Anthem Literary Analysis
Individualty Symbolizes Happiness
Prompt: In the final chapter of Anthem, Prometheus writes that he now understands “why the best in me had been my sins and my transgressions; and why I had never felt guilt in my sins.” What has Prometheus come to understand about himself? Why does his society regard the “best in him” as sinful? “It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon paper no others see.” “It is a sin write this.” So begins Ayn Rand’s Anthem, a dystopian novella convening the life of Equality7-2521, The Unconquered, Prometheus. In the society one must not think alone, speak alone, act alone, one must not exist alone. For, this is not right, “We,” is right. “We” can exist in society and thrive! Save, Equality7-2521, who wrote his inherent thoughts for only himself to see, “it was a sin to write this.” Rand illustrates a motif of conformity through dystopian diction in Anthem, which creates a tone of fear and foreshadows an impending revolution, which reveals the importance of individuality for one to be happy.
Equality7-2521 was taught that he was a sin from a young age, “There is evil in your bones, Equality7-2521, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers” (18). He was different from his brothers and to be different was to stand out, to stand out was to be an individual. Equality7-2521 believed he was born with a curse; to have thoughts which are forbidden was a burden, but his curiosity overcame the power of conformity. He found a place where he studied science, and conducted experiments; he wished to be a scholar, which was also a sin, for the great transgression of preference was forbidden. The Council of Vocations knew where everyone was needed by their brothers. Equality7-2521 had an individual thought process; he was unique, save his white tunic. As he progressed in his experiments in the underground tunnel Equality7-2521 discovers light in the glass box. For the first time he is not fearful of his
Prompt: In the final chapter of Anthem, Prometheus writes that he now understands “why the best in me had been my sins and my transgressions; and why I had never felt guilt in my sins.” What has Prometheus come to understand about himself? Why does his society regard the “best in him” as sinful? “It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon paper no others see.” “It is a sin write this.” So begins Ayn Rand’s Anthem, a dystopian novella convening the life of Equality7-2521, The Unconquered, Prometheus. In the society one must not think alone, speak alone, act alone, one must not exist alone. For, this is not right, “We,” is right. “We” can exist in society and thrive! Save, Equality7-2521, who wrote his inherent thoughts for only himself to see, “it was a sin to write this.” Rand illustrates a motif of conformity through dystopian diction in Anthem, which creates a tone of fear and foreshadows an impending revolution, which reveals the importance of individuality for one to be happy.
Equality7-2521 was taught that he was a sin from a young age, “There is evil in your bones, Equality7-2521, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers” (18). He was different from his brothers and to be different was to stand out, to stand out was to be an individual. Equality7-2521 believed he was born with a curse; to have thoughts which are forbidden was a burden, but his curiosity overcame the power of conformity. He found a place where he studied science, and conducted experiments; he wished to be a scholar, which was also a sin, for the great transgression of preference was forbidden. The Council of Vocations knew where everyone was needed by their brothers. Equality7-2521 had an individual thought process; he was unique, save his white tunic. As he progressed in his experiments in the underground tunnel Equality7-2521 discovers light in the glass box. For the first time he is not fearful of his