Andi Sayson

Ms. Schwartz
English 10 3A
15 October 2013
The Power of the Word Anthem
We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great we, one,
indivisible, and forever, (page 19). Collectivism is set as the standard human nature for the
people of the society in Anthem. The title of the novel can be defined as an ode, or a promise,
of a loyalty to a principle. The significance of the title Anthem is that it is a symbol for the unity
amongst the people.
An anthem is meant to provoke a sense of allegiance to a group of people through a
motto. At an early age, peoples mindsets are embedded with the anthem of working together
for the greater good of the people: We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our
brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State.
Amen, (page 21). This anthem identifies the significance of people pledging their allegiance to
live their lives prioritizing societys well-being, rather than their own. Allegiance is crucial to
their society, for it is the sole reason why it functions. Their society depends on every human
being to execute a specific task: For the Council of Vocations knows in its great wisdom where
you are needed by your brother men, (page 22). Without the loyalty of its people as a whole,
their society would be equivalent to a machine malfunctioning due to missing pieces.
An anthem also emits a sense of pride for those who live by it. It is human nature for
people to value their own self-interests and desire to work towards achieving personal
accomplishments. As an oppressive authoritarian government, the society of Anthem cannot
allow independence. They strictly enforce the anthem of altruism. At the surface of their
behavioral actions, a majority of the people appeared to fall for the faade of a utopian society.
The government leaders want their citizens to feel great pride to live in an environment of
equality and liberty through appealing speeches. Doing so prevents a revolt of their
oppressed citizens: they dared not speak the thoughts of their minds. For all must agree with
all, and they cannot know if their thoughts are the thoughts of all, and so they feared to speak,
(page 47). Pride has shown through time that it can keep a society united because people work
more diligently.
Anthem is a reoccurring concept throughout the novel. The anthems symbol for unity
for a group of people plays a crucial role in the story. The people of their society are united
through one common anthem, and it is to live for each others welfare. The pride from the
anthem also kept them thinking about people as a whole, rather than individuals. Their pride of
unity kept them from conflicts. Anthems bring various types people of people together and
creates a powerful state, which is the ultimate goal of each and every society.