ANTHEM
By: Ayn Rand
NAME ____________________________________
Period ___________________________________
1
The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves developing a personal identity, a
sense of self. In the space provided below, write a paragraph that describes you, and
explains what makes you uniquely you. Consider your future goals and dreams; what you
value in a friend; favorite pets; preferred sports and hobbies; best-loved music, literature,
movies, etc.
Keep in mind how and why you choose these values. Focus on the role of the individual
mind in developing values. I want you, as students, to understand that—without a mind to
think, to judge, to choose—there can be no personal values and ambitions.
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NEED TO KNOW TERMS
Define the following words. Then, for each word, explain the advantages and
disadvantages that each would have to a society.
Collectivism
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Independence
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Conformity
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Egoism
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Egotism
Definition:
Advantages:
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Disadvantages:
Altruism
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Individualism
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Totalitarianism
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Utopia
Definition:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
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Character List
Equality 7-2521
The Golden One
The Transgressor of the Unspeakable Word
International 4-8818
Collective 0-0009
Key Facts
FULL TITLE: Anthem
AUTHOR: Ayn Rand
TYPE OF WORK: Novella
GENRE: Dystopia; manifesto
NARRATOR: Equality 7-2521
writes the journal of the events as they transpire over the
course of several months.
POINT OF VIEW: Equality 7-2521 speaks in the first person, writing in his journal as the
events transpire. He relates some of the conversations verbatim, and other events he
describes only from his own perspective. He occasionally remarks on what other
characters are thinking.
TONE: Equality 7-2521 records his thoughts and actions in a straightforward manner, with
no trace of irony.
TENSE: Present, with some past-tense narration
PROTAGONIST:
MAJOR CONFLICT:
THEMES:
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Chapter 1
1. Clearly, Ayn Rand intended Equality to stand out from his “brothers.” Explain
how she accomplishes this by contrasting Equality’s physical qualities and
character traits to those of his fellow men.
2. Describe the following characteristics of the society in which Anthem is set:
a. Political structure
b. Degree of technology
c. Social relationships
d. Quality of life
e. Education
3. Why does the Council of Vocations assign Equality 7-2521 the job of street
sweeper? Is it due to error, incompetence, or a more sinister motivation? Explain.
4. At this point in the novel, does Equality accept the moral teachings of his society?
If so, why doesn’t he feel shame or remorse when he knows that he’s committing
a crime? Find textual evidence to support your answer.
5. In this chapter, Equality states that it is very unusual for men to reach the age of
45. Offer several possible explanations as to why life expectancy is so short in his
society
6. What sins did Equality 7-2521 admit he committed in the opening of chapter one?
7. At the end of the chapter, summarize where Equality goes and what he does when
he gets there.
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Chapter 2
1. Reread the account of Liberty 5-3000 on pages 38-39. What character traits are
revealed in this brief description? In other words, how does Ayn Rand
characterize Liberty 5-3000?
2. Find several examples of the ways in which this society tries to obliterate each
individual’s mind (and self!) by quashing personal choices, desires, and values.
3. Contrast Equality with the other men in his society. (see pages 46-48)
4. Of the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, excitement, anger,
embarrassment, etc.) why is fear the prevalent emotion in this society?
5. What is the Council of Eugenics?
6. How does Equality feel about the events at the House of Mating? Why do you
suppose he feels this way?
7. What did Equality witness as a 10 year old?
Chapter 3
1. What does Equality discover in this chapter? How important is this discovery?
List 3 or 4 ways it could help his society and improve life.
2. Outline some of the Council of Scholars’ beliefs and Equality’s refutation of those
beliefs.
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Chapter 4
1. What is Equality’s new name? Discuss the appropriateness of Equality’s new
name.
Chapter 5
1. Equality understands that his invention would benefit mankind greatly. Is this the
main reason why he conducted experiments and why he feels such joy in his
discovery? Explain.
2. In your opinion, why is Equality so interested in seeing his own image at this
point in the novel? What emotion is he feeling?
Chapter 6
1. Describe Equality’s experience in the Palace of Corrective Detention.
2. The old locks and lack of guards suggest prisoners never tried to escape. Why
not?
Chapter 7
1. Outline three of the Council’s reasons for rejecting Equality’s invention.
2. What are the real reasons behind the Council’s rejection and fear of the gift?
3. What does Equality mean at the start of the chapter when he says, “We are old
now, but we were young this morning.”? (Rand 68).
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Chapter 8
1. What is Equality experiencing for the first time in this chapter, and how does he
feel as a result?
2. Explain why Equality laughs when he remembers that he is “the Damned.”
3. What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem?
Chapter 9
1. On pages 82-83 Liberty contrasts Equality to his fellow man. Paraphrase this
passage.
2. In this chapter, Equality questions the morality of his former society. Contrast
what he previously thought about solitude, good, evil, and joy to what he now
believes.
Chapter 10
1. Describe the house and its contents in your own words and explain why Liberty
and Equality find it strange.
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Chapter 11
1. What great discovery does Equality make in this chapter?
2. Interpret the following quotes in your own words:
 “Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me” (Rand 95).
 “For the word “We” must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a
second thought” (Rand 96).
3. What does Equality realize now is the proper goal and purpose of his life?
Chapter 12
1. Why do the main characters take the names Prometheus and Gaea?
2. Why weren’t they allowed to choose their own names in their old society?
3. What does Prometheus plan to do in the future?
4. Prometheus reaches the important realization that “To be free, a man must be free
of his brothers (Rand 101). Cite several examples from the novel that illustrate
the truth of this statement.
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