Comparing Equality In Ayn Rand's Invictus And Anthem

A society where people lack individualism and the government has suppressive control, ultimately restrains its citizens. Those who rebel from oppressive authority and redefine themselves are those who remain unconquered. To be unconquered is to be uncontrollable, undefined, and in no form abide by social normality. In the poem, “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, and the novella Anthem, by Ayn Rand both protagonist, Invictus and Equality portray determination and vigor.

Vigorous is illustrated through Equality and Invictus, as they dauntlessly overcome adversity. Henley exemplifies how Invictus is unconquered, as despite all odds he remains fearless and is determined not to let trepidation suppress him. Even after being stricken of affliction,

Invictus remains undefeated, “I have not winced nor cried aloud / Under the bludgeonings of chance / My head is bloody, but unbowed” (Henley 6-8). Invictus is physically overwhelm, yet despite this his ambition never falters. He exhibits complete endurance, coupled with strength through difficult times. Displaying resilient composure, when needed most, despite being in a hopeless state. Even in the midst of unforgivable circumstances, Invictus refuses to let life defeat him, and instead rises up and fights back. His body may have blood stains, but he is not ashamed. His treacherous fate and the physical punishments has only strengthen him. Similarly, Rand depicts the same aspect of vigor and perseverance through Equality. The society in which he lives in is void of all individuality and freedom, yet Equality diverts from such a world, creating a new sense of humanity with the revelation of the word, as well as meaning of ‘I’ and ‘ego’. Equality defied several laws, in making his discovery and faced hardship because of it, “the pain struck us in our throat and fire ran in our lungs without air. But we did not cry out” (Rand 64). There is no need for strong locks and guards at the Palace of Corrective Detention because the people in Equality's society are brainwashed to follow the rules completely. Equality was imprisoned due to his unexplained absence to attend the routine social meetings. Faced with constant torture for a month, Equality risked his life to protect the invention he created. Equality never once cried out in pain or to tell of his whereabouts, even though a few words could of ended his pain. Equality defying the rules of society, and not giving in to their torture continues to show the vast amount of strength and fearlessness he had. He exhibits complete endurance, coupled with strength through his difficult times. Both Equality and Invictus display firm vigor, as they endure physical pain, yet never fall defeat.
Invictus and Equality, demonstrate determination as they gain control of their lives and continue to prosper despite the past struggles.

Invictus has faced adversity and affliction first hand, however neither, have deterred him from succeeding, “I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul” (Henley 15-16). Invictus does not necessarily have control of what happens to him in life, but he can determine the way in which he lives his life. Despite the cruel circumstances he faces, Invictus always returns to faith in himself. With his unconquerable soul, he remains positive and perseveres. He is victorious through his own life as he is persistent amongst all the adversity. Likewise, Equality illustrates a sense of tenacity, as he strives to create a new society. Equality finds the purpose for his existence, not in humanity but in himself and in each individual man, “I am. I think. I will” (Rand 94). Although Equality faced great tribulation, he remains confident in his pursuit for a better life and society. Despite powerful pressure from society to conform, he did not betray the values which he deems important. He accepts damnation from his fellow citizens, rather than surrender to them his light and his mind. Equality did not surrender his creative work no matter the degree or variety of difficulties he encounters. This persistence is a measure of his integrity, he lives by his convictions regardless of the obstacles that confront him. Both Invictus and Equality possess determination as in spite of the difficulty faced, they persisted their goals and

succeeded.
Invictus and Equality are representations of what it means to be unconquered. They display firm vigor, as they endure physical pain, yet never fall defeat and possess determination, as in spite of the difficulty faced, they persisted their goals and succeeded.