Theme Of Equality In Ayn Rand's Anthem

In society today, the meaning of equality is much different than it is depicted in Ayn Rand’s novel Anthem. Today, the word ‘equality’ means to treat everyone the exact same way to keep the fairness between all individuals. In Anthem, equality means everyone is one, no one is placed above the other. Everyone’s needs are cared for as a group, not individually. With that vision of equality in a collectivist society, words that demonstrate ‘selfishness’ have vanished, like ‘I’. With this being the way society is built, the hero of the story, Equality 7-2521, longs to change the ways which he lives by. Some characteristics that make him different and help him make his way to freedom is rebellious attitude, curious mind, and independence.

Equality

Rebellion occurs when curiosity rises over what can happen if this occurs and to counter that this happens. This is often what Equality 7-2521 thought throughout the novel. He was always asking himself the outcomes of different events. Equality has nonstop questions for himself that he strives to find the answers for, which is another thing that keeps Equality motivated through all of this. Towards the end of the novel, his curiosity develops way further, as he has found the answers to questions he had asked himself before. Throughout the story, he wishes to know the meaning of life. He answers that in chapter 11, “I wished to know the meaning of things. I am the meaning,” (94). This quotation shows that Equality has discovered the word “I”, and alone with that the idea of egoism which Rand also describes in her other novel, The Fountainhead. Egoism and individualism are good things. The excerpt, “The Soul of an Individualist”, states that to be truly happy, there must have some type of egotistical thought in your mind. One’s happiness has to be taken into account at all times and you cannot take it for granted. He wanted to find the meaning of his life, which is impossible to find. The meaning of life cannot be found, it is given by oneself, which is the philosophy Equality figures out. To

He had his own thoughts despite what the law said and he focused on himself. Equality was independent in his mind and on his journey up until the very end. He enjoyed being on his own, which likely spiked his need for a more free and less strict society. Since Equality enjoyed the independence so much, he figured he should make it apart of his newly created society. In chapter 11 of Anthem, Equality states, “I am. I think. I will,” (94). After going all his life using “we” to define himself, given the word “I” gives him a proud sense of freedom and joy. Once he is given this word, he can imagine much more. He can imagine a future with the Golden One and where they have children, food, happiness, and freedom all the time. With the two pronouns “I” and “we” reversed, it puts an oppressive barrier on society. That is why This change Equality found is significant. The change of the two pronouns brought more independence to him, leading him to his victory against the greatly oppressive society which had controlled him all his