Topic from Ayn Rand's Anthem - choose title to fit topic - Essay Example

English Literature ic and Modern) Individuality in Ayn Rands Anthem Ayn Rand’s novelette “Anthem” is a contentious storythat talks about the struggle to maintain an identity in a society full of reservations, subjugation, and pointless stipulations. In the society Rand constructs, everybody if forced to demonstrate equality against their will to demonstrate a sense of “we”. Prometheus is among the only personalities in this society who goes against such stipulations and discovers his individuality.

He discovers how valuable one can be outside of the societal confines of thinking. He even changes his name from Equality 7-2521 to Prometheus in an act of insurrection. Prometheus comes to understand himself, although the “best of him” is deemed as sinful. In the final chapter, Prometheus details how he sobbed when he first learns the word “I” and its significance. Prometheus uncovers his individuality as the story progresses. He displays his adoration for the Golden one, despite the intimidation of the authorities.

His actions are not only forbidden in the society, but are also absurd considering the risks involved. In his mind, he dreams of the emancipation of the populace. According to his thinking "man will go on. Man, not men" (Rand 12.23). He desires to lead people from their shallow-mindedness. Prometheus discovered his uniqueness and usefulness in the society. Naturally, he is courageous, inquisitive, and intelligent. This makes him different from the other societal members. Prometheus says he now realizes “why the best in me had been my sins and my transgressions; and why I had never felt guilt in my sins.

” Since his childhood, Prometheus knew that autonomy was necessary for an individual to be considered as normal. He comes to understand this about himself in the process of his maturity. This independent way of thinking makes him rediscover his independence. He understands himself as a common-sense theorist. He believes that the ego is "The word which can never die on this earth, for it is the heart of it, and the meaning, and the glory" (Rand 12.25). Equality 7-2521 (Prometheus) discovers that his sinful nature defined his character.

He believed that through ego, one maintained an identity. The society was of the idea that the “best in him” is evil. This is because it did not support alterations in the ideologies it had set. Prometheus is not satisfied with being a street sweeper as designated. On the contrary, he desires to do research owing to his inquisitive nature. He discovers an electric light, but refuses to release it to the authority, fearing that it would be damaged. His talent shows the “best in him”, but this is deemed as sin considering the societal values.

His genius nature makes him a sinner. Through the novel, Prometheus characterizes the challenges previous inventors faced and the ridicule they underwent. Rebellion against the society made him sin. After he learnt the word “I”, he cried because he saw how striking it was to maintain one’s individuality. He brings actuality and light into the earthly context, based on his name Prometheus. In Anthem, the regulations and sentiments of the leaders are based on the credence of communalism and selflessness.

Anthem provides one of Ayn Rand’s most contentious pieces in terms of audaciousness. It is not surprising to learn that Ayn altered her name in real-life, just as she does with his cast list in the story. Proving to be different meant that one received rectification in the detention palace. Prometheus admirably drills through these constraints to maintain his individuality. Despite the prevailing pressure to conform to societal instructions, and the ruthlessness of reprimand for non-conformance, he does not betray his philosophies.

Although there is no individuality in the society, Prometheus successfully reinvents himself as an “I” rather than the oppressive “we”. Work CitedRand, Ayn. Anthem. Carolina: Mundus Publishing, 1964.