Symbolism In the book Anthem by Ayn Rand - Essay Example

Symbolism in the Book Anthem by Ayn Rand The Uncharted Forest The forest is a symbol of what remains undiscovered orunknown by the society. It represents the mysteries described by Equality 7-2521 at the start of the novel. It is, however, unfortunate that he can only learn about the mysteries when alone. The society has never explored the forest and has banned all of its members from entering the forest. When he ventures into the forest, he finds answers to the long-time mysteries. He also finds a woman and together they find a house.

The house reveals much of the Unmentionable Times suing the pronoun I. As a symbol of nature, the forest provides Equality 7-2521 with all that he wants; an opportunity to live alone and activities that facilitate his sustenance. He starts hunting with bows and arrows and explores the elements of science that the society has opted to maintain distance. Light There is immense symbolism of light in the novel. There is explicit symbolism of light when Equality 7-2521 invents the light bulb. The light symbolizes how enlightened Equality 7-2521 is, as well as, the vast knowledge he has gained over time.

The society, however, only knows the light from the candle. The candle provides partial light that is incomparable to Equality 7-2521’s electric bulb. The dim light from the candle symbolizes the society’s lack of knowledge. His invention of bulb light also symbolizes Equality 7-2521 as the only source of thought and hope in the oppressive society. The Tunnel While pursuing his dreams in the forest, Equality 7-2521 finds a tunnel and decides to use it as his workstation for the critical tasks he would undertake.

Some phrases the author used show the value of the tunnel, “Now we sit in the tunnel for hours every night and we study” (35). Again, “Two years have passed…and the ten years as the home of students” (36). The phrases symbolize the tunnel as a place for studying, an outlet that would make him a scholar. He knows that such a secluded place would give him the space to think and expedite his knowledge and projects. The tunnel gives him an opportunity for rebirth and to discover several important things in life.

The Baby Boy Another eminent symbol in the novel is the baby. When Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 find a house, they settle as a family and decide to use it as their home where they will start a new life. Equality 7-2521 has great plans of having a son. The author states “Our son shall be raised as a man” (100) and “I, my sons, my friends will build a new land and a new fort” (104). The mentioned son was the first child to grow without the tag ‘we’ and instead have ‘I.’ The baby symbolizes a new generation that will have a different mentality from the society.

Images and Objects of Self-Reliance The author has used several images to symbolize self-reliance. Equality 7-2521, for example, undertakes all his projects alone. He studies alone in the tunnel and discovers electricity and the light bulb without the help of anyone. He also finds a house where he can live independently with Liberty5-3000 and grow their food. Also, he hopes to build a new land where his family and friends would live without relying on the other society. Works Cited Rand, Ayn. Anthem. London: Cassell, 1938. Print.