Anthem
by Ayn Rand
Rand, Ayn. Anthem. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. 253 p.
Question:
How does the reader feel about the society where individuality was nonexistent?
Reponse:
The novel begins with a group called Equality 7-2521 living in a society where "I" is never mentioned, as it is seen as a transgression to do so; therefore no sense of individuality exists. "We" replaces the term "I" and is used throughout the novel until the end where Equality 7-2521 understands the meaning of freedom. The eleventh chapter starts off by saying, “I am, I think, I will" I immediately noticed a change in the diction and I realized that Equality 7-2521 was never part of a group that consisted of several individuals but it was just one person. I understood furthermore that the society where this man used to live was a place where noone had the right to express their own feelings, or choose what what they want to do, simply no personal will whatsoever. After certain events take place this man, this individual, realizes that he must seek freedom and let others know and understand that they must fight for their rights, honour, freedom, and life.
I feel that these societies that Equality 7-2521, and all the other "groups" lived in were not only horrible because they deprived every single individual from freedom, and the right to express ones feelings but it also deprived them from understanding themselves. The novel explains how when Equality 7-2521 left the City to the Uncharted Forest, he looked into a river and he realized how beautiful mankind was. Towards the end of Anthem understands where he comes from, and who he really is: "I am a man. This miracle of mine is mine to own and keep, and mine to guard, and mine to use, and mine to kneel before." This is a self realization of the beauty and uniqueness of humanity
While reading this novel, I understood how this is a reflection of the current society. The majority of the people across the world find it difficult to formulate their own personal opinions and ideas. They rely on their surroundings to constitute their morals and principles. Many might say that this statement is false and that they strongly believe that they can express their opinions no matter what kind of society they live in. However, rarely do people adhere to their principles, instead they prefer to sway with what is socially acceptable during that time period. An example of this situation would be the concept of woman’s rights. Before 1928 the common belief was that a woman was inferior to any man. They were accused of a lack of physical strength, competency, and even intelligence. Therefore, because the society before 1928 had believed that women were not human, every individual believed this statement. Yet now, in modern society the common belief is that women are equal to men, and hence every individual affirms this statement as fact, not because of their personal views, but as a result of the common belief. However, there is a slight difference with the situation in the novel and modern society. Equality 7-2521 realizes that they are not free, but in modern society we think we are free but we still find it difficult to express one’s own personal opinions because the media and outside influences control our thoughts.
The novel Anthem is a fascinating book which lets me understand the true meaning of freedom and individuality. The novel also lets me understand furthermore the society in which we live in today through a subtle emulation of contemporary society. I enjoyed reading this interesting novel and I would recommend it to anyone.
Comments (1)
Anonymous said
at 10:20 pm on May 23, 2007
Well done Mariam, I really enjoyed your observations and connections.
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