Anthem a novel by Ayn Rand is set in a dystopic society written from the perspective of Equality a man wrought with ideas and conflict. The way individualism and collectivism affect the world of Anthem and Equality are very clear. These ideals affect the world and its inhabitants in very distinct ways but sometimes both ideals can form together and work in harmony. .
Collectivism is the name of the game in the world of Anthem. Collectivism is the idea that it is the group not the individual that truly means something for it is the group's goal to improve life for all others and their own personal being means nothing. When Equality is given his job of a street sweeper he replies to the council with "The will of our brothers be done "(pg.26). Equality wanted to be a scholar but even though he did not get that job he is still okay with being a street sweeper because he is helping the group which is the only important thing. In this society even being genetically different is considered being and individual and is looked down upon. "This is a great sin, to be born with a head which is too quick. "(pg. 20) just because Equality is smarter than his fellow man he is looked down upon he is even scorned for being tall which shows the insane view this society has toward collectivism and the fact that they want all of mankind to be exactly the same.
Individualism can be seen as the polar opposite of collectivism because it is the idea that man as an individual has the right to be self-reliant and independent. This is definitely not what the world of Anthem is based off of but Equality is definitely the spokesperson of this ideal. "Strange are the ways of evil! "(pg. 37) Equality proclaims this when talking about all the knowledge he has learned over the two years he has been coming to his secret tunnel. This is the first time Equality acknowledges he is doing something against the group such as learning things outside his own job and yet he feels like this is a good thing, he feels better for doing so.