Anthem by Ayn Rand: A review

This review looks at Ayn Rand's seminal work, Anthem, and examines the background, themes and the pros and cons of this work. Anthem was considered a forerunner to Ayn Rand's later work and philosophy.

The power of the individual explored

Introduction Ayn Rand's novella, Anthem was published in 1938 and follows in the footsteps of another great work, Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World'. A polemical look at the loss of individualism to collective hegemony, Anthem tells the tale of a future dystopian society where 'The Law' laid down by a council is greater than the spark within an individual's soul. The plot and themes Following the story of its protagonist Equality 7-2521, Anthem dissects the soul of irrational collectivism. The book traces Equality 7-2521's thoughts of individuality which revolt against the imposed life of being nothing more than a street sweeper. In the dark world in which he lives in, through his mathematical and scientific bent of mind, his discovery of electricity and the electric lamp is an enduring metaphor of the light of reason shining through the darkness of forced ignorance. The themes of finding love and the journey of self-discovery in a time of conformity and repression find echoes in today's society. The struggle and triumph Equality 7-2521's journey is not without dangers, and the book does not soften the consequences of prison, torture and repression by a irrational, conformist regime. For his bravery, Equality 7-2521 is given a new name, 'The Unconquered', by his lady love who he, in turn names 'The Golden One'. The book ends with a single word, 'EGO', which is the essence of its message - the power of one.

Positive points

Law versus self-discovery
Anthem has the distinction of being a work that has gained a cult following against formidable odds, considering its period of publication. A celebration of the individual over the collective, this book bluntly exposes some of the underlying assumptions that makes unreasonable opinions into law. The book focuses on the conversion of 'We' to 'I' and the great joy of self-discovery and self-fulfillment. Values for individual evolution and progress
Although written in 1938, Anthem looks at the future being dependent on the spark within the individual. The principles of reason, rational self-interest and individual rights are some of the core ideas promoted which make this work significant.

Negative points

Too simplistic
Ayn Rand's writing in Anthem has been criticised for being simplistic, painting all forms of collectivism as evil and relying solely on the strength of fallible individuals.
Imitation of ideas
Some critics also believe that this work borrowed heavily from Yevgeny Zamyatin's 1921 novel 'We' and Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World'. The philosophy of unrelenting individuality found criticism from Christian groups as well.