Anthem
By Ayn Rand
Extra Credit: Draw a cover for the book
Anthem Reading and Writing Schedule
Day Number
Reading
Writing
One
1-10
1-6
Two
10-17
7
Three
17-26
8
Four
26-37
9-10
Five
Catch Up
11
Six
38-54
12-13
Seven
55-67
14-15
Eight
68-80
16
Nine
81-87
17-18
Ten
Catch Up
19-20
Eleven
88-97
21
Twelve
98-107
22-23
Thirteen
Catch Up
24-25
Fourteen
Catch Up
26
Fifteen
Catch Up
27
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Anthem Summary
Anthem is written as the diary of Equality 72521, a young man living in a future in which
people have lost all knowledge of
individualism, to the point of not even knowing
words like 'I' or 'mine.' Everyone lives and
works in collective groups, with all aspects of
daily life dictated by councils -- the Council of
Vocations, the Council of Scholars, etc. When
he is assigned to a menial job cleaning the
streets, Equality 7-2521 rebels against
collectivism by conducting secret scientific
research, which eventually leads him to recreate electric light. When he presents his
discovery to the Council of Scholars, they condemn him for daring to
act as an individual and threaten to destroy his creation. He flees into
the Uncharted Forest. He is joined there by his love, a girl called
Liberty 5-3000. They come across an ancient house, a relic of the
Unmentionable Times before collectivism. There they rediscover the
lost language of the self. They rename themselves Prometheus and
Gaea (after the ancient Greek myths), and Prometheus vows to use
his new knowledge to build a society based on individual freedom.
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Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on February 2, 1905. At age six
she taught herself to read and two years later discovered her first fictional hero
in a French magazine for children, thus capturing the heroic vision which
sustained her throughout her life. At the age of nine, she decided to make
fiction writing her career. Thoroughly opposed to the mysticism and
collectivism of Russian culture, she thought of herself as a European writer,
especially after encountering Victor Hugo, the writer she most admired.
During her high school years, she was eyewitness to both the Kerensky
Revolution, which she supported, and—in 1917—the Bolshevik Revolution,
which she denounced from the outset. In order to escape the fighting, her
family went to the Crimea, where she finished high school. The final
Communist victory brought the confiscation of her father's pharmacy and
periods of near-starvation. When introduced to American history in her last
year of high school, she immediately took America as her model of what a
nation of free men could be.
When her family returned from the Crimea, she entered the University of
Petrograd to study philosophy and history. Graduating in 1924, she
experienced the disintegration of free inquiry and the takeover of the university
by communist thugs. Amidst the increasingly gray life, her greatest pleasures
were Viennese operettas and Western films and plays. Long an admirer of
cinema, she entered the State Institute for Cinema Arts in 1924 to study
screenwriting. It was at this time that she was first published: a booklet on
actress Pola Negri (1925) and a booklet titled “Hollywood: American Movie
City” (1926), both reprinted in 1999 in Russian Writings on Hollywood.
In late 1925 she obtained permission to leave Soviet Russia for a visit to relatives in the United States. Although she told Soviet
authorities that her visit would be short, she was determined never to return to Russia. She arrived in New York City in February
1926. She spent the next six months with her relatives in Chicago, obtained an extension to her visa, and then left for Hollywood to
pursue a career as a screenwriter.
On Ayn Rand’s second day in Hollywood, Cecil B. DeMille saw her standing at the gate of his studio, offered her a ride to the set of
his movie The King of Kings, and gave her a job, first as an extra, then as a script reader. During the next week at the studio, she met
an actor, Frank O’Connor, whom she married in 1929; they were married until his death fifty years later.
After struggling for several years at various nonwriting jobs, including one in the wardrobe department at the RKO Radio Pictures,
Inc., she sold her first screenplay, “Red Pawn,” to Universal Pictures in 1932 and saw her first stage play, Night of January 16th,
produced in Hollywood and then on Broadway. Her first novel, We the Living, was completed in 1934 but was rejected by numerous
publishers, until The Macmillan Company in the United States and Cassells and Company in England published the book in 1936. The
most autobiographical of her novels, it was based on her years under Soviet tyranny.
