Anthem Quote

My favorite quote from the novel (pgs 82-83; the Golden One talks to Equality 7-2521)


"We have followed you," they said, "and we shall follow you wherever you go. If danger threatens you, we shall face it also. If it be death, we shall die with you. You are damned, and we wish to share your damnation... Your eyes are as a flame, but our brothers have neither hope nor fire. Your mouth is cut of granite, but our brothers are soft and humble. Your head is high, but our brothers cringe. You walk, but our brothers crawl. We wish to be damned with you, rather than blessed with all our brothers"


I liked this quote out of Anthem because of how powerful the Golden One's statement is. As drones in an equal society finding the words for emotion let alone love can be difficult. This quote especially the first part is probably one of the most romantic pieces of dialogue I've ever read because of how deep in sincerity it is. The Golden One, like Equality 7-2521, does not know how to express emotion. That, as well as personal gratification, is strictly forbidden in their city. Therefore this quote, although not littered with elegant, mellifluous dialogue is touching because of its depth in meaning. The Golden One loves Equality, enough to where she risks her life as well as the life promised to her in order to be with him. When finally reaching him, she knows the both of them are forever doomed in regards to the rest of their emotionless and in essence, lifeless, brothers.

The word choice of "damnation" I particularly like. I feel that it is strong and particularly strong in this instance. Damnation when examined brings about the thought of an eternity of suffering. As in Equality 7-2521's position, choosing to leave his society, his home, would lend itself for a journey into the unknown. Not only into the uncharted forest that lays outside the city, but also into the mystery of freedom that Equality has never been able to experience. The Golden One, telling Equality that she wishes to share in his damnation is an extremely powerful statement, and quite possibly one of more love than a simple "I love you." The knowledge of never being able to go back, and knowing how much of herself she is offering Equality, is more a sign of passion than any words could truly be ascribed.