Image Study 1 - man vs. society

Throughout the novel, there were several important images created by Rand. These imageries not only let the readers draw a picture in their head but they also seemed to have acted as checkpoints to the plot, moving on from one point to another as the scene changes.

For example, on page 25, Rand mentions the image of the councils in the great hall. The councils were assigning the men their job by looking at their characteristics. The councils have been mentioned several times before this but this scene was the first time that I was lead to picture what the councils would look like. The great hall is a dark and quiet place where only two words were spoken to each man by the councils. I imagined that the councils are old white men with a frown on their face and wearing black robes. By putting this image in the reader’s mind, Rand emphasized the dark and unapproachable councils of the society and the power they have on the men.

Another important checkpoint signified by imagery was the scene where Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 showed their love for each other and decided to start a living together, as mentioned in page 87. This scene took place in the uncharted forest after Equality 7-2521 had run away and Liberty 5-3000 followed. They suddenly realized that they’re alone in the forest, away from the brothers or the councils, which lead to their external expression of showing love. Rand didn’t specifically describe that they had “sex” but the text definitely refers to a physical act of having sex. This image that I drew in my head reminded me of Avatar when Jake entered the world of the Na’vi with Neytiri and had sex in the spiritual forest. This checkpoint signified a change in the lives of Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 and a new start.