“It is a sin to write this.” (Rand 1). This concise string of syllables instantly tells the story of Equality 7-2521. He knows what is and is not allowed in the totalitarianistic society pictured in Anthem, by Ayn Rand, and proceeds regardless. While the outright and truthful account is being given at the beginning, the reader comes to understand that Equality is unsure of what the response will be to his purposeful fracture of the law. But something more subtle is apparent following the conclusion of the book: Equality’s underlying carelessness with the law. Though acknowledging his refusal to adhere to every law set forth by the Council, he still maintains his sense of apprehension. The arc Equality undergoes throughout the course of Anthem …show more content…
It is expressed to the audience that Equality follows these rules religiously and respects his given position. The effectivity of Rand’s writing style, simplistic yet intriguing, offers much when weaving the story of internal conflict. One such example is when Equality is waiting to receive his lifelong assignment for work. “So we [Equality 7-2521] wished to be sent to the Home of the Scholars…It was evil and we dared not face our brothers in the morning. For men may wish nothing for themselves” (Rand 24). In the preceding excerpt, it is clear that Equality yearns for the assignment of Scholar, but instinctively chases this thought from his mind. The act of acknowledging a passing thought and then expelling it from one’s mind is reminiscent of meditation methods. Every thought expressed in Anthem holds a meticulous meaning, which gives it a certain meditational resonance with the …show more content…
This is symbolic in a number of ways. When the main character is under laws created by his no more than mundane leaders, he has little freedom. To even think of one’s self or prefer certain people over others is ‘egotistical’. Yet, in the concluding chapters, when Equality is no longer held up to these standards, he has no loyalty nor care concerning such laws. The lack of laws and the need thereof are the root cause. “We awoke when a ray of sunlight fell across our face. We wanted to leap to our feet, as we have had to leap every morning of our life, but we remembered suddenly that no bell had rung and that there was no bell to ring anywhere” (Rand 78). It as if a weight has been lifted once Equality is finally free from the rules which constrict his will. Examples such as the ones Rand displays in Anthem show the detrimental effect legislation can have on society today. The will of people thought to be of greater wisdom choose how everyone lives their lives, as is the structure of current governments. While the effects are magnified in the world of Anthem, they can still bring to light societal downfalls. Equality comes to realize that rules have little meaning when the context for them is no longer