Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

Improved Essays
Anthem, a fictional novel written by Ayn Rand, depicts the portrayal of collectivism in a

strictly totalitarian society. The society based in Anthem differs from the society in the United

States because individuality, technology, and education are all uncommonly correlated. Ayn

Rand defines Equality 7­2521, the protagonist, as being against his collective society and has

him discover the significance of individuality. Rand reveals the fears of collectivism that holds

his society back from any chance of progression. The modern­day society of the United States is

far more progressive than the society in Anthem because of individuality, technology, and

education.

The civilization based in Anthem is much less advanced than modern­day America,
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Equality 7­2521 explains that thinking or being alone is forbidden

by the government and that doing so will result in severe consequences. Another example of the

lack of freedom demonstrated in Anthem is: “The laws say that men may not write unless the

Council of Vocations bid them so.” (17). This quote indicates that nobody is granted the freedom

to write or express themselves unless they have been given permission. Next, the technology in

Anthem is extremely underdeveloped compared to the United States. Take this quote for starters,

“All the great modern inventions come from the Home of the Scholars, such as the newest one,

which was found only a hundred years ago, of how to make candles from wax and string; also,

how to make glass, which is put in our windows to protect us from the rain.” (24). The World

Council of Scholars carefully determines which things were to be invented; technology rarely

advances at all in their society. It took Council of Scholars years to develop the Candle, which

still remains to be their basic source of light. Whispering of the modern day inventions,

skyscrapers, cars, and electricity, indicates the mysteries of these common inventions in
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Modern­day U.S. society is more progressive than Anthem’s because of aspects such as

individuality, technology, and education. Individuality is a very strong and common belief in the

modern­day U.S. society. Citizens of the U.S. get the advantage of freedom of speech; it allows

them to speak their minds, but to an extent. The peoples of the U.S. are allowed to express

themselves however they please; they can express themselves through apparel, music, art, voice,

writing and plenty more. Everybody is accepted the way they are, no matter how different they

may be. Technology is mandatory in the United States and is certainly advancing each day. Any

individual is allowed to create and invent anything they please without the approval of a

civilization. The people of the progressive class have been granted the convenience of advanced

technology which includes skyscrapers, cars, and electricity. Families in America tend to have

their own home or apartment, and once each person reaches a certain age, they may seek their

own dwelling if they meet the requirements. Education is one of the United States’

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