In the book Anthem, written by Ayn Rand, only one man, Equality 7-2521, and one woman, Liberty 5-3000, have the courage to take on individuality as well as names that allow difference from the great WE, which, in the future, is considered to be equal in all ways: all for one, one for all. As the story continues, both the hero and heroine develop new names, giving them a forbidden uniqueness that is frowned upon by most of their brothers. For the woman, these three names were: Liberty 5-3000, The Golden One, and Gaea. For the man the names were: Equality 7-2521, The Unconquered One, and Prometheus. Each of the names that evolved throughout the story has a meaning and importance to the main characters.
When it comes to the hero of the story, Equality 7-2521, a life of collectivism and servitude towards his brothers was an empty and pointless way to live. Although Equality grew up knowing that he lived to serve others, curiosity got the best of him, allowing him to search things from the Unmentionable times, where the word "I" was used and respected among all men. During his schooling, where his life-time career was soon to be chosen, Equality became curious about the world around him and thought the life of a scholar would be a great way to further research his ideas. Unfortunately, his life-time career was that of a street sweeper. His interest of everything around him did not stop though. In fact, Equality discovered a tunnel from the Unmentionable times where he later discovered light, giving him more courage
..even enough to love. During Equality's research in the tunnel, Equality became intrigued with a woman planter, Liberty 5-3000. It was against the law to make any contact with the woman, except for in the Palace of Mating. Finding out, Liberty also seemed to be interested in this daring young man. Once they knew their love for each other was true, they found ways to communicate without being noticed by their brothers and sisters. To...