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Theme Of Individualism Versus Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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The novel "Anthem" by Ayn Rand explores the concept of individualism versus collectivism through the story of Equality 7-2521, a young man living in a dystopian society where the word "I" does not exist. In one particular scene, Equality expresses his happiness in living for his brothers, to which they respond, "Indeed you are happy. How else can men be when they live for their brothers?" This statement plays a crucial role in the story and its themes, as well as its relevance to our own lives. Brotherhood is a central theme in "Anthem," as it is the driving force behind society's collective mentality. The main character, Equality 7-2521, initially believes in this ideology, as he feels a sense of belonging and purpose in serving his brothers.
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In Anthem by Ayn Rand International 4-8818 agrees to keep Equality 7-2521’s secret of the tunnel under the ground because much like Equality 7-2521, International 4-8818 is different than the rest of the people in the place they live in. This is because while Equality 7-2521 explains how he found the hole that led to the tunnel he talks about International 4-8818 and explains that, “they are a tall, strong youth and their eyes are like fireflies, for there is laughter in their eyes. We cannot look upon International 4-8818 and not smile in answer. For this they were not liked in the Home of the Students, as it is not proper to smile without reason. And also they were not liked because they took pieces of coal and they drew pictures upon the

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Individuality allows every person to be themselves and be different from each other. However, In Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem, Rand describes a society where the people were not allowed to openly be themselves, or else they would be punished for being different. The main character, Equality, notices he is different slowly throughout the novella, but kept continuing to be like everyone else for awhile. These rules exist in this society to strip human individuality in order to achieve total equality.

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In Ayn Rand’s novella, Anthem, mankind is a philanthropic machine. The brotherhood nobly works together to achieve a common goal. In doing so, each man is asked to disregard his own personal means and goals. For every decision must be a collective thought and every advancement, a joint action. However, one man in this machine malfunctions.

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Collective vs. Individual What kind of society do you think we live in? Collective or individual? In Ayn Rand's book, Anthem, the main character Equality 7-2521 lives in a collective society that has been taught to only think about "the great we" (Rand 9) or to never think of themselves. Equality 7-2521 finds a place where he feels different and starts to invent "the power of the sky"(Rand 53) and inventing is considered somewhat of a transgression.

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In the reading “Anthem” author Ayn Rand protests objectivism and individualism from a world based off of collectivism. The story is based in the future, however the society in the novella goes back to the old ways of living due to the Unmentionable times. The fictional yet a psychological view of Communist Russia, which the author is from, tell a story about a character Equality 7-2521 quest in finding his individuality in a world of Dystopia. During his quest the main character finds love, the villain prevails, and helps the innocent youth. Equality 7-2521 is the hero of the novel because of his differences in the society and his quest in the novel.

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In the novella Anthem, individual rights and freedom do not exist. The word “I” is prohibited to be spoken by men. Equality 7-2521 is a street sweeper of the city and he is different from the others in the society. Equality is more intelligent, taller, learns quicker, and he enjoys learning about science; especially how things move and work. Since the word “I” is the unspeakable word, Equality uses the word “We” to resemble that he is doing these actions .

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