Individual Vs. Society in Catcher in the Rye and Anthem Term Paper

'How else can men be when they live for their brothers?'" (Rand 151) Not only is there no separation between self and others but also living for others without thinking for one's self or tolerating disagreement, living in a kind of frozen state of agreement, is considered normal. Instead, Equality 7-2521 finally "discovers my will, my freedom. And the greatest of these is freedom. I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather debts from them. I ask none to live for me, nor do I live for anyone." (Rand 237)

Equality 7-2521 must break every rule and constraint of his society to realize his basic humanity. To lose one's individuality is not a stage of development in Rand's future, it is the norm -- but a perverted norm that Equality 7-2521 must defy. What strikes Holden as perverse, however, often has more to do with Holden's anger at himself than the realities of the world.Holden doubts his intelligence, refuses to turn in assignments, and gets kicked out of school -- and blames the school. Holden fears growing up and being rejected by his parents, so he dreams of remaining a child. Although Holden is emotionally sympathetic as a protagonist, his conflicts with society are normal and have the potential to be resolved -- unlike a world where the presence of conflict is equated with treason, like Anthem.

Works Cited

Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Bantam, 1951.

Rand, Ayn. Anthem.….....