A Comparison Of Objectivism In Anthem And Dead Poets Society

Objectivism is easy to suppress but one of the hardest things to find. It is the result of doing what one loves, but is often repressed by others’ influence on individuals which is constantly expressed in Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and Steven Weir’s Dead Poets Society. In Anthem, the struggle to find the reason for individuality is limited by the power of the councils. Similarly, Dead Poets Society shows the endeavor to do what one loves being oppressed by the overpowering influence of others. While Rand’s novella Anthem and Weir’s Dead Poets Society are set in different eras in history, both utilize similar concepts of objectivism and conformity to accentuate man’s fundamental outlook of life that man needs to be more independent, acting for

In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, objectivism comes from the actions and thoughts man initiates for himself . In Anthem, Prometheus surprises himself stating, “We made it. We created it. We brought it forth from the night of the ages. We alone… We look upon the light which we have made” (Rand 59). Being limited to collectivism the council creates, Prometheus is unable to work for himself. Having the ability to use his free will makes him realize that it is he alone who accomplishes his goals. Correspondingly, he continues acting on his own boasting, “We cooked the bird, and… no meal had ever tasted better to us. And we thought… there was a great satisfaction to be found in the food… by our own hand” (Rand 79). Having the clarity that food tastes better when one prepares it himself, Prometheus understands contentment comes from personally accomplishing one’s own goals. From this, Prometheus recognizes that he is able to act alone and achieve anything by himself. Similarly, Steven Weir’s Dead Poets Society expresses that objectivism calls for men to act now for themselves on doing what they love. Attending Welton Academy, Neil Perry is a writer for the school newspaper. Despite his father’s objections, he continues to write his own opinions (Weir). Being able to write for the school newspaper gives Perry the freedom to express the feelings that he never gets to because of his father’s dogmatic

Anthem reveals that conformity requires all men to serve others with full acceptance. Questioning what to become when older, the teacher forewarns Prometheus, “‘Dare not choose in your minds the work you would like to do… You shall do that which the Council of Vocations shall prescribe… where you are needed by your brother men’” (Rand 22). Living in a city of conformity, Prometheus is powerless against the council. Since the council wants to have full domination over its citizens, any form of independent thought is seen as opposing authority which deprives Prometheus of his ideals. Likewise, International 4-8818 “were not liked because they… drew pictures upon the walls…” But only “the Home of the Artists… are permitted to draw pictures, so International 4-8818 were sent to the Home of the Street Sweepers” (Rand 30). Acting on one’s own terms goes against the wishes of the city as it does not benefit the city. By not following the council, one is punished to work the lowest forms of jobs. Comparably, Steven Weir’s Dead Poets Society demonstrates that conformity requires men to do what others expect without objection. Following his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Todd Anderson attends Welton Academy, where everyone expects the most from him. Only striving to live up to expectations, he is unable to do what he wants (Weir). Being compared to others creates