Before we get into the irony of the situation, let’s look at the situation.
We have a society here that values the brotherhood above all else. The readers are “constantly reminded that men have to live for their brothers and that there is no “I” in the world.” It doesn’t matter what each man wants, they must make decisions for the whole brotherhood, not just one brother. This sounds pretty selfless, right? They must listen to everything the councils order them to and there is not a single way out of this way of living. On page 7, the teacher told Equality “Dare not choose in your minds the work you would like to do when you leave the Home of the Students. You shall do what the Council of Vocations shall prescribe for you. For the Council of Vocations knows in its great wisdom where you are needed by your brother men, better than you can know it in your unworthy little minds. And if you are not needed by your brother men, there is no reason for you to burden the earth with your bodies.” Wow! Intense. Do what your told to serve your brother or else die- that is your purpose in life. They disguise this twisted society that believes all are “brothers” and should serve each other, but really if you aren’t willing to give your whole reason for their society, then you, brother, are no longer welcomed here and we will execute you. Isn’t that a bit selfish for a society that tries so hard to fight the self? “However.. the councils tell the men, “by a free and general vote of all men.” [But] how can it be a free vote if starting from the beginning, men were told exactly what to do by the Council? The Councils even pick what jobs the students will have. They compare men to see which job is best suitable for each, then once ordered to the student, that student will immediately start the job regardless of their identity as a student.” They are not free! They must do as they are told; what they eat, where they sleep; how they are employed. What is so incredibly ironic about Equality 7-2521’s name?
Irony is the expression of meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. What is the opposite of his name? Are they all truly equal? The teachers and council are exhibit control and power over the average citizen, i.e. Equality, in a society where all are supposedly in control of their society. Do the teachers or Council show complete equality? Is Equality 7-2521 truly equal with all his brothers? What is in a name? Is a name just a name? Would a rose smell as sweet if it were called by another name? Would the book have as much as an effect if Equality were called Tyler Baker? Or what if Ayn Rand named him “International” instead? If Tyler or International discovered how unequal this society was behaving, it would be cool, but not as impressive. Ayn Rand chose his name for a reason. What effect do the names have? How are they ironic? Well, let’s look at a list of all the names mentioned: Equality Fraternity Liberty Solidarity International Collective Unanimity Alliance Harmony Similarity These names represent the ideals and values that their society idolizes. Do the actions of the teachers or Council members truly reflect these values? Cue Alanis Morissette: Isn’t it ironic. In summary, the “brotherhood” is anything but about the brother; no one is equal because of status makes inequality; their names scream of their societies imperfections; and Equality himself discovers this inequality and imperfections of this attempt at a “perfect society.” Some ideas were borrowed from a fellow blogger (click here for the original post and italics were parts that I pulled). Thanks!
Anthem by Ayn Rand 