as a whole, doesn’t violate the ideals of Rand’s philosophy of objectivism.
Ayn Rand, a contentious woman, the new favorite author to multiple people’s list. People who have read her magnificent book, Anthem, understand how exquisite and meaningful her words are. Books like Anthem are worth reading because it gives the reader more knowledge about controversial topics and it takes the reader to experience new places and new adventures. Equality, the main character, is a symbol. He represents many people today, living in countries like his society. Equality has to find his true identity first before helping the others. People are not allowed to believe in individualism, they should not have a identity of their own. Each person has a monotone routine to follow every single day of their lives. Each step a person takes
Unlike his brothers he is not afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believes in ,no matter the consequences. Liberty 5-3000 puts it best when they give him the nickname ‘The Unconquered’. This shows that they too know that nothing can conquer Equality, for he let's “ Nothing come between the answer and he mind”. Although it is forbidden Equality makes a friend, falls in love, and went into the Uncharted Forest. However Equality sees fear in the eyes of the street sweepers and everyone in the City, fear controls their actions and beliefs. Ayn writes “ There is a fear hanging in the air of the sleeping halls, and in the air of the streets. Fear walks through the City, fear without name , without shape. All men feel it and none dare to speak.”(Rand, 15). Equality sees it for what it is , wrong. And he is determined to do something about it and change the corrupt ways of the council. The council has permanently scarred them into thinking that if they do one thing wrong, make one mistake, they will be punished, often by death. Niccolo Machiavelli puts it best when he says “ It is better to be feared than
Ayn Rand’s Anthem is a politically satirical novel is set in a future society that is so highly collectivized that the word “I” has been banned. The world is governed by various councils who believe that man’s sole reason for existence is to enforce the Great Truth “that all men are one and that there is no will save the will of all men together” (Rand, 20). Any indication of an individual’s independent spirit is swiftly and brutally put down, with the transgressors being punished with severe prison sentences or even death.
“We shall not report our find to the city council. We shall not report it to any men” (Rand #33). This quotation shows that Equality does not want to share it with any others and he wants these findings for himself. This is the first time Equality experience a little taste of individualism. “It is our second transgression of preference, for we do not think of all our brothers as we must, but only of one, and their name is Liberty 5-3000” (Rand #41). This quotation shows that Equality is not thinking about everyone but one single person. In this society thinking about only one person is a sin and now Equality is starting to show that he doesn't care if he commits a sin. “So long lies before us, and what care we if we must travel it alone” (Rand #54). In this quotation Equality says that he would be fine with living alone and without his
In Ayn Rand’s novella, Anthem, children are often seen living apart from their families. Unfortunately, it’s not their choice, but society is set up such that they are made to live apart. Children are forced to live like this because dictatorial leaders are committed to collectivism. Collectivism is an emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity. Leaders enforce the separation between parents and children in order to maintain collectivism and ultimately have complete control over the children. You and I do not exist; government deems it so. We are one, a single body functioning for the collective good of society. Ayn Rand’s Anthem speaks to this collectivist doctrine while highlighting the implicit contradictions that impede its successful implementation.
The beginning of the story opens with Equality being chastised because he is too tall and too smart. He noticed that “to be free, a man must be free of his brothers” (Rand 101). This quote shows that when society controls him, and he relies on everyone else, a lack of progress is inevitable. Even the higher powers control their city with aggressive strength; the Council of Vocations assigns Equality to be a street sweeper even though he wants to be a scholar. Out of curiosity, he finds a tunnel while on duty. He begins to write about himself, even though “it is a sin to think words no others are to see” (Rand 1). Having no obligation to others allows one to work towards their own goals, Equality is able to pass his previous instinct where “all men are one” (Rand 20). With the revelation of himself as being a separate indiv...
While Equality and Liberty take a hike in the Uncharted Forest Equality reflects on what he was taught back in his society as being one and not caring for your life, but the lives of their brothers, this is another realization he encounters of collectivism striping away his indivduality and joy. “If this is the great evil of being alone, then what is good and what is evil Everything which comes from many is good Everything which comes from one is evil This have we been taught with our first breath.” While walking in the forest Equality trips, falls, rolls, and then begins to laugh, this is his moment of joy. “Then our body, losing all sense, rolled over and over on the moss...And we heard laughing as if there were no power left in us save laughter.” While reading the manuscripts Equality comes across the word “I” for the very first time in his life, and for the first time he speaks as one person instead of two or more. “It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.” Equality comes to the realization that collectivism takes away individuality and
Anthem by Ayn Rand is a soul-shifting and mind-blowing novella that explores the dangers of a collective, dystopian society. As a man named Equality 7-2521 stumbles through life, he realizes that he has a burning desire to learn and explore, traits discouraged by the society he lives in. In the City, there are many rules, and all of them shadow the idea that “we are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE. One, indivisible, and forever.” (3) Equality 7-2521, with his passion for learning and science, slowly breaks away from this iron rule set by society, and in doing so, learns of the importance of individualism and freedom. In Anthem, Rand’s use of literary devices such as symbolism, characterization, and imagery help develop and present the tone of the importance of individuality and the dangers of a collective society.
The word collectivism often makes people cringe. Overall, there is a general fear of not being able to make personal decisions in America. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, collectivism can be defined as; emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity (“Collectivism”). In Anthem, Ayn Rand describes an extreme collectivist society. Although Anthem’s society seems extremely surreal, aspects of its collectivist society closely mirror today’s society.
In conclusion, those who try new things will have the ability to succeed rather than those who sit around and fail without trying. Equality expresses the theme of this book by showing that when you go try new things and express your opinion good things will happen if you have good intentions. Equality discovers electricity and when he show the group of scholars he is denied the use of electricity throughout the community. Equality takes his opinions and designs o make his own society that is based on oneself. In my opinion the world is a combination of both of these societies and this is how the world has accomplished what it has today.
Why do you think the author chose the title he/she did? Analyze its deeper meaning. If it is an obvious title, rename it something more symbolic and explain your rationale.
Anthem, by Ayn Rand, is a very unique novel. It encircles individualism and makes the reader think of how people can conform to society and do as they are told without knowing the consequences and results of their decisions. Also, it teaches the importance of self expression and the freedom that comes along with being your own person and having the power to choose what path to take in life. Figurative language is used often in this book and in a variety of quotes that have great importance to the theme, plot, and conflict of the novel.