Anthem Case

Anthem

* Setting

o Anthem is set off in what seems to be the thoughts of the Narrator, Equality 7-2521. The setting is later discovered as a futuristic dystopian society; to be more specific, set in a city. In a community which every woman and man is instructed to do what society expects. The society revolves around the idea of everyone being equal; no individualism. Referring to yourself as "I" is not acceptable and was known as an act of transgression. To refrain and discourage any ideas of individualism, the population described themselves as one, such as "we."

* Symbols

o The Light: Light is a very versatile symbol in the Anthem as it represents multiple situations in the story. Light is a symbol shown repeatedly throughout the book; a symbol that has a greater significance over the others. "It is dark in here. The flame of the candle is still in the air," is one of the very first statements in the beginning of the book, Equality 7-2521 makes it very clear that light will be classified as one of the greater symbols. From light being portrayed as a symbol of knowledge as Equality 7-2521 triumphantly declared his discovery of electricity, to light being represented as a source of individuality and freedom. "--and so they fear to speak. And they are glad their candles are blown for the night."

o The Manuscripts: The law restricted Equality-25271 from publically expressing his feelings and thoughts, but that didn't necessarily stop him completely. The Manuscripts allowed him to represent his freedom and thought. He was able to convey his thoughts by illustrating them on the manuscripts.

o The Forest: The forest symbolizes two things, individualism and freedom. You are a free individual in the forest as there are no laws governing your actions and the way you choose to live.

* Allusions

o Prometheus: The Greek god, Prometheus, is shown repeatedly attempting to save humanity by giving them light. A Titan who granted man fire.

o Gaia: "[She] was the mother of the earth and of all the gods. Her name was Gaea. Let this be your name, my Golden One, for you are to be the mother of a new kind of gods."

o Jesus: Saint of the pyre is used with reference to those who had understood the concept of a self-identity and attempted to enlighten others by telling them about it. This was a grave transgression and was punished by the Councils by winding chains around his body, lashing him to the stake, and burning him to death.

* Conflicts

o External conflict

* Prometheus (Equality 7-2521) begins to fall in love with Gaia (The Golden One) and was put in a predicament without a solution. As the law states, it is strictly prohibited to favor or show more affection towards one person, especially someone of opposite gender.

* Prometheus discovers electricity, and plans to show it to the World Meeting of Scholars. He knows that it is illegal, and that it is not likely that the scholars will accept his discovery, but he attempt try anyways.

* Prometheus' idea was rejected by the councilors, and he ran away to the forest. Now he has to try and survive in the forest without being eaten by creatures dwelling within it.

o Internal conflict

* Prometheus isn't sure whether if the City's actions are beneficial and right or if they're unjust and wrong. He wants to rebel and go against the city and do what he feels is right, but he feels guilty because everything he desires is forbidden.

* Prometheus is now questioning the City's actions and laws, and begins to act independently, but is still guilty of his actions. He feels as if it is a transgression to express his feelings in his book, but he chooses to do it regardless.

* Characters

o Equality 7-2521(Prometheus)

* Weak in will, submissive, miserable, dependent, and crumpled are all adjectives that describe the personality Equality 7-2521's brethren. But unlike his brethren, Equality is not weak in will, he is strong, independent, lively, fearless, proud, and is superior in both the physical and mental structure to that of his brethren. Equality 7-2521 is a curious man, in result, leading to limitless questions; questions he seeks to find answers, as he desires knowledge just for one's sake. He is a persistent man who is willing to do whatever he can to make everyone realize his beliefs and philosophy a reality, something that exists. Equality 7-2521 contributes to: identity because he wants to be classified an individual that is not part of a strictly dependent population; society and class because he is part of a strictly dependent society; loyalty because he never gave up on his intentions even though the consequences were severe; confinement and freedom because although he was confined inside a society were all his will was subdued, he still managed to obtain his freedom.

o Liberty 5-300 (Gaia/The Golden One)

* Liberty 5-300 has dark yet glowing eyes that show no signs of fear, no kindness, no guilt. A personality that is fitting for her name; wild and untamed. Her hair was as golden as the sun, thus corresponding with her name given to her, "The Golden One." She contributes to: identity because she has her own unique personality that didn't care for the rules when she followed Equality 7-2521 into the forbidden forest and even cared less about the laws when she conversed with him; loyalty because she stood beside Equality 7-2521 and even followed him to the deadly forest; confinement and freedom because although she was confined, her personality showed that she couldn't be restrained and eventually broke free.

* Central Motifs

o Identity

* "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. So let us choose our names." (12.6)

In this situation, Equality 7-2521 is trying to present a name to Liberty 5-300. Within this quote, it holds a hidden significant meaning behind having your own identity. Equality 7-2521 wants to find new names for the both of them, names that will show they are no longer under control of the authority; they are no longer able to control their will as they please. They will finally have names that distinguish themselves as individuals. Our identity is more important than it seems.