“To be free a man must be free of his brothers. That is freedom. This and nothing else” (101). These words proclaimed by the main character Equality 7-2521 in the novella Anthem by Ayn Rand show the dynamic realization made in conclusion to the character’s struggle. Throughout Equality’s mental journey in the story, he develops many thoughts such as these. Thoughts questioning his society and its morals. Thoughts questioning the very foundation of the world he lives in. “We are one in all and all in one.There are no men but only the WE, One, indivisible and forever” (19). This is the motto recited by Equality and the members of his society. It states that the society, as a whole, is one. This is what the prevailing society is striving to accomplish with the rules and controls instilled in their world. In the beginning of the novella, Equality appears to agree with society and even believes he deserves to be punished for questioning them. At the peak of Equality’s self discovery he has an epiphany that allows him to break free from this mindset and become an individual with an
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What ultimately determines Equality’s principles of morality is the climax of the novella. In the climax, Equality presents his creation to the Scholars and receives an unforeseen response. His actions appall the Scholars and they demand he be prosecuted, but before this can occur Equality flees. This escape causes Equality’s main epiphany:“My happiness is not the means to an end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose.”(95) This realization truly identifies Equality as a free and individual man. He understands his purpose which is he and he alone. His predisposition toward insubordination ultimately leads to the singular purpose in life. Happiness achieved through self-actualization. Both are essential parts of existence and achieved by practice of an individual
What ultimately determines Equality’s principles of morality is the climax of the novella. In the climax, Equality presents his creation to the Scholars and receives an unforeseen response. His actions appall the Scholars and they demand he be prosecuted, but before this can occur Equality flees. This escape causes Equality’s main epiphany:“My happiness is not the means to an end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose.”(95) This realization truly identifies Equality as a free and individual man. He understands his purpose which is he and he alone. His predisposition toward insubordination ultimately leads to the singular purpose in life. Happiness achieved through self-actualization. Both are essential parts of existence and achieved by practice of an individual