Summary Of Anthem By Ayn Rand

The dystopian novella Anthem by Ayn Rand, displays a society haunted by moral agnosticism, a tenet the author instructs man to shy away from in her insightful essay “How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?”. In the classic novella a character baring the name of Equality 7-2521 discovers the importance of self-worth and personal beliefs. The main character’s journey brings him to judge his society’s leaders, rightfully denouncing them in moral terms, an action that directly correlates with the advice given in Ayn Rand’s short essay. One can draw a connection between the two pieces of literature and conclude that Equality 7-2521 embodies the authors philosophy of objectivism, and would agree with the thought provoking statements

The storyline follows the intelligent street-sweeper, Equality 7-2521, who documents the inner turmoil he is conflicted with, living in a society such as his. It becomes very apparent to one that the character is subconsciously unable to conform to the restrictions set forth by society. Equality 7-2521 desires to learn, longs to invent, and most of all, needs to love. Ultimately the protagonist is cast out of society by his leaders, to face an uncertain damnation. Only then did he realize that the greatest gift of all is living for ones own happiness and not others, reflecting upon this realization he concludes “It is my mind which thinks, and the judgment of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth” (Anthem 94). Re- instilling Ayn Rand’s personal philosophical views based upon the importance of reality, reason, self interest, and

As the story progresses the closing chapters of the writing reveal his pivotal judgments against the leaders of his society, attacking their weak morals. The main character condemns the word in which the society revolves around,” We”, as “the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, of falsehood and shame” (Anthem 97). The character is vindicated in doing so, for the society was an evil prison that had restricted his personal freedoms for his entire existence. It was Equality 7-2521’s duty to point out the society’s ultimate flaws. Practicing moral-tolerance in this case and not attempting to combat the evil he had been subjected to would only result in him being a victim to conforming society’s views once again. Therefore, equality 7-2521 was correct in denouncing his leaders morals, because they were iniquitous and to blame for the monster the society had