A Critical Analysis Of Ayn Rand's Anthem

Critical Analysis of Anthem

The novel Anthem by Ayn Rand is an exceptional piece of literature showing the importance of a person’s identity. By combining a unique writing style with a fictional communist society Rand shows the relevance that Objectivism should always play in societies.

Anthem by Ayn Rand serves as a literary interpretation of the power collectivist societies could have over citizens. The story is about a man named Equality 7-2521 living in a society where absolutely all power belongs to the government. Every man is named, schooled, and given a specific occupation by the government. During his schooling Equality 7-2521 was taught this all important saying, “We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE. One indivisible and forever”(Rand, 6). He repeats this saying over and over again when his mind begins to wander and show preferences of how he wants to live, but it does not help him. Equality-72521 was born

The sometimes disorganized passages can be confusing, but ultimately add to the overall theme of the book. In this review, Rand’s writing draws the reader's’ attention easily, however, because this is written as a assortment of thoughts from Equality 7-2521, the writing can seem jumbled and overwhelming. I agree with what this review stated, the story is seen completely through Equality 7-2521’s mind, which is why Rand made it sound jumbled; similar to how one’s thoughts would sound. During parts of the story where he became excited, the writing became more scattered; while being less cluttered during calmer sections. “We know not what we are saying. Our head is reeling” (Rand, 32).The way Rand wrote took the reader completely inside the protagonist's mind. Doing so made the book personal to the reader, and really drove in the importance of one’s uniqueness. There are also other aspects of Rand’s techniques that some readers find