Modern Selfishness Theme in Anthem by Ayn Rand Essay Example

The main character of the novella Anthem, Equality 7-2521, is portrayed as a highly intelligent, tall, strong, good-looking, and very curious character. This is quite out of the ordinary as all other members of the society are dull, worn down, and unkempt. Although Equality has many seemingly good characteristics, these traits are not as acceptable in his society. Although these traits would be seen differently in our society, he is a very selfish character and is rendered as such in both ours and his society. Equality is selfish throughout the book with his actions toward other characters and his refusal to share anything.

The novella, Anthem, is written about an underdeveloped society that has no individuality or even a little bit of self awareness. Not a single character has ever used the word “I” or any pronouns referring to themselves or others as individual beings. And naturally, the culture is completely brainwashed that they don't even know such words. However in a society such as this, there is bound to be someone who is curious about the world and themselves. This is Equality 7 -2521. Though curious, he is also very selfish. As his curiosity gets the best of him and he begins making discoveries, he refuses to let anyone else know about and he keeps it to himself. At a pile of trash near one of the streets that the Street Sweepers sweep, Equality and his friend, International 4-8818, find a hole underneath all the trash and rubble. As it is against the law to keep secrets from the City Council, International wants to report the findings and perhaps be rewarded for their discovery. However, Equality responds by saying, “We shall not report our find to the City Council, we shall not report our find to any man.”(33). This shows Equality’s true selfishness and his want to keep all things to himself. Even when it goes against the laws and rules of society, he chooses to keep it for himself.  

As Equality’s wonder and curiosity continues to get the best of him, he eventually runs off into the Uncharted Forest and away from the city. Even when he runs away he takes his selfish attitude with him. Eventually his love interest, The Golden One, follows him out into the forest. They continue falling in love and start a life together in a house they found deep in the woods. While discovering the house and walking about on his own, Equality says, “This is your house, Golden One, and ours, and it belongs to no other men whatever as far as the earth may stretch.  We shall not share it with others, as we share not our joy with them, nor our love, nor our hunger.  So be it to the end of our days.”(91). While he is sharing the house and land with The Golden One, he is still self-centered in the wanting of it all to belong to him and him only. 

Works Cited

Rand, Ayn.  Anthem.  New York: Signet, 1995.