PART FIVE -anthem

In “Anthem” Part Five, the narrator experiences a moment of extraordinary breakthrough and inventiveness. Solely through their individual effort, after countless days and trials, they achieve a monumental creation: a glass box akin to a device from the Unmentionable Times, capable of harnessing the power of the sky with unprecedented strength. The moment they close the circuit, the wire inside the device glows red, casting a circle of light upon the ground, a manifestation of electric power that doesn’t rely on traditional methods such as flint and fire, but rather emerges from the essence of the metal itself.

Overwhelmed by the implications of their invention, the narrator extinguishes all sources of light, leaving themselves surrounded by darkness with only the faint glow of the wire visible, symbolizing both the isolation inherent in their society and the stark contrast between the old and the new, the suppressed and the possible. The significance of this invention is profound; not only does it have the potential to illuminate their tunnel, but it could also revolutionize the cities of the world by providing a new form of light, one that is cleaner and brighter than any known before. It realizes the boundless capabilities of harnessing the sky’s power, suggesting that it can fulfill any human command if properly solicited.

Convinced of the necessity to share this groundbreaking discovery with humanity, the inventor faces a pivotal decision. Recognizing the importance of their work overcomes the mundane task assigned to them, like sweeping the streets, they decide not to keep this discovery a secret. The conviction that this invention must be revealed for the benefit of all leads to the determination that they must dedicate all their time to it, implying a resolve to break free from the restrictions placed upon them by their society. This marks a turning point, highlighting the transformative power of individual innovation and the inherent challenge it poses to collective conformity and the suppression of knowledge.