Individuality And Free-Will In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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Imagine, every house looks the same, every person thinks the same, and virtually every aspect of life is controlled by the government. This is the reality for the unfortunate souls harbored under a totalitarian administration. Ayn Rand wrote a descriptive novel titled Anthem, which told a story about the many people that lived under a communist government. Rand was an early twentieth century dystopian author who was born in Soviet Russia. Furthermore, “In creating her novels, Rand sought to make real her exalted view of man and of life” (“About Ayn Rand”). Rand does this by describing the events occuring in Equality 7-2521’s life; readers meet a character who is different from others in a society where individuality is not allowed. This novel …show more content…
Rand suggests to the audience that attaining a sense of individuality and free-will is imperative to leading a life of remembrance and importance; this is shown by Equality 7-2521 overcoming every obstacle that is thrown his way to reach his accomplishment of becoming himself. At the end of the narrative, it is declared, “For the coming of that day shall I fight, I and my sons and my chosen friends. For the freedom of Man. For his rights. For his life. For his honor” (Rand 104). This quote displays the overall theme of the novel; that a human soul is comprised of individuality, and it is worth fighting for the soul of a human. Equality 7-2521 demonstrates to the readers that it is hard to be oneself when it seems that the rest of the world is against the idea, but there is always a way to find the strength to gain that kind of personal freedom. Whether that ardor for uniqueness is found through one’s own mind, or from the encouragement of others, it is crucial to have a backbone to support one’s thoughts and emotions. Perhaps Equality 7-2521 overcame his barriers with the support of Liberty 5-300 and of his own mind. Clearly, there is a large message being displayed within this book. The theme is shown in the book by reinforcing thoughts and ideas through every character and through every situation that appears throughout the book. That is, advocate for ideas that are believed to be correct no matter what anyone else thinks, and being an individual within the world is the most important concept because there is no point to life if you aren’t living as a true
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