People have lost the right to have either of these things in both societies, also having lost their individuality. In Fahrenheit 451, reading is a taboo, causing firemen to burn books in order to ensure that they are not being read. “We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the constitution says, but everyone made equal . . . A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach man’s mind” (Bradbury 58). Captain Beatty, willing to defend the “equalization” of society, denounces the use of books as a weapon to Montag. The government, the antagonist, corrupts the minds of the society and begins changing the point of view for those who once treasured books, as shown later in the novel when Captain Beatty commits suicide. Similar to Fahrenheit 451, the government in Anthem controls many things, however the government is more demanding and controls reading, learning, writing, and speech. Usually, the yearning for education is praised, however in this society being above your fellow citizens, in learning, looks, etc., causes complications from the main goal of having everyone being identical. “It is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them” (Rand 21). The government in both novels requires the citizens to resemble one another, allowing them to have no personal connections toward others. When Equality and the Golden One run away from society, they still find the council has taken something vital from them. “We are one.. alone… and only… and we love you who are one… alone… and only” (Rand 78). The Golden one says these words to Equality, trying to find the right word to express her emotions. Ultimately, in both novels, the government is taking away citizens individuality by invading their thoughts and prohibiting personal bonds, causing Montag and Equality to…
