Unleash Your Ego

Unleash Your Ego

  By Makayla S.

            Russian-American novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand developed a philosophical system known as objectivism, which she expressed in her various fiction Novels. In her book Anthem, written in 1938, rand displays her theories in a unique way.

In this dystopian fiction novella the setting is in the distant future, a time when mankind has seemed to of taken a major step back. Life is quite different for Equality 7-2521 and his community. Everything he learns from birth is dictated by the council and his people have been forced to think of themselves as a whole, even referring to themselves as "we". Anthem is a story about equality's personal revolution where he lets his intellectual talents and unique traits break through the corrupt system he was born into. The discoveries he makes introduce him to knowledge and love, and he is gradually reborn as he gains independence and freedom to live up to his ego.

With communism and other world issues affecting several countries in the world, Rand's unique theme for Anthem really sets it apart from other novels. Her writing style for this story is specifically simple and to the point. Equality's thoughts and the dialog in the beginning can be confusing or hard to understand. The ways the characters communicate and the things they say help to develop the intricate dystopian society in which everyone is thought of, and brought up to be, one living being with little to no option for diversity. The gradual progression that equality makes through the changes in is thoughts reveal the basic human instincts and capabilities that he was made blind to. The simplicity of Rand's words creates an almost primitive, biblical affect although the story takes place in the future. This aspect helps to create the sense that mankind has severely declined.

Anthem is an epic novel with a theme that promotes awareness even for our world today. Rand's powerful message about maintaining independence and free will combined with her simple writing style and idiosyncratic perspective makes Anthem a rewarding story. Equality 7-2521's progression is captivating and revolutionary.