Collectivism And Individualism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Individualism is the driving force behind original thought. Original thought enables actions, giving purpose to life. However, collectivism ignores originality and highly values group mentality. In “Anthem,” originally published in 1938, Russian American Ayn Rand depicts both collectivism and individualism through the persona of Equality 7-2521 and later renamed Prometheus, a free thinking young man trapped in a communist modeled futuristic society. The government assures individuals are referred to as “we” as opposed to “I”. As Equality 7-2521 grows older, his curiosity for knowledge is greater than his fear of the law. He soon learns of science, love, and the cruel nature of his society. Moved by his discoveries, Equality 7-2521 and his lover, Liberty 5-3000, abandon the collectivist world for a land from Unmentionable Times, a place of personal freedom and usage of the word “I”. In “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, pathos and tone emphasize how the word “we” fuels collectivism and the word “I” enables individualism. Solid thesis
Because the loving relationship between Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 is hindered by collectivism, the goodness in individualism is shown through pathos. When Equality first expresses his infatuation with Liberty, he “wish[es] to write [her] name. We wish to speak it, but we dare not speak it above a whisper. For men are forbidden to take notice of women. But we think of one among women, they whose name is Liberty 5-3000” (Rand 38). Equality 7-2521 pays …show more content…
In “Anthem,” the word “we” fuels group mentality and diminishes free thinking. The word “we” takes away the intimacy in Prometheus’ romantic relationship while the word “I” draws him and his lover closer. Prometheus is a new, unbroken man when he discovers the word “I”, thus he fathoms individualism. Life is experienced uniquely to each individual, and when deprived of individuality, nothingness looms. Feels kinda repetitive, maybe that’s just
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