In the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand we are placed in a society that only focuses on thewhole. In fact, it is illegal to say "I" and the sacred word is "ego". Our character is equality and from birth he has been different from his brothers. Secretly, he conducts scientific research and upon his attempt to show his discovers to his people, he is threatened to be killed. He runs away from the only place he has ever known and takes along with him his secret lover, for men and women can not have contact. In the woods, he discovers buildings from the past and realizes what an ego is. Equality reveals that he will create a new society in which it is every man for himself.
At first, Anthem seemed very confusing and I could not understand why such a book was written. Then I realized it was written to critize society and show that we must always be at a median, never extremes. It was a very good book and It made me think deeply of how we embrase some factors from this book but disregard others. It was very well written being told from Equality's point of view.
2 comments:
This book is interesting because it shows how a mind thinks when the person is not referring themselfs as "I." This book takes place in the future, so It's interesting to know what the future would be like if we used the same philosophy as they did.
"Anthem", by Ayn Rand, is one of the most popular novellas she wrote. Set in a futuristic world, humankind has given up the idea of individualism and has been practicing the ways of Collectivism for hundreds of years. The story follows a man named Equality 7-2521, who was assigned to be a street sweeper for the rest of his life. After wandering off the beaten path, Equality discovers the many wonders of the people who lived in the “Unmentionable Times” that were forbidden to even think about for many years.
Ayn Rand's "Anthem" was a very interesting book to read. I love reading the many different views on what people think the future will be like. Ayn Rand’s view was definitely a first for me. The way the society was heavily focused around having group priorities over individual priorities and never allowed to do something unless everyone was able to do it left me wondering if we would turn out like that someday. I would highly recommend Anthem to anyone interested in the fictional genre!
Reviewed by Charles B., Grade 9
Montrose Library
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