Anthem

PART A

In Anthem, one of the biggest symbols is the use of light. Equality 7-2521 discovers the light bulb in the underground canyon, which symbolizes his discovery of new knowledge and ideas in his oppressive society which wishes to keep all people in little boxes, cut off from knowledge and ideas, so that they do not cause problems. Equality 7-2521 secretly breaks out of his box and discovers new ideas, but it takes some time for him to openly walk around, free from his bonds, and share his discoveries with others. But the light proves too strong for the others in his society, who were not ready to break out of their boxes, and so he leaves, hoping to someday bring the light to the others.

PART B

“We have followed you,” they said, “and we shall follow you wherever you go. If danger threatens you, we shall face it also. If it be death, we shall die with you. You are damned, and we wish to share your damnation… Do as you please with us, but do not send us away from you.” (Page 82-83)

This is one of the most romantic things I’ve ever read. The traditional “I love you” is used so much in today’s world that it has lost a lot of its meaning, so hearing Liberty 5-300 say this to Equality 7-2521 is so much more romantic because you know that she means every word of it. In a world where love really doesn’t exist, loving someone becomes that much more intense because you know you stand to lose everything just for loving them. True love… is knowing that you have to be with someone, even if you might get hurt in the process. True love- real, sincere love- is what Liberty 5-3000 and Equality 7-2521 have. And, through it all, true love prevails.

PART C

I really enjoyed Anthem. Even if it was a little odd at first, it was such a unique and interesting book that it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. It had familiar themes, which was a comfort, but a totally unique setting, which was intriguing. The laws of the society were odd and often seemed counter-productive, but they were fascinating at the same time. It was the perfect mix of known and unknown, and I really liked it.