Ostracized characters in literature tend to help highlight values of a society by contrasting from what is acceptable. The character Equality 7-2521 believes in individualism in a civilization that purely follows the rules of their government and does not accept innovation. In Anthem by Ayn Rand, by striving to pursue his own ambitions in a collectivist society, equality is alienated, revealing individuality as a crucial quality essential for personal success. Firstly, Equality’s assigned profession did not prevent him from letting his curiosity get the best of him, ultimately leading to his accomplishment. He is assigned to be a street sweeper, and “such would have been [his] life” if it weren’t for “[his] curse which drove [him] to [his] crime” (Rand 7). Due to his higher
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Secondly, Equality is able to reach his highest potential during his seclusion in the tunnel. Once Equality created his invention, “[he brings] it forth from the night of the ages. [Him] alone,” with his own mind and hands only (Rand 20). He is capable of creating an advancement that his society lacked completely on his own, and although his society rejects his ideas, they are ground-breaking nonetheless. The capabilities of his intellect would not have been put to the test if it weren’t for him avoiding the surveillance of the society above while spending time alone in the tunnel. With time to himself to experiment, he is capable of successfully creating an operational light, and he understands that he is capable of doing more in his solitude. Finally, once Equality discovers the concept of “I,” he is able to immerse himself into true individualism, and understands that he should not live for others, but for himself. Equality’s desire to “know the meaning of things,” leads him to discover that “[he is] the meaning” (Rand
Secondly, Equality is able to reach his highest potential during his seclusion in the tunnel. Once Equality created his invention, “[he brings] it forth from the night of the ages. [Him] alone,” with his own mind and hands only (Rand 20). He is capable of creating an advancement that his society lacked completely on his own, and although his society rejects his ideas, they are ground-breaking nonetheless. The capabilities of his intellect would not have been put to the test if it weren’t for him avoiding the surveillance of the society above while spending time alone in the tunnel. With time to himself to experiment, he is capable of successfully creating an operational light, and he understands that he is capable of doing more in his solitude. Finally, once Equality discovers the concept of “I,” he is able to immerse himself into true individualism, and understands that he should not live for others, but for himself. Equality’s desire to “know the meaning of things,” leads him to discover that “[he is] the meaning” (Rand