So we awaited our turn in the great hall and then we heard the Council of Vocations call our name: “Equality 7-2521.” We walked
to the dais, and our legs did not tremble, and we looked up at the Council. There were five members of the Council, three of the male gender and two of the female. Their hair was white and their faces were cracked as the clay of a dry river bed. They were old. They seemed older than the marble of the Temple of the World Council. They sat before us and they did not move. And we saw no breath to stir the folds of their white togas. But we knew that they were alive, for a finger of the hand of the oldest rose, pointed to us, and fell down again. This was the only thing which moved, for the lips of the oldest did not move as they said: “Street Sweeper.” —Anthem, Ayn Rand
How does this imagery develop the theme that collective societies limit the individual?
Group of answer choices
A.) It contrasts uniform society with Equality 7-2521’s vivid thoughts and feelings.
B.)The imagery of the decision shows that all power in society lies in one person’s hands.
C.) It shows how Equality 7-2521’s actions and thoughts mimic those of the collective.
B. The imagery of the decision shows that all power in society lies in one person’s hands.
Explanation:
"Anthem" is a novel written by<em> Ayn Rand.</em> It centers on the character of "Equality 7-2521," a young man who rebelled by pursuing a scientific research for he wanted to know many things about the world. The story also depicted the<em> "loss of individuality</em>" through the means of "collectivism." This allowed the "Council of Vocations" to decide what work people will pursue.
The situation above shows that all power in the society lies in one person's hands and this is not what Equality 7-2521 wanted. He was given the vocation of "sweeping." He wanted to express his individuality by studying, rather than by sweeping for he wanted to be a "Scholar," but he couldn't do anything with the decision.
Answer: The effect is to give readers an oxymoronic happy sadness all at the same time. It makes the reader sad to know that Jim has sold his watch to afford the combs for Della's hair, while knowing that Della cut her hair to afford the chain for Jim's watch.