Use of Light Symbolism in Ayn Rand’s Anthem

VANDI JOHNSON Golda Meir High School for the Gifted and Talented Class of 2018

In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, candles provide the only source of light in the world in which Equality lives. This is a literal source of light; a figurative symbol of light is knowledge. Discuss how the motif of light of both kinds is used throughout the novel.

Word Count: 1252

Anthem is closer in length to a very long short story (or novel as these are sometimes called) than a novel. The first edition was published in England in 1938, when the author was not able to find a publisher

At the beginning of Chapter V, Equality 7-2521 triumphantly affirm his discovery of the light: "We made it. We created it. We brought it forth from the night of the ages" (59). In this context, the light can be thought of as Equality 7-2521's literal knowledge. This light, or knowledge, is being brought forth from the "night of the ages", where the night, or lack of light, symbolizes bewilderment. Equality 7-2521 also wishes to share his new light, or knowledge, with his brothers in order to advance their technologically backward life. Rand writes, "We can light our tunnel, and the City, and all the Cities of the world with nothing save hardware and wires. We can give our brothers a new light, cleaner and brighter than any they have ever known" (60). If Equality 7-2521 succeeds in bringing the light, or knowledge, to all of his brothers, then his brothers will not be "in the dark" anymore; they will have the knowledge of how to make artificial light. In all of these ways, light illustrates Equality 7-2521's understanding in Chapter V of Anthem.Equality 7-2521's growth in knowledge and contain of individual talents and gifts is designated by his movement toward light. When he begins to think for himself, he invents, or reinvents, the electric light. As he moves away from the world of collectivism, set apart by darkness and dullness, images of light become more

The most important instance of it centers around Equality 7-2521's invention of a light bulb. Think of the scene. Equality 7-2521 generates the electric light by himself, in an underground tunnel, where it is the lone light shining in the gloom: "…in that moment nothing occurred save our two hands over a wire glowing in a black abyss."(5.5). And doesn't it seem to render Equality 7-2521's own position? He's the solitary source of idea and individuality in the dark mass of his afriad and harsh society, and the only source of hope,