Who Is Equality In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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The novelette, Anthem by Ayn Rand, takes place in a totalitarian society where the state controls practically everything. The people of this society have accepted the idea of collectivism so extensively that they do not see themselves as individual beings, but as members of a single group. Equality 7-2512 is a being that stands out in this society, he is taller, stronger, and smarter then the rest of society. Equality developed a new invention out a pure curiosity and the need of discovery. His new invention, a box of light powered by electricity(which they do not have in this society), can benefit mankind greatly, but is rejected by the World Council based on their morals. While his invention can greatly benefit mankind greatly, that was not …show more content…
When Equality discovers the tunnel he says,”We shall go down,” then later he says,”This place is ours. This place belongs to us, Equality 7-2521, and to no other men on earth. And if ever we surrender it, we shall surrender our life also.”(Pages 31&34) When he discovers the tunnel he wants to explore it, he has the need to see what is inside and keep it for his own. He is willing to give up his life just to discover the new things that he may find in the tunnel. Equality wants it for his own due to the fact that everything that he has ever known was collective and this is the first chance that he can have something for his own. Rand helps show his want for more in this section of the book and Equality’s need for discovery. Equality also shows the same need when he discovers the box of light or the “light bulb” as we call it. “We, Equality 7-252, Have discovered a new power of nature. And we have discovered it alone, and we are alone to know it.”(Page 52) When Equality states this, he has just discovered electricity and is summing up his thoughts on the topic. He had also discovered a new form of light which can greatly benefit society. Later on in this section of the novelette he tells how he is willing to die for this great new power. This quote shows Equality’s liking of discovery and his desire for
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