By Ayn Rand
Introduction
“Anthem” by Ayn Rand is a dystopian novella that presents a future where individuality has been obliterated in favor of collectivism. 📚 Written in 1938 and published in 1938 in the United Kingdom, “Anthem” explores themes of freedom, identity, and the rediscovery of the self. Ayn Rand, a Russian-American writer and philosopher, is known for her philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes reason, individualism, and capitalism. “Anthem” falls under the genre of dystopian fiction, offering a stark warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal freedom.
Plot Summary
“Anthem” is set in a dystopian future where the concept of individuality has been eradicated. The story follows the journey of the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, as he discovers the forbidden concept of the self.
— Exposition: The story begins in a society where the word “I” has been banned, and people live and work solely for the collective. Equality 7-2521, a street sweeper, stands out due to his curiosity and intelligence, which are discouraged by the society’s rigid rules.
— Rising Action: Equality 7-2521 discovers a hidden tunnel from the Unmentionable Times, where he conducts secret experiments and rediscovers electricity. His invention, a light bulb, represents his desire for knowledge and individuality. He also forms a secret bond with Liberty 5-3000, whom he names “The Golden One,” defying societal norms.
— Climax: Equality 7-2521 presents his invention to the World Council of Scholars, hoping it will benefit society. Instead, the council condemns him for daring to think independently. He flees into the Uncharted Forest, leaving behind the oppressive society.
— Falling Action: In the forest, Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 embrace their freedom and rediscover their sense of self. They find an abandoned house from the Unmentionable Times, which becomes a symbol of their new life and independence.
— Resolution: Equality 7-2521 adopts a new name, Prometheus, and vows to build a society based on individualism and freedom. He declares the rediscovery of the word “I,” symbolizing his complete break from the collectivist society.
Character Analysis
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equality 7-2521 | Intelligent, curious, brave | To seek knowledge and individuality | Transforms from a submissive member of society to an independent thinker, adopting the name Prometheus |
| Liberty 5-3000 | Loyal, strong-willed, loving | To find love and freedom | Evolves from a compliant worker to Equality 7-2521’s partner in discovering individualism, adopting the name Gaea |
| The World Council | Authoritative, oppressive | To maintain control and collectivism | Represents the antagonist force, embodying the oppressive nature of the society |
| International 4-8818 | Fearful, obedient, but secretly loyal | To follow societal norms and protect Equality 7-2521 | Despite fear, shows loyalty to Equality 7-2521 by keeping his secret |
Themes and Symbols
- Individualism vs. Collectivism: The central theme is the conflict between individualism and collectivism. The society in “Anthem” suppresses individual thought and promotes collective identity, while Equality 7-2521’s journey symbolizes the rediscovery of the self.
- Knowledge and Ignorance: The novella explores the power of knowledge as a means of liberation. Equality 7-2521’s experiments and discoveries contrast sharply with the ignorance enforced by the society.
- Freedom and Oppression: The struggle for personal freedom against an oppressive regime is a key theme. The protagonist’s escape into the Uncharted Forest symbolizes the ultimate quest for freedom.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: The rediscovery of the word “I” represents the reclaiming of personal identity. Equality 7-2521’s transformation into Prometheus signifies his journey of self-discovery.
Symbols:
- Light and the Light Bulb: The light bulb represents knowledge, enlightenment, and the power of the individual mind.
- The Uncharted Forest: Symbolizes the unknown, freedom, and the escape from societal control.
- Names: The protagonist’s adoption of the name Prometheus and the naming of Liberty 5-3000 as Gaea symbolize their new identities and break from the collectivist past.
Style and Tone
- Concise and Direct: Rand’s writing is straightforward, reflecting the controlled and restrictive society she describes.
- Philosophical: The novella delves into deep philosophical themes, particularly focusing on Objectivism and the importance of individualism.
- Symbolic: Rand uses symbols extensively to convey deeper meanings and themes.
- Reflective: The tone often reflects Equality 7-2521’s inner thoughts and his journey toward self-awareness.
- Dystopian: The atmosphere is bleak and oppressive, emphasizing the dark realities of a collectivist society.
