Imagine a world where the individual has been repressed to the point that the word "I" no longer exists. Now, as hellish as that sounds, imagine that you are the only one who has the capability to break free from the iron fists that are choking you and your brothers. This is the life of Equality 7-2521, the principal character and narrator of Ayn Rand's Anthem. Anthem takes place in the dark ages of the future, in a totally collectivized world. This culture has regressed to conditions reminiscent of Ancient Greece and the European Dark Ages. In the midst of fear and subordination, one man stands alone. Equality 7-2521 is not like his brothers. He is able think, create and defy. This makes him extremely dangerous. He holds the threat of change in his hands and his government will stop at nothing to take it from him. Equality's society represses him because they are afraid of those that threaten the established order.
             One major catalyst for change is intelligence. Equality displays evidence of genius at a young age. "We, Equality 7-2521, were not happy...in the Home of the Students. It was not that the learning was too hard for us. It was...too easy" (Rand 16). In Equality's society, it is evil to be different from ones brothers, let alone to be better than they are. He is taught at an early age to be ashamed of his intellectual superiority. "This is a sin, to be born with a head which is too quick" (Rand 16). This device of suppression by means of shame was used in an attempt to stifle geniuses and, hence, pacify his society's fear of change. As Equality grew, he confirmed their fears. During his lifetime he made many revelations and discoveries. His most profound breakthrough was his re-invention of electricity. "We, Equality 7-2521, have discovered a new power of nature." (Rand 54). He produced a primitive light bulb. He wanted to use his invention to better his world. To the...