"Anthem" is a dystopian novella written by Ayn Rand, published in 1938. The story is set in a future society where individualism is suppressed, and people are assigned roles based on their abilities. The protagonist, known as Equality 7-2521, discovers the concept of individuality and seeks to break free from the oppressive norms of his society.
Throughout the narrative, Equality 7-2521 struggles against the collectivist ideals that dominate his world. He eventually finds a hidden invention, a light bulb, which symbolizes his quest for knowledge and self-expression. The novella explores themes of freedom, identity, and the importance of individual thought.