Anthem
Literary Analysis
Parts 9 & 10
How does the protagonist change from the beginning to the end of the novel? What does this character learn about himself (or herself) and about how the world works?
In the book Anthem by Ayn Rand, the main character, Equality 7-2521 (let's just call him Equality to make it more simple) is presented with several boundaries and controversies which further develop his character and personality - which he is not supposed to have. I wouldn't particularly say Equality has 'changed' throughout the chapters, I'd rather say he has developed or grown, as at the beginning he had the seed of doubt, which, fed with the water of experience, has reached new heights in his mind. Starting with the taboo of seperating himself from his community (writing his diary on his doubts) and continuing with his confirmation of breaking several laws/social norms in - what I assume - is record time. In his community, everyone is supposed to be a simple, mindless drone, going on with unproductive work, which at the end of the day tallies up to nothing as only ideas/changes that are made up by the WHOLE community are accepted, individual ones are rejected and even could get you into prison.
Equality learns that everyone is supposed to be their own person, with their own personality, interests, and ambitions, and that the society he used to be a part of is pitifully dull and with no hopes of evolving (in its current state, at least.) He learns to appreciate the perks and merits of individuality, finally accepting his personality despite his uncertainness and confusion ensuing the exploration of the hidden laboratory and his eventual rejection with the Council of Scholars. With the abrupt and shocking knowledge of the err of his race in the choices they have made, or the realization that all their effort amounts to nothing at all, Equality struggles to find balance and grasp the truth in his forest of illusion. Eventually, through a rough transition of mindset, he finds out that the world should not be made out of brains tricked into the same thoughts, but of brains who are actively challenging and welding their outlook on life and intellectual output.
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