She began writing The Fountainhead in 1935 (taking a short break in 1937 to write the anti-collectivist novelette Anthem). In the
character of the architect Howard Roark, she presented for the first time the kind of hero whose depiction was the chief goal of her
writing: the ideal man, man as “he could be and ought to be.” The Fountainhead was rejected by twelve publishers but finally accepted
by the Bobbs-Merrill Company. When published in 1943, it made history by becoming a best-seller through word of mouth two years
later, and gained for its author lasting recognition as a champion of individualism.
Ayn Rand returned to Hollywood in late 1943 to write the screenplay for The Fountainhead, but wartime restrictions delayed
production until 1948. Working part time as a screenwriter for Hal Wallis Productions, she began her major novel Atlas Shrugged, in
1946. In 1951 she moved back to New York City and devoted herself full time to the completion of Atlas Shrugged.
Published in 1957, Atlas Shrugged was her greatest achievement and last work of fiction. In this novel she dramatized her unique
philosophy in an intellectual mystery story that integrated ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, politics, economics and sex. Although
she considered herself primarily a fiction writer, she realized that in order to create heroic fictional characters, she had to identify the
philosophic principles which make such individuals possible.
Thereafter, Ayn Rand wrote and lectured on her philosophy—Objectivism, which she characterized as “a philosophy for living on
earth." She published and edited her own periodicals from 1962 to 1976, her essays providing much of the material for six books on
Objectivism and its application to the culture. Ayn Rand died on March 6, 1982, in her New York City apartment.
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Concepts To Consider
INDIVIDUALISM VS. COLLECTIVISM
The principal political issue in Anthem—and in society at large—is the issue of individualism vs.
collectivism. The society depicted in Anthem is a collectivist society. “Collectivism,” Ayn Rand
wrote, “means the subjugation of the individual to the group—whether to a race, class or state
does not matter.” In such a society, the individual is owned by the group; he has no right to a
private existence, which means no right to lead his own life, pursue his own happiness or use his
own property. The individual exists only as part of the group, and his worth is determined by his
service to the group. The alternative to collectivism is individualism, the view advocated by Ayn
Rand. “Individualism,” she wrote, “regards man—every man—as an independent, sovereign
entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life, a right derived from his nature as a
rational being.” Individualism does not mean that one can do whatever he feels like doing; it
means that every man is an individual and has the same rights. “An individualist is a man who
says: ‘I will not run anyone’s life— nor let anyone run mine. I will not rule or be ruled. I will not
be a master nor a slave. I will not sacrifice myself to anyone—nor sacrifice anyone to myself.’”
SELFLESSNESS
Anthem dramatizes Ayn Rand’s view that the self is destroyed in a collectivist society. How is the
lack of self—or selflessness—shown? No one has a personal name, for, under collectivism,
individuals are interchangeable. To prefer one person to another (as a friend or romantic partner)
is to commit the cardinal sin: the Transgression of Preference. As in Nazi or Communist societies,
it is wrong to disagree, to have independent thoughts, even to ask questions, because to do
those things sets one apart from others. Self-assertion is forbidden. All decisions are made by the
Council in the name of the whole. Individuals have no rights. No individual choice is allowed by
the government: “everything which is not permitted by law is forbidden.” Anthem depicts what
happens to a society that implements selflessness. The result, according to Ayn Rand, is a
subhuman society: what makes human beings human is having a self, which means having a
mind. A selfless individual is a mindless individual. To practice selflessness, one must abstain
from thinking and obey one’s masters. To practice collectivism, one must merge himself into the
group, and the only way to do this is to obliterate individual identity and individual thought. The
result is the kind of society found in Anthem, a society of mindless robots, people with no
motivation, no ambition, no hope. They are unable to create anything, and the society they live
in has no room for creativity.
EGOISM
If lacking an ego means that one has become a robot, what, for Ayn Rand, is the exact meaning
of egoism? Egoism means “concern with one’s own interests.” It means that oneself, rather than
others, is the proper beneficiary of one’s action. Equality 7-2521 is egoistic. He lives for his own
happiness; he doesn’t sacrifice himself to others, nor does he sacrifice others to himself. The
egoism he manifests is exactly what the leaders try to eradicate: ambition, wanting things for
oneself, wanting to learn, wanting a career that makes him happy, loving someone, thinking for
himself. Equality 7-2521 represents the unconquerable human spirit, the affirmation of life. In
contrast, almost all of his fellow citizens are gray, passive, non-entities; as such, they are the
living dead. Chapter 11 ends with “This one god, this one word: ‘I,’” and the final words of the
book refer to the “sacred word: EGO.” Does this mean that egoism is a religion, with the worship
of God replaced by the worship of self? No. Ayn Rand has said that she chose the title Anthem
“because this is my hymn to man’s ego.” For Ayn Rand, the self is like a god, but is not a god in
the religious sense. The ego or self is a “god” in that it is one’s highest value, the source of what
is good in life on Earth.
