The Meaning of Names in Ayn Rand's Anthem: An Exploration of Collectivism and Individuality

Ayn Rand's novel Anthem introduces a thought-provoking society that eliminates individuality in an attempt to promote collectivism. This article delves into the significance of the numbers assigned to characters in the novel, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Rand's themes of individualism and collectivism.

Introduction to Anthem

Anthem is a dystopian novel written by Ayn Rand in 1938. Set in a society known as a Singleton Society, the story explores a world where individuality is not only discouraged but actively suppressed. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, discovers personal identity and rebellion against the oppressive collectivist regime. One of the most striking aspects of this society is the erasure of personal names in favor of numbers.

Imposing Collectivism Through Numbers

The State in Anthem enforces collectivism by erasing any notion of individuality. Equality 7-2521, for instance, is assigned the name 'Equality 7-2521' instead of a surname and given name. This practice is analogous to the prison systems of certain countries, which assign inmates a number and refer to them solely by that number. It is not a coincidence, but a deliberate approach aimed at stripping individuals of their personal identity.

Subjects within this society are assigned numbers instead of having individual names just as they are given education and professions, all of which are predetermined. There is no opportunity for personal input or choice. This assigned identity is reflected in other aspects of their lives; they have no say in their education, nor in the jobs they are to perform.

The Role of Collective Pronouns

The text is written in a manner that reinforces the collective society through the exclusive use of collective pronouns, such as "we". This choice of language highlights the importance of the group over the individual, demonstrating how the State enforces unity and suppression of personal aspirations. The narrative always employs "we" instead of "I" or "you", emphasizing the collective identity and erasing the individual.

Further Analysis of Collectivist Virtues

The prefixes used in Anthem represent various collectivist virtues, such as solidarity, equality, and values of an international union. The societal understanding of collectivism is illustrated through these words. For instance, 'Solidarity' denotes a shared bond among the individuals in the society, emphasizing the importance of unity. 'Equality' symbolizes a level playing field for all members, reinforcing the belief in collective rather than individual achievements. 'International Union' represents the extended collective society beyond national borders.

The Origin of Number Prefixes

It is often speculated that the use of number prefixes in the novel's names, such as 47 for 'GRanite', stems from a historical context. When Rand wrote Anthem, phone numbers had prefixes that were dialed using the first two letters of the prefix. For example, if 'GR' represented 'GRanite', a caller would dial '47' to reach the number. Although the practice of dialing with prefixes has largely been replaced by modern phone numbering systems, the concept of preassigned prefixes remains.

The thinking behind these prefixes was to make it easier to remember a seven-digit phone number by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. The use of these prefixes in Anthem can therefore be seen as a nod to the practical aspects of communication in the early 20th century, while also serving as a literary device to underscore the reduction of individual identity within the collectivist framework.

Conclusion

Ayn Rand's Anthem is a powerful critique of collectivism and individuality. The practice of assigning numbers instead of names underscores the suppression of individuality in favor of a collective identity. The use of collective pronouns and the depiction of society through number prefixes further emphasize the importance of the group over the individual. Through Anthem, Rand presents a dystopian society where the individual is lost within the collective, leaving readers to ponder the significance of personal identity and freedom.