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?
During the course of the novel, Equality, the protagonist undergoes a series of changes that narrow down to one specific main idea. He realizes the concept of individuality and the power of each individual.
In the beginning, Equality is much like all others in his society, believing in the power of a group, and not seeing one as an individual. They are taught not to explore, or go beyond the teachings of the Council of Scholars, and to remain in completely camouflaged in the society of Anthem. He has never believed in his true potential or in learning more, however, as time progresses, things start to change.
Not unlike most dystopian fictions presented in today's world, the protagonist has a different view than most of the population. He is keen to discover, to explore and to share creativity and innovation with mankind. Defying all rules in order to share his invention, which is not approved, Equality flees. For the first time in his life, he sees his reflection in the mirror. " For our face and our body were beautiful. Our face was not the faces of our brothers, for we felt not pity when looking upon it. Our body was not like the bodies of our brothers, for our limbs were straight and thin and hard and strong" (Rand, part 8) In this extract, it is clearly visible the change in his thoughts. If this were to be evaluated in the first chapters of the novel, it would have been pitiful, wrong, inappropriate and therefore impossible for him to see his own beauty, to accept himself or even to distinguish himself from the others. Now, he is able to realize his true identity. He believes in his own potential and what life truly is about.
For his entire life, he has been told one thing, had his entire story being planned out before him. Now, Equality was able to see that men are able to discover and shape their own destinies. He has finally made a decision based on his own interests rather than the group's. By fleeing, he is able to take control of his actions and what he chooses to do.
In the beginning, Equality is much like all others in his society, believing in the power of a group, and not seeing one as an individual. They are taught not to explore, or go beyond the teachings of the Council of Scholars, and to remain in completely camouflaged in the society of Anthem. He has never believed in his true potential or in learning more, however, as time progresses, things start to change.
Not unlike most dystopian fictions presented in today's world, the protagonist has a different view than most of the population. He is keen to discover, to explore and to share creativity and innovation with mankind. Defying all rules in order to share his invention, which is not approved, Equality flees. For the first time in his life, he sees his reflection in the mirror. " For our face and our body were beautiful. Our face was not the faces of our brothers, for we felt not pity when looking upon it. Our body was not like the bodies of our brothers, for our limbs were straight and thin and hard and strong" (Rand, part 8) In this extract, it is clearly visible the change in his thoughts. If this were to be evaluated in the first chapters of the novel, it would have been pitiful, wrong, inappropriate and therefore impossible for him to see his own beauty, to accept himself or even to distinguish himself from the others. Now, he is able to realize his true identity. He believes in his own potential and what life truly is about.
For his entire life, he has been told one thing, had his entire story being planned out before him. Now, Equality was able to see that men are able to discover and shape their own destinies. He has finally made a decision based on his own interests rather than the group's. By fleeing, he is able to take control of his actions and what he chooses to do.
(Source)
This image is a quote by one of the greatest thinkers to ever appear in our society. He speaks of the power of the individual and the expression of ideas. Equality follows similar values and ideas, daring to explore and truly being the representation of Einstein's quote. He produces something completely new and unknown to his people, and in order to do so he must break out of the group and start thinking for himself.
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