Summary Of Ayn Rand's Anthem

In Ayn Rand’s novella, Anthem, mankind is a philanthropic machine. To achieve a common goal, the brotherhood disregards personal ambitions and nobly collaborates. Each decision of the mechanized society is compelled by spurious collective thought, and their so called advancements, by joint action. However, one man in this machine malfunctions: Equality-72521. With an inquisitive nature, an innovative mind, and latent desire, Equality possesses the traits of a visionary. Every step Equality takes, is one away from the public-spirited system; another towards personal identity. Each step is an internal struggle, due to the computerized brainwash and eloquent reprogram of Equality’s instinctive mind. But nature tells Equality that his DNA

However, upon his encounter with the metro, he now has sanctuary to do so. The concept of heightened comprehension prompts Equality to return his sanctum. Here, he sinfully feeds himself fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge while craving the answer to the great mysteries of mankind. Equality guiltily yet unregretfully begins to experiment with stolen “vials and powders and acids […] from the home of scholars” (44) along with “precious” manuscripts. And, although his purloin is a serious transgression, as it gridlocks the counterfeited progress of collectivism, Equality is apathetic. This is shown, when he writes psychological reflections and thoughts in a journal, unawarely soul searching. Through these reflections, Equality realizes that he, “wish[es] nothing save to be alone and to learn”. Demonstrating, that when given the chance, Equality can flourish in free thought, away from the fictitious collective thought of his society. Although Equality progresses in egocentrism through learning, knowledge alone cannot liberate him from altruism. Someone must arouse Equality’s primal instinct that has been buried by his camaraderie, and her name is Liberty. “Their body was straight and thin as a blade of iron. Their eyes were dark and hard and glowing, with no fear in them, no kindness and no guilt. […] They threw seeds from their hand as if they deigned to fling a scornful gift, and the earth

His interest and desire ultimately enable his sight of this demon, allowing him to prosper among those enslaved by their fear of diversity. This realization of man’s foolishness in sacrificing their only essence of being, inspires Equality to unsheathe the blade called Ego and victoriously slay the true sin of collectivism. For Equality knows that the individual is beautiful, whether he be quiet and wise, loud and rebellious, large and prodigal, or small and big-hearted, a man’s differences are what make him, not society’s “GREAT