You'll notice something about almost all of the admirable characters in Anthem: they're young, beautiful, brave, strong, smart, and capable. The descriptions of their bodies are practically interchangeable, in fact. And they form quite a contrast with the rest of their fellow men, who are weak, fearful, and compliant with the society. In Anthem, Ayn Rand illustrates the split she saw in human society between the mediocre masses and the exceptional few. The main character of the book is an idealized member of this exceptional few. The brilliance of his individual mind makes him more powerful than all the combined forces of his society.
Questions About Strength and Skill
- Does Equality 7-2521 have any weaknesses? Does Liberty 5-3000?
- What is the connection between strength and goodness in Anthem? Are they the same thing?
- In what way is the word "We" a "weapon of the weak"?
- Does having all of the "strong" characters in Anthem resemble each other strengthen the novella, or detract from it?
Chew on This
In Anthem, to be a strong individual is to be a good person.
Liberty 5-3000's pride is actually a source of weakness.