Comparing Equality And Prometheus In Ayn Rand's Anthem

When it comes to writing novels, how does one decide on the name of the main character? The main character in Ayn Rand’s Anthem had two names. He starts off as Equality 7-2521, a name given to him by the society he lives in. The name represents one of the beliefs that the society worships. Later on, Equality 7-2521 renames himself “Prometheus”. Ayn Rand chose to name her character “Prometheus” because Equality and the Greek god, Prometheus, have numerous similarities. They both happen to be rebellious, they are both motivated by the urge to help others, they both are passionate about knowledge, and they are both viewed as criminals by a higher power. One of the first similarities between Equality and Prometheus is that they are both rebellious. …show more content…
As revenge for stealing fire and tricking him, Zeus had an eagle forever chew at Prometheus’ liver while he was bound to a rock (Lenzi and Mitcham 1523). Zeus was furious that Prometheus gave man fire, so he made a decision to inflict a dreadful punishment on Prometheus and the humans (Hunt 1). He viewed Prometheus as a criminal for rebelling against him even though his disrespectful actions were to help the humans that he had created. Equality was also harshly judged by his peers. “Yes, we have much to say to a wretch who have broken all the laws and who boast of their infamy! How dared you think that your mind held greater wisdom than the minds of your brothers” (Rand 71)? The World Council of Scholars becomes enraged with Equality when they find out that he has been learning and thinking on his own, which is a crime in their society, so therefore they see him as a criminal. Equality has also been beaten and thrown in jail when he refused to tell where he was when he was late, and after he meets with the World Council of Scholars, he has no choice but to leave the society. Equality and Prometheus are judged and punished for their attempts in trying to help