Equality 7-2521 finds himself out of step with the collectivist society of the future, and discovers a means to freedom in Ayn Rand's fable of the individual in conflict with society. First published in 1938, Anthem takes place in a dystopian future world in which humanity is enduring a new dark age, human life is regimented in every respect and personal identity has been all but snuffed out by a totalitarian government. The narrator, writing his story in secret, realizes he is a criminal simply for having thoughts of his own. Exploring the ruins of a previous civilization he discovers relics, conducts forbidden experiments and learns enough to question the very structure of his society. Can he share this knowledge with his fellow citizens? The author strips the relationship of humanity to civilization down to its bare essence in this modern parable that starkly illuminates the challenge an oppressive government presents to individuality
