The Importance Of Society In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Imagine living in a society with individuality looked down on and equality so strictly enforced that the word “I” has been banned and punishable by death if used. Imagine living in a world that would consider you evil for learning faster or being more athletic. In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, this is how the society is set up to be. In Ayn Rand’s dystopian story, the people are ruled by a collectivist council, meaning the council owns all things of people. The strict society in the novel can be compared to the country of North Korea.If the society described in Anthem were a real place, they would look to North Korea as normal and resemble the country. Both societies have strict government control, little to no technology or knowledge of anything outside …show more content…
North Korea is a communist country that is closely monitored and as shown in the documentary “Inside Undercover In North Korea”, the people are taught to never doubt or go against their leader just like the citizens in Anthem. “They had torn out the tongue of the Transgressor,so that they could speak no longer” ( Rand 50 ). This quote is describing a character in Anthem who spoke a forbidden word and was punished by getting his tongue cut out, and burned alive in front of the children and men of the city. According to the documentary “Inside Undercover In North Korea” those who commit a crime are sent to harsh concentration camps along with every family member. Both governments seem to tolerate no dissent and anyone who goes against their plan or rules will face consequences for it without mercy. Another example of the strict government is that both sources made it known that anyone who tried to escape was just going on a suicide mission and were doomed. In chapter 7 of Anthem, Equality 7-2521 is entering the uncharted forest in an attempt to escape the council which is similar to a portion of the documentary; the documentary talks of a man who had to escape North Korea after giving the wrong news in a radio podcast. The man explained his near death experience and how he watched his friend die along with knowing his family he left behind may be punished for him as that is how the government …show more content…
In North Korea they worship one or two people ( currently Kim Jong-Un). The current leader is treated as a God, and made out to be great by constant propaganda. The documentary “Inside Undercover In North Korea” showed how all around the country there were large statues, pictures, etc all of the leader where people had to bow and pray to. As the cameramen went into the homes of some something quickly noticed was that all of the photographs and posters were of their supreme leader, rather than themselves o family because their ruler is all that matters. During one part of the visit into the family's home a lady asks which poster is their favorite and they respond “all” ; another question asked is what does the blind member of the family wish to see, and she responds that she would like to see pictures of their ruler. Ceremonies are held to honor and praise the leaders, it is as if the citizens are taught to live and breathe for their leader.“We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE….”( Rand 19 ). This quote shows how they have no ne they directly worship as they are all one and work as a collective group. The ones in the counsil of course have overall control, but the society they live in is based off of working as groups and never as individuals. Unlike North Korea, everyone is honored and everyone is equal as being better or above another is evil