Literary Devices used in Anthem
- Symbolism: Objects and names represent larger ideas and themes.
- Irony: The society’s attempt to create equality results in the oppression of individual potential.
- Metaphor: Equality 7-2521’s journey serves as a metaphor for the quest for self-identity.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions enhance the dystopian setting and the protagonist’s discoveries.
- Personification: Inanimate objects and abstract concepts are given human qualities.
- Allegory: The novella itself is an allegory for the struggle between individualism and collectivism.
- Repetition: The use of repeated phrases reinforces the oppressive nature of the society.
- Flashback: Provides context for the protagonist’s current situation and motivations.
- Allusion: References to historical and mythological figures underline key themes.
- Foreshadowing: Hints at future events and the protagonist’s eventual rebellion.
Literary Device Examples
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Light Bulb | Represents knowledge and enlightenment |
| The Uncharted Forest | Symbolizes freedom and the unknown |
| Names (Prometheus, Gaea) | Reflect the characters’ new identities and break from collectivism |
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Society’s quest for equality | Results in oppression and lack of individuality |
| The Scholars’ rejection of the light bulb | Irony in rejecting progress that could benefit society |
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Equality 7-2521’s journey | Represents the quest for self-identity |
| Light as knowledge | Enlightenment and awareness |
Imagery
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Description of the Uncharted Forest | Evokes a sense of mystery and freedom |
| Depiction of the dystopian city | Highlights the bleakness and control of society |
Personification
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The light sang” | Personifies light to emphasize its significance |
| “The council frowned” | Gives human qualities to the abstract concept of the council |
Allegory
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The entire novella | Represents the struggle between individualism and collectivism |
| Equality 7-2521’s transformation into Prometheus | Allegory for the rediscovery of the self |
Repetition
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “We are one in all and all in one” | Reinforces the collectivist ideology |
| Use of “we” instead of “I” | Emphasizes the loss of individuality |
Flashback
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Recollections of childhood experiences | Provide context for Equality 7-2521’s motivations |
| Memories of discovering the tunnel | Highlight the protagonist’s curiosity and defiance |
Allusion
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Name “Prometheus” | Alludes to the mythological figure who brought fire (knowledge) to humanity |
| Reference to the “Unmentionable Times” | Alludes to a past era of freedom and individualism |
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Early signs of curiosity in Equality 7-2521 | Hints at his eventual rebellion against society |
| The secret experiments | Foreshadow the protagonist’s discovery and escape |
FAQs
Anthem – FAQs
- Q: What is the main theme of “Anthem”?
- A: The main theme is the conflict between individualism and collectivism.
- Q: How does Ayn Rand use symbolism in “Anthem”?
- A: Rand uses symbols like the light bulb to represent knowledge and the Uncharted Forest to symbolize freedom
.
- Q: What is the significance of Equality 7-2521’s new name, Prometheus?
- A: It signifies his transformation and his role in bringing enlightenment to humanity, similar to the mythological Prometheus.
- Q: How does the society in “Anthem” suppress individuality?
- A: The society enforces collectivism by banning the word “I” and promoting uniformity and obedience.
- Q: What role does the World Council play in the story?
- A: The World Council represents the oppressive force maintaining the collectivist society and suppressing individual thought.
Quiz
| Question | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is the protagonist of “Anthem”? | A) Liberty 5-3000 | B) Equality 7-2521 | C) International 4-8818 | D) The World Council |
| What does the light bulb symbolize in the story? | A) Love | B) Knowledge and Enlightenment | C) Fear | D) Power |
| What is the significance of the Uncharted Forest? | A) Danger | B) Freedom | C) Darkness | D) Mystery |
| Why does Equality 7-2521 flee into the Uncharted Forest? | A) He is bored | B) He is seeking adventure | C) To escape the oppressive society | D) To find food |
| What new name does Liberty 5-3000 adopt? | A) Athena | B) Artemis | C) Hera | D) Gaea |
Exercise
Identify the literary devices used in the following paragraph from “Anthem”:
“The flame of the candle stands still in the air. Nothing moves in this tunnel save our hand on the paper. We are alone here under the earth. Alone, but for the candles and the paper and the ink, which is our only friend.”
Answers: