Anthem | Chapter 4 | Summary

Summary

Days later Equality 7-2521 is able to meet up with Liberty 5-3000 again. He tells her he calls her "the Golden One" in his thoughts. She tells him she calls him "the Unconquered." They acknowledge to each other that they know they are not allowed to think such thoughts. Equality 7-2521 calls Liberty 5-3000 "Our dearest one." She brings him water to drink from her hand.

Analysis

With this exchange between Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000, Rand further establishes the uniqueness and superiority of her nonconforming hero and heroine. By giving each other favorable names and speaking them aloud, the pair is now in secret rebellion against the oppressive regime that forbids the Transgression of Preference and the glorification of the individual. People in this collective society are given generic word and number combinations as identifiers in order to remind each that they are just an insignificant part of a greater whole. To the collective, "Equality" means everyone is equal in their insignificance, and "Liberty" does not signify freedom of individual choice but the right to contribute to the collective.

The new names they choose are significant as well. "The Golden One" refers not only to Liberty's outward appearance but also to her brightly shining inner spirit that has not been dulled like that of her fellows. "The Unconquered" is even more explicit in its meaning: Liberty 5-3000 admires Equality 7-2521 for his boldness and refusal to deny his individuality. She rewards him with a drink of water from her own hand.