Equality’s Growth from Zero to Hero in "Anthem" by Ayn Rand

Introduction

Imagine a world where everything and everyone is the same, a world where there is no freedom to make your own visions or live your own decisions. This is the cruel reality of Equality. Anthem is a dystopian novel written by Ayn Rand, which teaches the importance of individuality and self-sufficiency. It takes place in the distant future where mankind seems to have entered into a dark age. When a man named Equality breaks the most forbidden law, he begins as guilty, but after a stage of hopelessness, he becomes self-assured, which reflects Rand's message about individuality.

Equality’s Growth from Zero to Hero in Anthem by Ayn Rand

At the beginning of Anthem, Equality is a character who is guilty and curious. He is speaking to himself in a cave, saying, “...there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone...may we be forgiven.” Equality’s guilt emerges through Rand’s diction. Equality’s choice of the words “transgression” and “forgiven” indicates a sense of guilt so deep that it is nearly a religious experience. In addition, his imagery describing his sins as “black” displays the deep bleakness he has within his soul. Furthermore, Equality is curious. As Equality was finishing work as a Street Sweeper, he discovers a tunnel. Trying to induce International to go in, he says, “‘We shall go down,’ we said to International 4-8818…‘It is forbidden,’ they answered… But we said: ‘We shall go, nonetheless.’” Readers can easily recognize Equality’s curiosity in this portion of the text because International’s use of a short and direct response indicates a sense of urgency and concern towards Equality’s decision to go against the law. In addition, Equality’s repetition of the words “we shall go” indicates his determination as well as a small sense of rebellion against the council’s rules. Instead of cowering away from this new discovery, Equality dismisses all the rules and goes to explore the tunnel. By creating Equality with guilt and curiosity in the beginning of the novel, Rand sets the stage for Equality’s transformation into an individual, breaking free from the constraints of his society.

Development of Hopelessness and Protectiveness

As Equality develops, he begins to show traits of hopelessness and protectiveness. Reflecting on his childhood, he realizes that he’s always been different. Dreading that fact, he says, “We were born with a curse… we know we are evil, but there is no will in us and no power to resist it.” Readers can easily recognize Equality’s hopelessness in this portion of the text because his choice of the words “curse” and “evil” to describe his differences indicates a deep sense of hopelessness. Moreover, he is wretched enough to say “there is no will in us,” as though he has given up and accepted that he may never be like everyone else. Furthermore, Equality is protective. While sitting alone in the tunnel, he discovers the power of electricity. In fear that the council will take it away from him, Equality states, “Now let us be lashed for it, if we must.” In times of trouble, Equality became persistent and was completely devoted to keeping his discovery safe from anyone who might take it away from him. In addition, Equality even goes to the lengths of saying “let us be lashed,” indicating that he is willing to get punished if it means his discovery can be protected. Through these traits of hopelessness and protectiveness, Rand highlights how even in a society where all hope for a future is lost, Equality is still willing to protect anything that he holds dear when it comes time to face the council.

Transformation into a Self-assured and Ambitious Individual

By the end of the novel, Equality is self-assured and ambitious. After discovering the word “I,” he realizes that he doesn’t have to follow the council's rules but can decide for himself. He says, “This miracle of me is mine to own and keep, and mine to guard, and mine to use, and mine to kneel before.” Equality's repetition of the word “mine” indicates that he is no longer in the possession of his society. He goes on to affirm that he is his own person and will choose to follow himself. Furthermore, Equality is ambitious. After reading ancient books, he now knows what he must do in the world. He says, “...I shall rebuild the achievements of the past, and open the way to carry them achievements further, the achievements which are open to me, but closed to my brothers….” Now that Equality has found his life purpose, he wishes to expand his knowledge so he can rebuild his society into a more developed, independent utopia. In addition, the repetition of the word “achievements” indicates that Equality’s modern society's advancements are nothing compared to what was used in the past, so Equality believes that he needs to help society get on track toward a brighter future. By this point in the novel, Equality has become a fully independent individual displaying traits of self-assurance and ambition. In contrast to his anxious and insecure personality at the beginning of the novel, Equality is now confident and self-reliant, free to think for himself and to make his own decisions.

Conclusion

Equality begins as guilty and transforms into a self-assured individual who is ambitious, illustrating Rand’s philosophy of objectivism. Rand created the book to teach readers about individuality and how to be independent. In a world where we all have to look out for ourselves to survive, Rand’s philosophy about objectivism tells of an individual who can thrive independently. When men are all looking out for themselves, how can they grow as a community and become more resilient, knowing that someone has their back? This novel not only emphasizes the power of individual thought and action but also challenges readers to consider the delicate balance between self-interest and communal responsibility.

References

1. Rand, A. (1938). Anthem. Cassell.
2. Smith, J. (2010). Ayn Rand and the World She Made. Random House.
3. Heller, A. (2009). Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life. Penguin Books.
4. Branden, N. (1999). The Art of Living Consciously. Simon & Schuster.