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Essay / Ayn Rand's Anti-Communist Ideas in Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand, an influential American novelist and philosopher, strove to offer her readers a new perspective on the meaning of life. Growing up as a Jew in a communist country, Rand struggled to find her place in society and thus matured as an anti-communist citizen upon moving to the United States (Murray). In her works, she represents self-importance, highlighting the wrongs of communism which neglects citizens and recognizes them as a collective rather than as individuals. Rand often caricatures communism as a way to prevent individuals from realizing their hopes and dreams. By transmitting this message to his audience, the author encourages a society based on personal, capitalist work. Through this theme of self-work, Rand's plays incorporate his views on the importance of the struggle between the individual and society, drawing attention to the awakening of self-learning. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Rand expresses his animosity towards communism in various ways through his works. In Atlas Shrugged, the protagonists, the capitalists, escape communism to build a society around their own economic visions (Mallon). Here, Rand directly promotes individualism by presenting the happiness and success of these individuals in a society of personal growth, a characteristic that was not present in a communist state. The banning of Equality 7-2521 following learning and innovation in Anthem also shows the author's powerful anti-communist mindset, as Rand supports individualism as a form of self-righteousness and of success (Cox). The main character's despair in his society, much like that which appears in Atlas Shrugged, demonstrates the inability of communism to allow individuals to reach their full potential and achieve a state of true contentment. Illuminating this thought, Rand's characters rebel against society, finding in capitalism an escape from the seemingly evil world of communism. Atlas Shrugged uses a relatively direct approach to promoting capitalism, as the characters seek happiness by building a capitalist economy while on strike against the world, creating their own utopian paradise (Clardy). This approach stands in stark contrast to communism, as Rand openly asserts that capitalism is superior, providing the protagonists with a sense of joy not previously achieved. In Anthem, a more indirect approach to promoting capitalism is used as Rand displays Equality 7-2521's happiness in a home where he can learn what he wants to learn, separating himself from society to flourish as a as a unique individual. Rand particularly supports the idea that success, not only for society as a whole but also for each individual, is achieved when each man works for himself. His works illustrate that this goal can only be achieved in a society where individuals are encouraged to work for themselves, a society that is clearly not communist. In describing his revulsion toward communism, Rand argues that success and happiness arise from self-teaching. As Atlas Shrugged says, “Everything he needs or desires must be learned, discovered, and produced by him – by his choice, by his own efforts, by his own mind (LaBlanc and Milne). » The author encourages individuals to pursue their dreams, but to do it alone. The quote clearly places emphasis on “him,” but no one else. Having grown up in..