Ayn Rand’s Anthem portrays a collectivist-minded and totalitarian society (also referred to as a dystopian society) where freedom is limited. The dystopian society strongly believes in the idea that everybody is equal and that everybody should only care about the each other and not about themselves. The society had created different councils, each with its own job, and people were not allowed to choose their job, but it was chosen for them. The society believed in one quote that summarized all their beliefs. Ayn Rand talks about this in the following quote: “Everything done by many is good. Everything done by one man is evil (Rand, 77).”

The main character of Anthem, Equality 7-2521, was born differently, according to his society, because he had different features than the others. Accepting his difference, he started to separate himself from the society. He did this becuase his 7-2521's real passion was science and just wanted to understand the world, but sadly, in Equality 7-2521's society, he was forbidden from asking questions. Though he was supposed to be a street sweeper. he did not …show more content…
We can see why he did this from a quote in the book: “My dearest one, it is not proper for men to be without names. There was a time when each man had a name of his own to distinguish him from all other men.” He also believed that having freedom of thought would help a society progress in science and technology and take the society to the next level. His intention for making this society was so that people living in it could be independent. This shows another perspective of the freedom and individualism in his society as he believes that unique names allows people to be proud of what they do. Also, the ideas his society were founded upon would encourage innovation as people can create what they want and own their