The main theme behind Rand’s Anthem is
the importance of self-discovery and self-awareness
. Rand, like many in the twentieth century, was concerned with the loss of self if people were to give up personal rights that include the word “I”.
What are two themes that are depicted in the novel Anthem?
In the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand there are many themes. These themes include
love, desire, equality, freedom, and individuality
. Most of these themes are all shown by the majority of the characters in the book, especially Equality 7-2521.
What are the major themes in Anthem?
- Philosophical Viewpoints.
- Freedom and Confinement.
- Identity.
- Society and Class.
- Happiness.
- Science.
- Love.
- Loyalty.
What is the purpose of Anthem?
The national anthem, like other national symbols of a country, represents the tradition, history, and beliefs of a nation and its people. Hence, it
helps evoke feelings of patriotism among the country’s citizens
and reminds them of their nation’s glory, beauty, and rich heritage.
What is the theme Anthem Chapter 1?
Alone in a disused railway tunnel, Equality 7-2521 writes by the light of a candle stolen from the Home of the Street Sweepers. In just the first few words of the novella, Rand clearly conveys that Equality 7-
2521’s dystopian society is characterized by a lack of individuality and an overpowering sense of shame
.
Why is love a theme in Anthem?
In the controlled society depicted in Anthem,
love between two people is illegal
. Two people in love are tempted to care more for their lover than they are for their “fellow man.” When the main character, Equality 7-2521, finds himself in love with a woman, Liberty 5-3000, he first doesn’t know quite what to do.
What is the unspeakable word in Anthem?
The first-person
pronoun ‘I’
is the unspeakable word in Anthem.
Why is it called Anthem?
First appearing in Old English in the form antefn,
anthem derives ultimately from Greek antiphōnos
—a word meaning “responsive” that is a combination of anti-, meaning “over” or “against,” and phōnē, “sound” or “voice.” The Greek root gives a hint as to what the musical form of early anthems was like.
What is Equality’s curse?
Equality 7-2521, the character’s specific curse is
that he was born with intelligence
. This causes him great unhappiness in life as he is smart enough to see how his government is failing him, but unable to create changes to his situation. The intelligence makes him naturally curious and question his surroundings.
What does light symbolize in Anthem?
Light. Light represents
truth in
Anthem. … The whole society lives by candlelight, and the society’s leaders fear the light when Equality 7-2521 brings it to them. Light illuminates human dignity and human error for Rand, both of which the society in Anthem tries to sweep under the rug.
Why is I forbidden in Anthem?
The state has forbidden humans from speaking or even thinking of the word
“I.” Society has mandated, under punishment of death, that all first-person references are with the plural “we,” even when the reference is to a single person.
Which country has no national anthem?
Austria
, the Country without a National Anthem.
Why is ego the sacred word in Anthem?
The word ego implies that
one is more important than the collective
, and that one is the proper beneficiary of one’s actions. The book, “Anthem,” by Ayn Rand, tells a story of one man’s rebellion against a collective society. … And it’s forbidden to say “I”, which is considered a sacred word.
What is the only crime punishable by death in Anthem?
Speaking the
Unspeakable
Word is the only crime punishable by death.
What sins did Equality 7-2521 commit?
Throughout the beginning of the novella, Equality 7-2521 most frequently committed
the Transgression of Preference
, the transgression of preferring one object over the other. We often find that Equality cannot do what the society desires; he cannot love all objects and all others equally.
What is the conflict in Anthem?
The main conflict in Anthem is
one of man vs. society
. Equality and his friends wish to be individuals, but they are forced to be part of the collective “we.”
