The Sombination of Political and Moral Issues in the Work Anthem by Ayn Rand
Anthem by Ayn Rand combines political and moral questions simultaneously. An idea of individual social ideology is connected with the past and centered in the debates concerning the most appropriate world construction. Throughout the novel, a question of individualism's importance raises with new corrections and details. Moreover, the work concentrates on the role of single personalities on global development. These episodes refer to numerous historic personalities and natively allow readers to study History. On the opposite scale, there is a concept of a society with nothing individual. The author masterfully compares two ideas throughout the plot, leaving the final decision for the readers. However, there is a noticeable Rand’s preference, which illustrates the nature of humankind.
Throughout the novel, the protagonist is represented as a personality, who does not agree with the world. He resists society, trying to change it. For instance, Equality 7-2521 indicates the insufficiency of senseless names:
“We have given you the name in our thoughts, Liberty 3-5000. The Golden One”
The new name refers to the color of the woman’s hair. As a result, it is directly associated with the person. This case directly signalizes the character’s attempts to renovate the world. In addition, he strives to accelerate progress with own inventions. In spite of the forbidding, the character discovers the electricity, which was forgotten by humanity. This comparison of new ideas with the society, which has decreased in intellectual potential, can found a reflection in the history. For example, the XX century presents us a competition of the brain and stagnation on the instance of Albert Einstein and Nazi Germany. The scientist developed the Theory of Relativity and was ready to continue the global progression. However, the ultra-nationalistic country regretted his attempts. Einstein’s life was in danger and he was made to escape from Germany. This case is a perfect reflection of the novel’s motive. A fight between a genius individual with the society, which denies progress, is an eternal topic for numerous discussions.
One of the factors, which would be against individualism, is the idea of socialism. Anthem refers to this political position. The novel’s society has many common features with it:
“We are nothing” refers to an exclusion of the personality itself. Additionally, the people are controlled by the well-working mechanism of the Homes. They segment the population by professions and genders. Close characteristics were implemented in the USSR. The Union was led with this ideology and the society worked on similar principles. However, the differences are hidden in the rules. It was not forbidden to create and progress individually. Moreover, it was appraised and welcomed, due to a need of the development. Also, the communication was free. It assisted people in their collectivism. However, the creativity and communication propaganda were strongly bonded with the ideology. It is possible that in plans of the Soviet government restrictions, similar to Rand’s ones, were to be implemented. That is why it is crucial to understand the novel as deeply as possible. It is not only a literature work. In addition, on its pages many political and social problems are raised and presented as important.
The idea of individualism is represented as a vital part of the societies. Individuals are moving forces of global progress. Einstein is a representation of these legendary people and the protagonist is a reflection of this idea. It is crucial for humans to feel their uniqueness and to develop with this thought in mind. Probably, this way of existence is much more effective and acceptable for Homo sapiens psychologically.
To conclude, the Anthem is a multivalent and colorful literature work. It is fulfilled with material to think of even after the end. The importance of the novel is underrated due to hidden but important features, which may be revealed only in careful reading. Overall, the main motive is that a free system of individuals can reach higher results, in a comparison with a totalitarian structure, which resists intellectual freedom. Nowadays, this idea raises with even higher popularity. Readers should decide whether to trust the character’s choice or to find a better alternative as fast as possible in order to remain being intellectually potential. Simultaneously, Ayn Rand provided detailed and strongly base facts in a support of individualism and there is no use to regret such a precious cultural gift.
