The Role Of Individualism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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What would become of the world if humans were forced to conform any individualistic traits they possess to pursue a methodical lifestyle? Conclusively, Ayn Rand creates this dystopian society in her fictional narrative, Anthem. In this novel, the nature of man is divulged as the will to be an independent non-conformist. To begin, Rand creates a society with collectivism to prove that man's roots are individualistic. However, it is virtually impossible to be individualistic in this community because everything they do, they must do it together as a group. Rowlands questions, "...how much of what you know did you learn from other people?...nobody is truly an individual" (IVC 1). Thus stimulating the thoughts that everyone, in context is a collectivist, …show more content…

Similarly, when Equality 7-2521 acknowledges his new transgression, the Transgression of Preference towards Liberty 5-3000, he soon discovers the intensity love can provoke for a single person beyond anyone else. Accordingly, this emphasizes the longing Equality 7-2521 has felt towards being his own individual person, though he does not know it yet. All in all, Rand activates character's individual yearnings to prove that society is conforming …show more content…

Given this point, though society tends to be demanding on citizens, trying to shape them into their own masterpieces, humans are individualistic creatures that will always find a way to be distinguishable. Moreover, the author develops that a person can only be told by society who they should be for so long, eventually they have to break free, spread their wings then become who they truly are. As a final point, Rand is trying to say that love, also known as altruism, can beat all standards of a conforming society. If humans were forced to conform all their individualistic traits to pursue a structured lifestyle, the world would be a melancholy place where everything is dull as well as restricting. Undoubtedly, the author recognizes man's will to stand out in a society that is so restricting, However, she is also telling us that sometimes we just need to break free from society's

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