Social Marxism and the creative genius: Yvgeny Zamyatin's 'We' and Ayn Rand's 'Anthem'

Written in the backlash of the Bolshevik Revolution, Yvgeny Zamyatin's We and Ayn Rand's Anthem may be read not only as an indictment of Marxist socialism, but also as a commentary on the fate of the creative genius in a totalitarian state. Specifically, a consideration of the authors' non-fiction publications in addition to the novels themselves reveals their argument that Marxist socialism necessarily entails the stagnation of innovative endeavors. Moreover, the authors propose that although so-called creative media may exist in this atmosphere, they are limited to utilitarian purposes. Zamyatin and Rand also suggest that the creative genius may prove to be a redemptive element for the reclamation of the self, as well as a rebellion against the State. Finally, the narratives posit that the genius is ultimately unable to exist in such an environment and must be forced to flee or else, to succumb to its pressures.