Mackenzie Alpert Mrs. Mennenoh DCE 152-515 21 January 2023 Cursed Freedom In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, Equality 7-2125 is portrayed as both an independent, benevolent hero and a selfish narcissist. Equality was born with an exceptional intelligence curse in a collectivist society, but this is a sin because no man can be smarter than his brother. To accommodate, Equality sought to hide his curse by purposely forgetting his lessons, pretending to act like others of average intelligence, and intentionally misunderstanding his teacher’s content (Rand 21-22). Equality’s initial attempt to assimilate to his peers portrays his humble, good character. Additionally, his independence shows through his dedication to continue to explore. Although he fears …show more content…
Rather than inventing a transformative piece of technology for the sake of humanity, he invents it for his own personal gain thus demonstrating his selfishness. He initially considered his reinventions of electricity’s benevolence in society; however, he later admits “We had lied to ourselves. We have not built this box for the good of our brothers. We built it for its own sake. It is above our brothers to us, and its truth above their truth” (Rand 76). Besides, the knowledge and materials used to guide his discovery were obtained through burglary. Sneaking out of the City Theatre every night, Equality stole candles, flints, knives, paper, glass vitals, acids, and manuscripts to formulate his reinvention (Rand 35-36). Stealing, sneaking out, and self guided research are all transgressions of the council's society. His transgressive behavior for his own personal interest classifies him as a selfish narcissist. Equally, he feels no guilt in his delinquencies when he reveals “there is no shame in us and no regret. We say to ourselves that we are a wretch and a traitor. But we feel no burden upon our spirit and no fear in our heart” (Rand 37). Because he disregards the council's laws with no remorse, Equality exhibits his narcissistic