Anthem Essay by Ayn Rand

Topics: Ayn Rand, Neil Peart, The Fountainhead Pages: 2 (632 words) Published: August 5, 2013
Near the end of the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand the main character, Equality, reaches one of the most important realizations of the entire book about the concept of individualism. In the quote form the text “To be free, a man must be free of his brothers” Equality comes to the conclusion that to be independent he must first become his own person and let go what keeps him from doing what he wishes to. There are numerous cases of being free in Anthem, including Equality’s struggle in school, his running away from society, and Equality learning the usage of the word ‘I’.

The scene in Anthem where Equality is writing about his school lessons, he could never forget no matter how hard he tried illustrates the idea of how different he is from the others. The quote “We tried to forget out lessons, but we always remembered.” (Rand 21) is when Equality was talking about his struggle with his education; Equality always wanted to know more, but it was forbidden to ask questions. He was forced to conform to the laws that he only needed to know what he was taught. In addition to Equality being smarter, he is guilty of the great Transgression of Preference. Equality wanted to be a part of the Home of Scholars. Instead he was made a street sweeper because of his intelligence. It was like this with all of the citizens. In example, International was an exceptional artist, but only the artists are allowed to draw. Because of his talent, he was sent to the Home of Street Sweepers never drawing again.

Moreover, as Equality was running from his community he learned the value of independence as he fabricated his own thoughts and the value of freedom as he left altruism behind. One specific quote from the text “I am done with the monster of “We,” the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood, and shame.” specifically exemplifies Equality leaving behind the servitude and larceny of his thoughts that the rulers prohibit him to use. Equality tried to help his brothers by...
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