Anthem is a dystopian novella written by Ayn Rand, first published in 1938. The story is set in a future society that has banned individualism, and the plot follows the struggles of the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, as he seeks to discover his own identity and break free from the oppressive constraints of his society. The book is a powerful critique of collectivism and an exploration of the importance of individualism and freedom. The society in Anthem is one in which the concept of the individual has been erased. People are not allowed to have names, but are instead identified by a series of numbers. They are not allowed to think for themselves, but must conform to the collective will. The society is highly regimented, with strict rules and regulations governing every aspect of life. The government controls every aspect of society, from the economy to the arts. Equality 7-2521 is a man who stands out from his peers. He is highly intelligent and has a strong desire to learn and discover new things. …show more content…
He realizes that the government has been lying to the people about the nature of their society, and he becomes determined to break free from the constraints that have been placed on him. He discovers a book that tells the story of the past, and he becomes fascinated by the concept of individualism. He begins to see the value of freedom and the importance of pursuing one's own interests and desires. Throughout the book, Rand explores the importance of individualism and the dangers of collectivism. She argues that when people are not allowed to think for themselves, they become like drones, unable to innovate or create anything new. She also suggests that when people are not allowed to pursue their interests, they become unhappy and