The Concept of Individualism and the Conflict of Conservatism and Liberalism in Anthem, a Novella by Ayn Rand

When one is capable of having an independent mind, they can use their pure human knowledge to discover new truths and create our constantly altering world. An independent mind that focuses on the present and strictly uses logic and rationality to answer unknown questions is known as the philosophical system of Objectivism. A personal philosophy of Russian-born American writer of Ayn Rand, her Objectivist novella Anthem displays multiple concepts that can be connected to her life in communistic Russia as a young child. As the talented author receives the chance to live a normal life, she creates the philosophy of objectivism, or the belief that certain things such as moral truths, exist independently of human knowledge or perception of them. Underneath Objectivism, certain scenes in Rand's novella Anthem reveals the concepts of individualism as well as the conflict of conservatism and liberalism through the experiences of the protagonist, Equality 7-2521. Ayn Rand conveys through her character of Equality 7-2521 the philosophy of individualism, the principle of being independent and self-reliant. Rand translates her strong feelings of individualism through the actions of the protagonist, Equality 7-2521.

Similar to Rand, Equality 7-2521 resents the harsh govemment he is forced to obey. In addition, he despises the rigid social classes and the inabilit freely. The courageous character rebels against the scholars, whom he once wished to become, as he discovers an underground tunnel filled with objects from the "unmentionable times. Unlike his peers, the determined young man enjoys the history of the "unmentionable times" and has a passion for inventions. When the scholars reject his invention, he feels defeated and hopeless; however, in the scene when he escapes to the uncharted forest, a forbidden place, he changes drastically. He says, "I am. I think. I will" (p. 95). After arriving in this utopist society, Equality 7-2521, or Prometheus as he calls himself, feels a true sense of individuality. In his old life. Prometheus had refereed to himself as us and we, instead of I or me. His decision to change his name to something that contains originality and represents his individuality, shows how restricted he was from his own feelings when he basically lived the life of a prisoner. His eyes finally open and for the first time he realizes that he has in own voice. His true soul escapes and his passion for learning thrives as he is surrounded .

Unlike the civilization Prometheus used to live in, where his whole life was organized by superior officials, he has the ability to exist in a care free, accepting environment. Equality 7-2521's experience in the unchartered forest reveals his determination for individualism, as his current life was different in which a so called "equal" society forced him to act like everyone else, when really there was no individual equality, Although individuality is translated through Equality 7-2521 as he encounters the unchartered forest, Ayn Rand also displays the conflict between conservatism and liberalism within the lively character. As Equality 7-2521 lives in a civilization with a communistic, controlling government, he begins to feel the desire to break the harsh laws of the society. Compared to the rest of the population surrounding him, he advances at a pace that is untouchable. The brilliant protagonist exemplifies his astounding intelligence as he gradually invents the concept of light. His new discovery of the underground tunnel and his yearning to learn ignites a fire in his soul.

Order custom essay The Concept of Individualism and the Conflict of Conservatism and Liberalism in Anthem, a Novella by Ayn Rand with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

The scene in the beginning of the novella when he discovers light makes Equality 7-2521 realize that he is living a life under the philosophy of conservatism, or the theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes, where the scholars attempt to retum humanity to the way it was before the "unmentionable times" occurred. However, the curious young man finds it necessary to relive those "unmentionable times". He wants to know what it feels like to live a life of one's choice. He turns to the philosophy of liberalism, or a worldview founded on ideas of liberty and equality, where he sets out on a journey to change himself and the goverment after discovering the invention of light. Later in the novella, Equality 7-2521 states that "We shall take our box. and leave our tunnel open, and walk through the streets to the Home of the Scholars. We shall put before them the greatest fight ever offered to men. We shall tell them the truth... We shall join our hands to theirs, and we shall work together, with the power of the sky, for the glory of mankind" (p. 67).

After Equality 7-2521 finally comes to the realization that he lives in an unjust environment, he uses his new invention of light to try and prove to the officials that a society similar to the "unmentionable times" would benefit the lives of others. With a new outlook of government, the society would prosper, there would be inventions, but most importantly a sense of equality. Opposed to Equality 7-2521's desire for liberalism, however, the World Council of Scholars continue with their own outlook of conservatism. 'The mentioned scenes in Ayn Rand's novella make clear statements about her philosophy of Objectivism. She translates her objectivist ideas through Equality 7-2521, who deliberately defies the laws of this dystopian society to illuminate certain aspects of Objectivism. Through this audacious young man, Rand is able to convey her philosophy of objectivism with the qualities of individualism, conservatism, and liberalism.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer