Anthem Test
Directions: Answer the following essay questions
using multiple paragraphs and clear, detailed
sentences. Be sure to use specific and relevant details
from the text.
1. Equality 7-2521 states that it is very unusual
for men to reach the age of 45 (Chapter 1). Offer
several possible explanations as to why life
expectancy is so short in his society.
2. Is Anthem a heroic and inspiring story about
the triumph of the individual’s independent spirit,
a cautionary tale of the dangers of democracy, or
something else? At the end of the novel, Equality
is greatly outnumbered and modern society lies in
ruins; does this spell liberation and hope or
despair? Discuss.
3. In a single, unified essay, explain the
philosophy of Rand as evidenced by each of the
following quotes from the story. Also include
your thoughts and feelings regarding this
philosophy.

“The glass box in our arms is like a living heart
that gives us strength. We have lied to
ourselves. We have not built this box for the
good of our brothers” (Chapter 7).


“I wished to know the meaning of things. I am
the meaning” (Chapter 11).
“I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather
debts from them” (Chapter 11).