The Similarities Between Invictus And Anthem

Similarities Between Anthem and Invictus

Hardships are an inevitable part of living; however, our response to such hardships carries a greater significance. In Anthem by Ayn Rand and William Henley's “Invictus,” there is a portrayal of main characters that similarly challenge oppressive external factors. These works illustrate the strength of individuality and the importance of self-determination. Even though the works are represented in different ways, they deliver the same message: Characters are at a dark place in their lives, they determine not to give up, and they both convey the message of being unconquerable.

Both works illustrate characters at a dark place in their lives. In Anthem, Equality finds it difficult to come to terms with

Equality is shown opposing the council’s beliefs regarding his invention; the council shows animosity towards the invention: The electric light bulb. They regard his desire for knowledge and technology as a threat to them. As Ayn Rand writes in Anthem, "But terror struck the men of the Council… It must be destroyed!" (31-32). The Council of Scholars baffles Equality, for he does not see the reasoning behind their hate towards the invention. Although Equality receives disheartening comments about his invention, he does not fret and continues refining his light bulb; eventually getting it to light up. Refusing to give up is also depicted in Invictus; the speaker is confronted with a struggle that he does not back down from. The speaker's determination and strength of character are illustrated through the lines, "My head is bloody, but unbowed," (8). This quote emphasizes the idea that even in the face of oppressive factors that are unjust, the speaker must persevere; the speaker is not to be defeated by his circumstances. Both works are analogous in the way that they both depict a character's determination to not give up, even in the face of

In Anthem, the protagonist Equality escapes into the Uncharted Forest after his encounter with the Council of Scholars and becomes aware that his actions are for his benefit and not for others. Equality realizes this when he says, “We have not built this box for the good of our brothers. We built it for its own sake,” (34). He concludes that he built the lightbulb not for the good of society, but rather for himself. This is in contrast to what he was taught when he was an adolescent: He must prioritize the good of society over himself. Unlike his brothers, he breaks free of the collectivist society and embraces individualism; he decides to not let others' ideologies control his life. “Invictus” delineates the same message of being unconquerable; having control over their own lives. The speaker asserts, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul," (15-16). His assertion demonstrates his idea that no matter the circumstances, he is the one to choose his actions; the title of the poem itself, "Invictus," meaning unconquerable, reiterates this message. Overall, both stories illustrate the importance of taking control of one's fate, even with the hardships and struggles one