Freedom
“Sin: an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law” (“http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sin”). How does one fall into the category of being sinful? In the novella Anthem, Ayn Rand portrays Equality to be sinful because of their appearance, according to the society they live in. Prometheus does not understand this and uses his sin to an advantage. Prometheus is marked as being “sinful” because he is not physically and mentally equal as his society wants him to be. Because of this sin, it helps Prometheus to see his world differently. There for rebelling against his society and doing what he believes would help him achieve true joy. Prometheus comes to realize that because of his sins, Prometheus becomes the person that he wants to be; instead of the person that society wanted him to be. Society sets a high standard for everyone to be the same; everyone must have the same physical appearance, speak the same, and receive the same education. If one were to not fit under these standards, they are labeled as sinful. Equality consists of men who do not fit in to the perfect world of their society; they are too tall and more intelligent. In the text, it states “Our name is Equality 7-2521… we are six feet tall, and this is a burden, for there are not many men who are six feet tall” (Rand 18). These men are the only ones who are this height, and because of this, they are looked at differently than ordinary men. Equality are not the only people who see this as being a downfall to their lives. The Leaders and Teachers of this society also see this and inform the men that this I s not virtuous. In the text it also states, “Ever have the Teachers and the Leaders pointed to use and frowned and said: ‘There is evil in your bones, Equality 7-2521, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers’” (Rand 18). Everyone is required to be equal with everyone. Being different in any way is a sin; being equal with each other is very substantial to
Cited: American Psychological Association (APA): sin. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved February 12, 2012, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sin Rand, Ayn. Anthem. New York: Dutton, 1995. Print.