Student Question
How do names and name-changes in Anthem contribute to its meaning?
Quick answer:
Names and name-changes in "Anthem" underscore the theme of individuality versus collectivism. Initially, characters have names like Equality and Liberty, representing social concepts in a dystopian society that suppresses individuality. As the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, discovers individualism, he adopts the name Prometheus, symbolizing enlightenment and rebellion. He renames Liberty 5-3000 as Gaea, reflecting a new beginning and the potential for their children to access knowledge, contrasting the society's enforced ignorance.
All of the characters have names which convey unity and collectivity. The society of this novella is a dystopia in which all forms of individuality have been purposefully erased or forgotten. Even the word “I” and the basic concept of one “self” have been lost. That’s why the narrator refers to himself as "we" and why everyone’s name is a symbol or adjective for a social concept: Liberty, Unity, International or Equality.
Equality 7-2521 begins to read, experiment, and learn things by himself. When he learns the concept of individuality, he begins using “I.” He acquires the concepts of learning, creativity and individuality together.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. This is an allegory for humanity acquiring knowledge. In a sense, learning to make fire was the beginning of humanity’s technology. This is fitting because Equality 7-2521 discovers electric light in his underground tunnel. He...
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tries to share this knowledge with the Council but they reject him. Likewise, Prometheus was punished by the Gods for sharing fire with humans.
Equality 7-2521 changed Liberty 5-3000’s name to Gaea (Gaia). Gaea was the mother of the gods. Equality 7-2521 (aka Prometheus) decides that their children will be brought up with knowledge and books. Gaea is pregnant by this time. The idea is that their children will have access to so much knowledge that they will be like gods compared to the brainwashed masses who cling to anti-individualism.