Damnation in John Rand’s Anthem

John Rand's "Anthem" takes a deep dive into a dystopian world, focusing on individuality and the fight for self-expression. The story, told through the main character's eyes, looks at the idea of damnation not just in a religious way but also as society's way of punishing those who dare to think for themselves. This essay will break down the different ways damnation is shown in Rand's book, using examples from the text and expert opinions.

Society's Take on Individuality

"Anthem" is set in a world where society forces extreme collectivism.

The idea of being an individual is wiped out. The main character, who starts off as Equality 7-2521, stands out because he thinks for himself in a world where that's forbidden. As Rand writes, "We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One, indivisible and forever" (Rand, 1938, p. 19). This setup is society's way of saying being an individual is bad and any step away from the group's norms is seen as damnable.

In this society, they control everything to squash personal identity. They even give people numbers instead of names and ban personal choices. The scholars in this dystopian world, who are seen as the top authority, push the idea that "the Council of Scholars knows all things" (Rand, 1938, p. 40). This kills intellectual freedom and new ideas. Literary critic Chris Matthew Sciabarra says Rand's book criticizes "the dehumanizing aspects of collectivist ideologies" (Sciabarra, 1995, p. 201). This highlights how society punishes those who dare to think on their own.

Theological and Existential Damnation

Besides societal punishment, "Anthem" also looks at religious and existential damnation. The society's beliefs say that thinking about oneself is sinful, and when the main character discovers the word "I," it's like a fall from grace. This is similar to the Bible story of Adam and Eve, where gaining knowledge leads to being kicked out of Eden. But Rand flips this story, showing the protagonist’s discovery as a good thing, not a fall. When the protagonist realizes, "I am. I think. I will" (Rand, 1938, p. 94), it's a rejection of the imposed damnation and an embrace of self-worth.

The existential damnation is also clear in the main character's inner struggles. At first, Equality 7-2521 feels guilt and fear for thinking independently, showing how deeply he’s absorbed society’s punishments. But when he finally rejects this guilt, it marks a big change. Philosopher Robert Mayhew says, "Rand's hero transitions from a state of existential guilt to one of moral affirmation" (Mayhew, 2005, p. 112). This change shows the protagonist reclaiming his identity and rejecting the imposed damnation.

Knowledge and Enlightenment

Knowledge and enlightenment are key to challenging the society's damnation in "Anthem." The protagonist finds a hidden tunnel with old books and scientific tools, which symbolizes a door to forbidden knowledge. This is like the myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods, a story Rand points to by renaming the protagonist "Prometheus." The knowledge he gains empowers him to question society's teachings and assert his individuality.

Experts on Rand’s work emphasize the theme of enlightenment as freedom. Shoshana Milgram says, "Rand's portrayal of knowledge as a means to achieve self-realization underscores the transformative power of intellectual freedom" (Milgram, 2007, p. 46). The protagonist’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment shows the broader fight against society's damnation and the quest for intellectual freedom.

Wrapping It Up

In "Anthem," John Rand skillfully tells a story about the damnation of individuality and intellectual freedom in a dystopian world. Through the protagonist’s journey, Rand criticizes the harmful effects of extreme collectivism and shows the power of knowledge and self-discovery. The novel’s look at societal, religious, and existential damnation reminds us of the value of being an individual and the right to think freely. By challenging the imposed damnation and embracing enlightenment, Rand's protagonist shows the strength of the human spirit against oppressive forces.

Rand, John. "Anthem." Cassell, 1938.

Sciabarra, Chris Matthew. "Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical." Pennsylvania State University Press, 1995.

Mayhew, Robert. "Essays on Ayn Rand’s Anthem." Lexington Books, 2005.

Milgram, Shoshana. "The Literary Art of Ayn Rand." Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.

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