Identity In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Everyone expresses themselves. People express themselves through, clothing, hairstyles, art, music, units of study, and even home decor. It is a part of one’s identity. In the book Anthem, by Ayn Rand, you can not have your own identity. The main character; Equality 7-2521 pushes the boundaries of his radically collectivist society through discovery, solidarity, love, and revolt. Equality broke almost every rule of his oppressive society by experimenting alone. Through this, he discovered electricity, he brought it to the Council of Scholars and they were scared of the new unknown. The Council responded with aggression, so Equality ran and escaped. People will always desire free will and self-expression because without it they lack a sense

“We say to ourselves that we are a wretch and a traitor,” (Rand 37). Rand provided the inner thoughts of Equality to show that society has ingrained being different as a sin into its citizens. Equality struggled with a moral dilemma of what is truly correct. He had to choose between what he was told to feel and what he truly felt. Equality was supposed to feel ashamed, in actuality, Equality felt clarity. “But we feel no burden upon our spirit and no fear in our heart. And it seems to us that our spirit is clear as a lake troubled by no eyes save those of the sun,” (Rand 37). Rand used a simile comparing Equality’s spirit to a tranquil environment, showing that he is at peace with his decisions. This clarity allowed him to navigate several challenges and find what he truly wanted. Equality overcame many struggles to fill his desire for the ability to freely choose without it being a

Men are only meant to serve the collective. This made it difficult for Equality to be himself because he had no worth as an individual. “It is only our brother men who matter. Give no thought to us, for we are nothing,” (Rand 70) The provided characterization shows Equality’s intent. Equality didn’t want to keep his discovery to himself, he wanted to share it with the world to improve others’ quality of life. He was willing to give up his cherished discovery, the only thing he had for himself, to the very people who have been subjecting him to maltreatment. He struggled to free himself because he wanted to help the others. Something that helped him escape was that he was not afraid of the unknown. “We know not what this power is nor whence it comes. But we know its nature, we have watched it and worked with it…. Some power unknown to men was making it move. We could not understand it. Then, after many tests, we found the answer…. We put a piece of copper and a piece of zinc into a jar of brine, we touched a wire to them, and there, under our fingers, was a miracle which had never occurred before, a new miracle and a new power,” (Rand 52). This gives insight into Equality’s character. Continuing to work with this mysterious entity displays his curiosity and bravery. Without these traits Equality most likely would not have made it out, or survive on his own. His bravery gave him the courage to run away and his curiosity allowed