The Light that changed the lives of all men

Similarly in every other power controlled societies, the city of Anthem is dingy and dark and the only colors mentioned are gray, white, and brown. This repetition of dark colors represent fear of the people. Also the dark symbolizes secrets. For example, on page 32, Rand mentions that Equality 7-2512 has discovered the place from the unmentionable times. Knowing that the council will punish him harshly when they find out, he only goes when the city gets dark.

However, at this place from the unmentionable times, Equality 7-2521 found Light that represents truth. This is why when Equality 7-2521 went up to the Council with the light, they showed fear toward it. Even the invention of candlelight was a big enough change for them and the fact that Equality 7-2521 brought something back from the unmentionable times feared the Councils that he will eventually find out the whole truth and tell the gullible society.

Therefore Equality 7-2521 made his contribution to the world by his invention of the lightbulb and in addition, although mentioned later in the book, the Golden one finds light in the forest. The light represents human dignity that the society of Anthem was lacking throughout the novel. Also, the finding of light made Equality 7-2521 suddenly much more knowledgable than the brothers who are still suffering in the crown without even realizing it. Overall, Equality 7-2521’s lightbulb makes him a harbinger of tremendous social unrest at the same time that it helps him see himself as the unique individual he really is.