Light is a versatile element in literature. When light is used in a setting, it can help to create a certain mood or tone; abundant light creates an airy or bright mood, while darkness creates a dreary or depressing mood. When light is used in a description, it can be used to indirectly describe an object or place; a light character would most likely be the protagonist, or a dark house may be the site of much grief. In addition to describing concrete perceptions and thereby connoting indirectly a deeper meaning, light can also be used to directly symbolize many abstract ideas such as happiness, knowledge, or purity. In Chapter V of Anthem, Ayn Rand uses light to symbolize knowledge, freedom, and life.
             Light serves as a symbol of knowledge in Chapter V of Anthem. At the beginning of Chapter V, Equality 7-2521 triumphantly proclaims his discovery of the light: "We made it. We created it. We brought it forth from the night of the ages" (59). In this sense, the light can be thought of as Equality 7-2521's literal knowledge. This light, or knowledge, is being brought forth from the "night of the ages", where the night, or lack of light, symbolizes ignorance. Equality 7-2521 also wishes to share his newfound light, or knowledge, with his brothers in order to improve their technologically backward life. Rand writes, "We can light our tunnel, and the City, and all the Cities of the world with nothing save metal and wires. We can give our brothers a new light, cleaner and brighter than any they have ever known" (60). If Equality 7-2521 succeeds in bringing the light, or knowledge, to all of his brothers, then his brothers will not be "in the dark" anymore; they will have the knowledge of how to make artificial light. In all of these ways, light symbolizes Equality 7-2521's knowledge in Chapter V of Anthem.
             Light serves as a symbol of freedom in Chapter V of Anthem. When Equality 7-2521 find...