Individuality In 'Anthem And Invictus'

Individuality, this word is what makes a person who they are. It can be molded into whatever one chooses it to be. It also puts you in control of yourself and guides you through your existence. Being individualized is what makes us human. We are not all the same. In the novel “Anthem” by Ayn Rand, the thought of individuality is a constant theme throughout the book. The main character, Equality, believes he is cursed by being an individual, at first. Many similarities can be found between the novel “Anthem” and the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.
Invictus is Latin for “Unconquered”. Another character, Liberty, will begin to call Equality “unconquered” in the novel. She believes he is unconquered because his appearance to her is different. She believes that because he is different that he will not be held down by the conformity surrounding him, therefore unconquered. “Your eyes are as flame, but our brothers have neither hope nor fire. Your mouth is cut of granite, but our brothers are soft and humble. Your head is high, but our brothers
“It is my mind which thinks, and the judgment of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth. It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.” “I ask none to live for me, nor do I live for any others.” These quotes are very similar to the last two line of “Invictus.” They read “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” This discovery of individuality is progressive through both pieces of literature and it is not until the end of both pieces that the idea is actually out into words and made crystal clear to the reader. Many metaphors are used in the poem and uncertainty is the clouding theme that keeps Equality from coming out and speaking of his individuality until about three quarters into the