Literary Devices
Setting and Tone
Both the setting and the tone of Anthem change as the plot advances and as Equality 7-2521 moves through his character arc. The changes in tone and setting take place simultaneously, representing the shift in Equality 7-2521’s perspective as he begins to understand the oppressive system he has been living under. The initial setting, the underground tunnel, is accompanied by a rebellious and perilous tone. It introduces readers to the idea that Equality 7-2521 is rebelling against the World Council and that by doing so he is in danger. The setting then transitions to the larger City, where Equality 7-2521 develops his backstory. Here, the tone feels conforming and desperate, as Equality 7-2521 is ashamed of his nonconformity and futilely wishes that he could fit in with everyone else. The desperate and dangerous tones are carried through to the prison setting in the Palace of Corrective Detention. A prideful tone appears just before he leaves the setting of the prison, as he prides himself on having kept his secrets during the torture he experienced.
The most significant shift in setting and tone occurs in Chapter 8, when Equality 7-2521 spends his first day in the Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
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Related Titles
By Ayn Rand
