Anthem

The Passage-

Today, the Golden One stopped suddenly and said:
"We love you."
But then they frowned and shook their head and looked at us helplessly.
"No," they whispered, "that is not what we wished to say."

They were silent, then they spoke slowly, and their words were halting, like the words of a child learning to speak for the first time:

"We are one...alone...and only...and we love you who are one...alone...and only."

We looked into each other's eyes and we knew that the breath of a miracle had touched us, and fled, and left us groping vainly. And we felt torn, torn for some word we could not find.

I chose this passage because it is so innocent and real, and really shows the Golden One's emotions. It shows their struggle to truly express themselves and their vocabulary that they have to overcome. Even though it is a hurdle for them to really say what they want to, they are both determined to try. This just is an example of the difficulties they have to face by leaving their society, however their independent personalities show their readiness. It is hard for a reader to understand the struggle that these characters have, with finding the word "I". They really have to work their way up to it, to find its true meaning and full importance.

Also I thought this was a good example of just how sheltered and deprived they were in their old society. The city they once lived in, chose what you were to do, and Equality and The Golden One had no say in the matter. I can not imagine not having any input about what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Also they can not show any interest or affection to anyone. It is just another example of a society that is so strict and unreasonable , that they will not make any exceptions for someone who is different and wants change. That government is so set in its ways that it can not see the importance and significance of Equality's new discovery. This government just puts such a weight upon their backs and this passage shows them really breaking away and finding themselves.

This shows that even with so many people against them and an entire life that pushes them in the wrong direction, they can find what matters most. They have found each other and can care and love one another, even if it was once forbidden. Now the forest gives them an endless amount of possibilities and a fresh start. They can show their love for one another and not have to hide it or be ashamed of it.

My Opinion-

I really enjoyed this book a great deal because the characters are inspirational. They are examples that if you are brave enough to make your own choices and not conform to society, even though it may be challenging, it can work. Their life in the forest, gives them their independence and the freedom that they were desperate for. It just makes the reader aware that it is possible that running away from a bad place with no idea where you are going, can turn out to be an amazing thing.

They have an endless amount of possibilities and they can be who they were meant to be, not who they were forced to be. They can enjoy life and now know what it is like to have the love of another person. Even though they will face challenges they can grow with one another and learn from their mistakes together, and I think that is amazing. Instead of going through life, always wonder what would have been, if they just followed their heart and took that leap of faith, now they do not have to wonder. Equality and the Golden One can live a happy life, that they have chosen for themselves.

I just think this book has a great message and I did not want to put it down. It was not hard to read at all and it was one of my favorites. I love that he was so excited about his invention and he risked a lot for what he believed in. Equality stands alone from the others, however he is not afraid, but ready for what faces him. All it takes is one person, one person to take the first step and set a way for a better life for many. Equality, just shows that making your own choices, and decisions, can have incredible results.

Symbols/Theme/Etc.-

Equality himself, symbolizes hope for that society because he left. Eventually either he will go back to get more people, or he will have inspired others to do what they want and not what they are told. He will form a new society, one of freedom and he will encourage everyone to be different and be an individual. No matter how it happens, it will happen and he has made that possible, by not being afraid of the unknown.

A theme that is very important throughout this book, is one of individual importance. This society where everyone acts the same and does what they are told, is an example of exactly what is wrong with their lives. The author is sending the message that it is better to do be who you are than, to be something you are not, because at least you will be happier. Individuality is so significant to a society and for people to be diverse in what they know, and how they express themselves, through what they are passionate about. To be your own person is the most important thing possible. The development throughout this novel is key because everyone in that society has yet to find their individualities. They need to know what it feels like to be one person, who controls their own life.

Also the author is sending the message, that no matter what, you can not be held back by your fears. To make your life not revolve around apprehension, and just act on your impulses without worrying about the outcome, is so important. To let yourself be less of a person, because of fear, is just a waist. Fear should not have any impact on how you go about life, and Equality is a great example of bravery.

Another symbol is the forest, because it symbolizes opportunity and possibilities. Instead of being confined in his society, not able to be himself, he is able to do anything in the forest. It is a place of calm and serenity, and the freedom to do as he pleases. The city and the forest are complete opposites of each other, not just because of the nature aspect, but because of the opportunity aspect. The forest is just an open place full of hope and happiness.