Anthem By Ayn Rand: Theme Analysis

Fear is scientifically proven to weaken the body physically, create problems when making memories, and stop the brain from processing correctly. Fear is a natural thing the human body creates, yet too much of it can weaken many aspects of life. All this information is good to have in mind when thinking of the fear present throughout the story, Anthem by Ayn Rand. Fear is a constant theme throughout the whole book and is shown in many different ways. Three of the ways fear is used in this story is through external fear, internal fear, and pushing past fear. First, the government pushes fear upon the citizens in Anthem. The story states, “...one among the men...escape alone…They perish from the claws of the wild beasts which roam the Forest” (Rand 48). The government tells stories to the citizens in order to frighten them. They obviously don’t want the people to go into the woods so they push them away from these parts through stories of the past. Without this great fear, the Forest would seem to be a place of mystery and more curiosity would be followed. The author comes out and says, “What
Chapter ten states, “And yet it stirs no fear within our heart, but only silent reverence and pity” (Rand 93). Through the experiences of Equality 7-2521, he was able to overcome his fear. He was able to use all the things he had learned over a period of time, and create his own thoughts on life. He knew the importance of fear, and how too much of it can hold you back. In addition, “International 4-8818 and we are friends. This is an evil thing to say… we cannot look upon [him] and not smile in answer” (Rand 29). Equality 7-2521 has overcome fear through friendship. It is a very forbidden act, yet Equality 7-2521 lets himself waver from the rules. This friendship is what helps him grow in strength and become more brave. Going above and beyond fear adds to the motif of