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Society and Class
Anthem takes the classic idea of the clash between an individual and his society to a new extreme. The society in this novella controls every aspect of its members' lives, from their daily schedules to their sexual partners to when they're allowed to smile. Individuals are told they exist only for the sake of serving society, and have no other purpose. It's society which chooses what they'll do with their lives, assigning them permanent life careers called "Mandates" which rigidly determine not only their occupation but also with whom they'll live and socialize. The novella's main character, Equality 7-2521, finds himself in a constant struggle with the attempts of his society to force his individuality into a mold it just won't fit.
The society depicted in Anthem is held together by fear, but there is nothing for anyone to fear.
Most people in Equality 7-2521's society would prefer to live in it than to be free.
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