How does equality learn the unspeakable word in Anthem?
To speak the Unspeakable Word is the only crime punished by death. Although most people don't know what the Unspeakable Word is, somehow a few do. Once, when he was ten years old, Equality 7-2521 saw the execution of somebody who had said the Unspeakable Word. His tongue was cut out and he was burned publicly.
What is the significance of the story of the transgression of the unspeakable word?
The Transgression of the Unspeakable Word in the work Anthem is a rule that states one may never refer to oneself, but only of all. “We have broken the laws”, or, “Till the beasts of the forest come to tear our body.” These quotes show how one is to refer to all, even when you are talking about yourself.
Why is ego the last word in Anthem?
The take-away message of the ending is that the individual human ego is the highest and most holy thing that exists. In Equality 7-2521's view, the ego is what gives meaning to the world, and what gives human beings a reason for living (their own happiness).
What are the unmentionable times Anthem?
Unmentionable Times the days of the past when humans still possessed individual rights and political freedom. The dictators regard those past days as evil, because humans were living for themselves, not for others. It is unlawful to speak of these days when individuals were free to pursue their own happiness.
What were the words spoken by the golden one?
“Speak these words again,” they whispered. The Golden One asks Equality 7-2521 to speak the words “dearest one” again. Equality 7-2521 knows that “never have men” said these words to women, for preferring one over another is forbidden in their world.
What words does Equality 7-2521 decide are holy?
What words are considered holy by Equality 7-2521? "I will it." Why are Equality-2521's and the Golden One's new names fitting? Prometheus brought light to men, and Equality 7-2521 wants to do the same.
What does transgression mean in Anthem?
the violation of a law transgression. the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle. And we know well that there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone.
What is Equality’s nickname?
Equality gives Liberty two nicknames; The Golden One and Our Dearest One. These nicknames show that Equality prefers Liberty more than the other women because the names are affectionate and he creates them just for Liberty.
Is the unspeakable word ego or I?
I could imagine the man saying "I did this," or "I am," and being locked away for his crime, which was rebellion against the use of "we" as a self-descriptor. But when I got to the end of the book, and the unspeakable word was revealed to be "Ego", it didn't make any sense.
Is Liberty 5 3000 a girl?
Liberty 5-3000 is the label given to a young woman with golden hair and dark eyes. She is 17 when this story takes place and the main character, Equality 7-2521, notices her one day while he is out cleaning the streets. Liberty 5-3000 is one of a group of peasants planting seeds in a nearby field.
What is the punishment for saying the unspeakable word?
Speaking the Unspeakable Word is the only crime punishable by death. He recalls seeing the Transgressor of the Unspeakable Word burned alive in the town square for speaking the Unspeakable Word, and he remembers that there was no pain in his face, only joy.
What is Equality’s crime?
As the story opens, Equality 7-2521 states that it is a sin to do the writing he is doing. It is a sin to do things that do not involve others, and the words he thinks and writes are for no eyes or ears but his. This is not his only crime.
What name does Equality give to liberty?
the Golden One Equality 7-2521 tells Liberty 5-3000 that he has given her a name in his mind. He has named her the Golden One.
What is the sacred word in Anthem and why is it important?
Ego Ego is a holy word for Equality 7-2521 tHe main character in Anthem by Ayn Rand. The definition of ego is a person's self-esteem or self-importance. Where Equality 7-2521 grew up men were taught that the word “ego” was a synonym for evil and selflessness, but Equality didn't believe that.
Who is the transgressor of the unspeakable word?
When Equality 7-2521 was ten years old, he watched the Transgressor being burned at the stake for speaking the Unspeakable Word: the anti-collectivist word “I.” Equality 7-2521 remembers this man's saintly courage and composure, and recognizes him as a hero once he, too, discovers the power of the word “I.”
Why does Rand choose the name the golden one?
He chooses this name for her because she will, in his belief, give birth to a race of gods to rule the earth. Feminists object to the naming of the Golden One, who has now been named twice by her mate, and who apparently has no independent sense of self-worth.
Who says I am I think I will in Anthem?
Equality 7-2521 “I am. I think. I will.” Equality 7-2521 utters these words after he discovers the word “I” in Chapter XI.
What is the great truth in Anthem?
The Great Truth: the belief that human beings are not individuals but mere fragments of a whole. Individuality is UNREAL! The Unmentionable Times: the days in the past when humans still possessed individual rights and political freedom. These days are considered evil.
What is Equality’s curse in Anthem?
Equality 7-2521 was born with a curse: he's been thinking forbidden thoughts for most of his life. And he doesn't resist them. This is bad, because according to the World Council, all men must strive to be completely alike. All people must form one big, happy, indivisible "WE."
How is equality 7-2521’s name ironic?
Equality 7-2521's own name is almost surely ironic. He's represented as far from equal to the run-of the mill people in his society. He stands for liberty and freedom of the individual, which are opposed to the value of equality (as presented in Anthem), since equality requires that everyone be forced into sameness.
What word is to be his beacon and his banner?
Ego. It is the word which is to be his beacon and banner, it won't die because it is the heart of it and the meaning and the glory.
Why are friends forbidden?
Friends are forbidden because it is a great crime to love any among men better than the others. Why are friends forbidden? Equality entered a forbidden zone; it was left over from the Unmentionable Times. What is Equality's crime?
Does the golden one get pregnant?
The Golden One becomes pregnant, and Equality 7-2521 resolves that his son will be raised as a real man who takes pride in his own existence.
What words does equality 7-2521 decide are holy?
What words are considered holy by Equality 7-2521? "I will it." Why are Equality-2521's and the Golden One's new names fitting? Prometheus brought light to men, and Equality 7-2521 wants to do the same.
What is the effect of the word we in Anthem?
“We” Symbol Analysis. Individuals in Equality 7-2521's collectivist society are forbidden from thinking of themselves as individuals. The pronoun “I” is not only forbidden but unknown, and everyone must refer to him- or herself as “we” in order to ensure that all actions and self-conceptions are collective.
What did the transgressor do in Anthem?
When Equality 7-2521 was ten years old, he watched the Transgressor being burned at the stake for speaking the Unspeakable Word: the anti-collectivist word “I.” Equality 7-2521 remembers this man's saintly courage and composure, and recognizes him as a hero once he, too, discovers the power of the word “I.”
Why was the transgressor happy?
The Transgressor had pride in what he heard, so happy that he died free. Equality observed this and wanted to free too. Even if he had to burn after hearing the Unspeakable Word. Curiosity drove Equality to break free from his chain of collectivism.
Why is liberty named Gaea?
Liberty 5-3000 was renamed Gaia because she is the mother of a new generation of humans.
Is Liberty 5-3000 a girl?
Liberty 5-3000 is the label given to a young woman with golden hair and dark eyes. She is 17 when this story takes place and the main character, Equality 7-2521, notices her one day while he is out cleaning the streets. Liberty 5-3000 is one of a group of peasants planting seeds in a nearby field.
What is Equality’s curse?
Equality 7-2521, the character's specific curse is that he was born with intelligence. This causes him great unhappiness in life as he is smart enough…