Symbolism In Anthem by Ayn Rand PDF

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An essay about the symbolism used in the groundbreaking dystopian and utopian novel "Anthem" by Ayn Rand....

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Kiana Woody

Anthem Symbolism

1st paragraph: The underground tunnel The underground tunnel serves as the main character's haven and workshop for his many scientific and engineering pursuits that he is forced to keep secret. He is forced to keep his genius a secret because of the harsh labels his society placed on him. The tunnel can represent the defiance he shows the system and the laws that keep him in a cage. Him going to the tunnel in the dead of night past curfew to nurture his scientific talent is his first rebellion against his society. It is a quiet revolt suitable as the first in many. 2nd paragraph: Electricity In his underground workshop, Equality 7-2521 discovers electricity while experimenting with a frog. He learns that in the old days men ‘harnessed the power of the skies’. Electricity, especially the discovery of it, can symbolize the way mankind will always come to the same conclusions. It can also represent the spark of creativity in our protagonist, and the internal self knowledge he possesses. This discovery immediately changes everything for Equality 7-2521, the way electricity sparks. 3rd paragraph: The light box is the electric contraption our main character built to contain the electricity he discovered. He goes on to guard it with his life. It can represent his knowledge. It can also act as the physical representation of not only his genius but his secret work in the tunnel. The light box is his life's work, his peak scientific discovery. However the glass is easily breakable, simultaneously representing the fragility of his idea and how easily others can destroy and bury it....