Ayn Rand, born as Alisa Zirnov’yevna Rosenbaum on February 2 1905, was a Russian-American author famous for her contribution to the philosophical system known as objectivism. She wrote Anthem, a novella, to promote her objectivist ideals and beliefs for how a society, or rather man, should be. However, the book had a hard time getting published in the United States because publishers did not appreciate her content.For example, Macmillan declined to publish it because they felt that Rand did “not understand socialism”. Not only that, once it WAS published, it sparked controversy amongst book critics. Many thought Rand’s interpretation of individualism was twisted, but others praised her for the boldness she displayed in writing her beliefs.
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At an early age, it was discovered that Equality excelled in school, especially in science,a little too much when compared to the other children. The collectivist society in Anthem promotes solidarity and equality over everything. Being different in any way, such as being tall, strong, beautiful, or smart, was perceived negatively. At 21 years of age, Equality towers above his brothers at 6 feet tall. It is obvious that Rand designed Equality 7-2521 to be an “outcast” from the very beginning of her story. Throughout the story, there is constant conflict within himself: the struggle between his insatiable curiosity, along with his rejection of conformity, and the doctrine of solidarity instilled in him since he could remember by his teachers and fellow members of society. Equality most clearly displays this when he states that he does not “know why [his] curse makes [him] seek [he] know not what, ever and ever. But [he] cannot resist it”(24). However he later contradicts these thoughts when he expresses that “there is no shame in [him] and no regret. [He says] to [himself] that [he is] a wretch and a traitor. But [he feels] no burden upon [his] spirit and no fear in [his] heart”(37). Equality is clearly confused (oxymoron intended) when it comes to his real self and his true intentions. This moral dilemma plays a big role in the characterization of Equality because it constantly resurfaces when he’s faced with a choice between independence or submission to society’s
At an early age, it was discovered that Equality excelled in school, especially in science,a little too much when compared to the other children. The collectivist society in Anthem promotes solidarity and equality over everything. Being different in any way, such as being tall, strong, beautiful, or smart, was perceived negatively. At 21 years of age, Equality towers above his brothers at 6 feet tall. It is obvious that Rand designed Equality 7-2521 to be an “outcast” from the very beginning of her story. Throughout the story, there is constant conflict within himself: the struggle between his insatiable curiosity, along with his rejection of conformity, and the doctrine of solidarity instilled in him since he could remember by his teachers and fellow members of society. Equality most clearly displays this when he states that he does not “know why [his] curse makes [him] seek [he] know not what, ever and ever. But [he] cannot resist it”(24). However he later contradicts these thoughts when he expresses that “there is no shame in [him] and no regret. [He says] to [himself] that [he is] a wretch and a traitor. But [he feels] no burden upon [his] spirit and no fear in [his] heart”(37). Equality is clearly confused (oxymoron intended) when it comes to his real self and his true intentions. This moral dilemma plays a big role in the characterization of Equality because it constantly resurfaces when he’s faced with a choice between independence or submission to society’s