The Theme Of Dystopia In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Imagine living in a society with the expectations of doing things solely for the sake of others rather than for one’s self- words, actions, ideas and thoughts that do not fulfill the benefits of everyone else are not allowed. Ayn Rand introduces this concept through the dystopian society in her novel, Anthem. Throughout the novel, Rand shows the lack of freedom and choice within the society which highly resembles the real-life dystopia in North Korea. The country is recognized for disciplined citizens and a strong dictatorship.The great leader controls citizens actions and choices, limiting their self-interest. The fictional dystopian society in Rand’s novel, Anthem, easily compares and contrasts between life in North Korea with ideas such

For example, the society must say “We” instead of “I” because every individual represents all of the people or “brothers”. North Korea is not necessarily living for others but rather living for one individual- the supreme leader, which is similar to Anthem. The citizens praise the leader so highly that they are willing to do anything for him and this takes away some of their choices and actions. North Korea is also known as one of the most secretive country in the world, controlled by fear. For example, North Korea is considered a self-reliant country or “juche” mainly because they believe they can conquer anything, which connects with fear of other bigger countries and insecurities about their own. Secrecy and fear is represented throughout Anthem when the council, represented as the head of government, feared the consequences of Equality 72521’s creation because of how it could harm the society. Anthem’s society is secretive because throughout the novel it is filled with “unknown” and “non-existent” such as the past brothers and certain ideas that are not allowed in

North Korea is under a communist rule. One of the aspects of communism is that the amount they get paid from jobs is according to abilities. This is similar to Equality 72521’s position as a street sweeper- he was assigned this because he was different from the others and they knew what he was capable of with his pride and intelligence. The council placed him in a lower class because he had more abilities than the rest of the people and being different is unaccepted. North Korea is also unaccepting of differences because of the harsh rules they enforce upon citizens. The enforcements create obedient citizens almost as if it were one big military working for the great leader. Both societies carry ranks as well such as “scholars”, “street sweepers”within Anthem and the rich, poor and successful people in North