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FREE WILL
One of the oldest and most important philosophic issues is the problem of free will vs.
determinism. Those like Ayn Rand, who advocate free will, contend that people can make
choices, can make up their own mind, can make decisions, can direct their own lives by the ideas
and values they adopt. Those who advocate determinism contend that people are by nature in
the grip of forces beyond their control, that their beliefs and values are the result of some force
such as God, other people, the stars, economic conditions, instincts or one’s racial heritage.
Anthem shows what it means to have free will, and it does so in a particularly interesting way. It
depicts a world where people’s lives seem to be determined but it’s actually a world where
people have free will. Students often believe that in Anthem only the heroic characters have free
will, that the masses are indeed brainwashed, with no power to control their own lives. However,
as Ayn Rand presents them, even those who submit to the authorities have free will. They are
robots, but they are robots by choice: they were not forced to obey; they do so because they
voluntarily abdicated the responsibility to think for themselves. They are depressed, without hope
or ambition; they make no effort to accomplish anything; they merely obey and go along with
orders. Ayn Rand holds that free will means “the choice to think or not.” Most of the citizens have
chosen not to think, which leaves them no alternative but to do whatever they’re told to do. How
is free will manifested in Anthem? Prometheus relies on his own judgment rather than take the
beliefs of his leaders as automatically true. His rediscovery of electricity is the prime example of
free will: he himself initiates the thinking required to understanding the world around him; this is
what makes him independent. Neither he nor his friends are bound by tradition. That the past is
“unmentionable” does not prevent them from mentioning it; that the forest beyond their city is
“uncharted” does not prevent them from reaching it. And this is the ultimate meaning of a freewill approach to life: the future is open to man; what you attain is up to you; your values and
your ultimate happiness are achievable. In Ayn Rand’s view, man has the power to think and
direct his life; he isn’t doomed to a life of despair and defeat. If he is willing to rely on himself
rather than be pushed by events, he can, like the heroic characters in Anthem achieve selfconfidence.
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Utopia vs. Our World
On this double-bubble map, compare and contrast the ideas and concepts of a
Utopian world with the world in which you live. Come with at least ten examples
for each of the three classifications.
7
Anthem Venn Diagram
Rand intended Equality 7-2521 to stand out from his “brothers.” Explain how she
accomplishes this by contrasting Equality’s physical qualities to those of his
fellow men.
8
Anthem Response Notes Chapters 1-2
A. Plot: Write 5 CDs about the plot of this chapter:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B. Select one significant quote in this chapter. Write it below, and
include page number. Describe why it is significant to you.
Page # ________
Quote:
Why:
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C. Questions: What questions did you have while you were reading?
List them below. Supply answers when you find them.
1.
2.
3.
D. Predictions: Describe what you think is going to happen
E. What connections did you make to the “real world”?
1.
2.
3.
10
Anthem Essay Paragraph
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 he’s
committing a crime? Find a quote to support your answer.
TOPIC SENTENCE:
TLCD: (For example, …)
(Rand, ______).
CM: (This shows that…)
CM: (This is important because…)
CS: (As a result…)
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Anthem Response Notes Chapters 3-7
A. Plot: Write 5 CDs about the plot of this chapter:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B. Select one significant quote in this chapter. Write it below, and
include page number. Describe why it is significant to you.
Page # ________
Quote:
Why:
12
C. Questions: What questions did you have while you were reading?
List them below. Supply answers when you find them.
1.
2.
3.
E. Predictions: Describe what you think is going to happen
E. What connections did you make to the “real world”?
1.
2.
3.
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Anthem Venn Diagram
Contrast Equality 7-2521 with the rest of the men living in this society.
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Anthem Essay Paragraph
On the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, sorrow, excitement, anger,
embarrassment, etc), why is fear the most prevalent in this society?
TOPIC SENTENCE:
TLCD: (For example, …)
(Rand, ______).
