Social Ideals In Ayn Rand's Anthem

There are many societal ideals that influence individual behaviour. In our society, these may include peace, freedom, and equity. In Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem, the ideals that influence the protagonist are collectivism, equality, unity, liberty, and harmony, as seen in the naming of the characters. A societal ideal (in this instance collectivism) deeply affects every individual’s identity and purpose in life. Additionally, collectivism impedes the imagination and creativity of each individual. Finally, seeing the flaws of any ideal will lead to a drastic change in the course of one’s life. As we can see in Anthem, collectivist ideals have a strong influence on the way individuals think, act and behave. Man’s identity is greatly affected …show more content…
Collectivism is no different. Eventually, individuals will realize many flaws, and see the oppression and fear they have been living in their whole life. The first thought is that they must leave, because they can no longer live with the burden of the truth. After Equality 7-2521 is rejected by the Council of Scholars, he finally comes to terms with the fact that he built the glass box for his own sake, and not for “the good of his brothers”. When he starts to discover the world beyond and finds the sacred word “Ego”, he cannot imagine living as he previously had. His running away into the Uncharted Forest symbolizes a breakthrough from his old life and way of living. The Uncharted Forest is portrayed as “the unknown”, and when Equality 7-2521 escapes society, he is also escaping his comfort zone, and the inertia that would have kept him there for his entire life. Through time, the flaws of every ideal are always made manifest, and those who see the flaws can never unsee them. Collectivism may have power for a period of time, but it will never prevail once an individual has found the truth: the harm collectivist ideals have on identity, imagination, and