The future society depicted in Ayn Rand’s Anthem is one of severe collectivism, whereby individualism is prohibited and everyone is expected to labor for the community. The narrative centers on Equality 7-2521, a young man who challenges social norms and forges his own route.

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At the start of the novella, everyone is given a number rather than a name. Individuals are indoctrinated to view themselves as belonging to a collective and consistently utilize “we” rather than “I.” Every kind of originality has been eradicated by this civilization. The government regulates everything, including employment, education, and even people’s opinions, and people live under rigid regulations. No one is permitted to make their own decisions, and men and women are kept separate.

The main character, Equality 7-2521, is a young guy who feels unique. He is more intelligent, taller, more inquisitive about the world. But in this culture, inquiry is viewed negatively. As a child, he aspired to be a Scholar—a person who studies knowledge and science. In order to prevent him from thinking too much, the government instead gives him the mundane job of Street Sweeper.

Equality 7-2521, a Street Sweeper, finds a secret subterranean passage from the past while on the job. He understands that this tunnel dates back to a period before modern civilization, when greater freedom and technology were available. He starts sneaking into the tunnel at night to perform experiments and learn about electricity and other prohibited topics. For the first time in his life, he experiences joy and freedom during these encounters.

Liberty 5-3000, a young woman employed in the fields, is also met by Equality 7-2521. He has a deep bond with her despite the fact that men and women are not permitted to have intimate relationships. She starts referring to him as “The Unconquered” when he calls her “The Golden One.” Their rebellion against their society’s norms begins at this point.

Equality 7-2521 experiments with wires and a glass box in the tunnel to rediscover the idea of electricity. He realizes that everyone might benefit from the light he provides. He is so thrilled by his finding that he chooses to present his creation to the World Council of Scholars in the hopes that it would be embraced and honored.

However, the Council’s reaction to Equality 7-2521’s innovation is one of dread and rage. They are appalled that he worked on anything by himself without the group’s consent. They think the collectivist system is under danger because of his individual efforts. They choose to ruin his discovery rather than appreciating its worth. Despite being upset, Equality 7-2521 won’t allow them to take away his masterpiece. He takes the glass box and makes his way out of the city into the Uncharted Forest, a prohibited region.

Equality 7-2521 experiences true freedom for the first time in the wild. He may now think and behave as an individual as he is no longer constrained by the norms of his previous community. He is joined by Liberty 5-3000, who has been following him, as they explore the woodland. Away from the repressive world they left behind, they start to create a new life together.

A historic mansion is found by Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 as they go farther into the forest. Books and artifacts from before their culture ever existed are scattered throughout the home. Equality 7-2521 discovers the notion of “I,” which had been eradicated from their universe, through these texts. He understands that living for oneself is not bad but necessary and that the person is the most important thing.

Equality 7-2521 adopts the name Prometheus in honor of the legendary person who gave humanity fire and light. He names the mother of a new generation, Liberty 5-3000 Gaea. Prometheus makes the decision to reconstruct a civilization founded on liberty and self-reliance. He makes a commitment to preserve the information he has discovered and transmit it to next generations.

Prometheus remains steadfast in his new persona as the drama comes to a close. He accepts the notion that everyone has the freedom to think, act, and live for oneself, rejecting the collectivist values of his previous society. He envisions a society in which everyone is allowed to say “I” and follow their own pleasure.

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