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A philosophical insight into Ayn Rand's book Anthem based on the philosophy of society, I wrote this for my honors lit class. Anthem Essay: Ego, “I” Topic 2
Anthem is so much more than a book about a man who rebels against society. Anthem has so many forms that represent individuality. For one example, Equality went underground to write down his thoughts. Through his writing, Equality expressed himself and his single-minded thoughts. Yes, he did steal a candle from the larder of the street sweepers home, but that is not what makes him an individual. Yes, he rebels against society's ways, but there is much more to this. Equality expressed his own individual self and thoughts by writing. Through his nightly writings, Equality held fast to himself. Writing is a form of self-expression, not influenced by the opinion of others. Through writing, we literally delve into our soul and pull out who we are- our ideals. If your soul is pure and white, you will write the thoughts you have to make your life sparkle. Now, let us discuss the exact opposite of this. There is one other type of soul- dark and tainted. People with this type of soul are not individuals, but influenced by others to live as a puppet. These kind of souls belong to the weakest of people. Some examples would be: drug addicts, criminals, child molesters, and people who get pushed around. In Equality's society, most beings have these dark souls. However, Equality is a leader, so his soul is blindingly bright. Even though it may blind you, Equality's soul attracts you to him. In this world, there is mostly darkness. Equality, then, is the light in the dark-literally. The Uncharted Forest is another example of Equality's individuality. The forest is so dark, yet Liberty still found him in there, despite the darkness. This is because his soul lit the way- like a sign that lit up and said “hey, Equality's here.” The light that attracts a thousand moths, is more like it. No, everything in the world with eyes. And good ones at that- if you have them, that is. Here's another example of individuality- your eyes. Are you blind, and see and appreciate nothing, or gifted, and see and respect everything? In Equality's society, the blind ones would be the Council of Vocations, and those who follow them. Those who listen to their laws, who do as they are told- you might as well be a blind mole. However, Equality is different. Recall the burning of the Transgressor. This Transgressor had spoken the forbidden word- “I.” And for it, he was burned at the stake. What kind of society kills someone for speaking one little word? No one, because we are all individuals- at least, I think so. I know I am, and so is Equality, and Liberty as well. Why can't the rest of Equality's friends be like this- free-thinking, and their selves? That is how our modern world is, so there is no excuse for this- at all. I know this- but I still see them, the followers. Those “clicks” of girls and boys who are cheer leaders or football players and cast everyone else out for being different. What if, one day, our society ends up like Equality's? So, I have one thing to say, although I have said it already- be yourself. No matter what others say, or tell you what to think or do, don't do it. It could hurt you- and the rest of the world- more than you know. I've discovered what Equality has-Individuality-have you?