CM: (This shows that…)
CM: (This is important because…)
TLCD: (For example, …)
(Rand, ______).
CM: (This shows that…)
CM: (This is important because…)
CS: (As a result…)
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Anthem Personal Glossary
Start a personal glossary in which you explain the following terms. Provide
textual evidence.
TERM
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE & PG #
The Great Truth
The Unmentionable Times
The Uncharted Forest
The Evil Ones
The Great Rebirth
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Anthem Response Notes Chapters 8-9
A. Plot: Write 5 CDs about the plot of this chapter:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B. Select one significant quote in this chapter. Write it below, and
include page number. Describe why it is significant to you.
Page # ________
Quote:
Why:
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C. Questions: What questions did you have while you were reading?
List them below. Supply answers when you find them.
1.
2.
3.
F. Predictions: Describe what you think is going to happen
E. What connections did you make to the “real world”?
1.
2.
3.
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Anthem-ISM Personal Glossary
Start a personal glossary in which you explain the following terms. Provide
textual evidence.
TERM
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE & PG #
Collectivism
Individualism
Altruism
Egoism
Conformity
Independence
Obedience
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Anthem Cause and Effect
What does Equality 7-2521 discover in this chapters 9-11? How important is this
discovery? Describe 4-5 ways in which it would help society, and make life easier
and more enjoyable.
Cause:
Outcome 1:
Outcome 2:
Outcome 3:
Outcome 4:
Outcome 5:
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Anthem Outline
Outline some of the Council of Scholars beliefs, and Equality’s rejection of those beliefs.
Main Idea: Council of Scholar beliefs
Supporting idea:
1.
Equality’s rejection
Details/Examples
a.
b.
c.
Supporting idea:
2.
Details/Examples
a.
b.
c.
Supporting idea:
3.
Details/Examples
a.
b.
c.
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Anthem Response Notes Chapters 10-12
A. Plot: Write 5 CDs about the plot of this chapter:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B. Select one significant quote in this chapter. Write it below, and
include page number. Describe why it is significant to you.
Page # ________
Quote:
Why:
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C. Questions: What questions did you have while you were reading?
List them below. Supply answers when you find them.
1.
2.
3.
G. Predictions: Describe what you think is going to happen
E. What connections did you make to the “real world”?
1.
2.
3.
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Anthem Plot Diagram
Create a plot diagram of the novel, including the five major components (initial situation, trigger
incident, rising action, climax, resolution).
Climax
Falling Action
Rising Action
Exposition
Resolution
What’s Most Important?
Most Important?
What’s Most Important?
Themes:
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Anthem Point of View
Ayn Rand wrote Anthem in diary form, using first person major point-of-view. Discuss the merits
of this form and point of view for this particular novel. Consider: Why is the diary form crucial to
plot and character development in Anthem? How does it help to reveal the setting and establish
the nature of this society? How does it contribute to the mystery surrounding the Unspeakable
Word? How would using first person minor or third person omniscient point of view weaken the
novel?
Why is this form crucial?
How does it help reveal…?
DIARY FORM
Contribute to mystery
of Unspeakable Word?
Other voices differ?
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Anthem Pyramid of Needs
Provide examples from Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs from the society in Anthem and
examples from your own society.
Anthem’s Society VS. Our Society
Self-Actualized
Meaning
Recognition
Social
Emotional
Basic Needs
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Final Essay for Anthem
Pre-Write due day twelve. First draft due day fourteen.
Final draft (with cover sheet, pre-write, and rough draft) due day
seventeen.
Choose one of the following five prompts from which to create a well-written,
four-chunk essay:
1. Ayn Rand’s Anthem creates a dark world of the future where
individualism is destroyed. She “sings her anthem” through Equality and his
struggles to leave the collective “we” and discover himself. Discuss two
specific places in the novel that could be related to the “anthem” of
objectivism.
2. In Ayn Rand’s Anthem, candles provide the only source of light in the
world in which Equality lives. This is a literal source of light; a figurative
symbol of light is knowledge. Discuss how the motif of light of both kinds is
used throughout the novel.
3. Discuss the use of names in Anthem, specifically how the use changes
throughout the novel in relationship to Equality’s movement from the
collectivist environment of the city in which he lives to the objectivist view
at the end of the novel.
4. The novel ends with one word, EGO. Why is this word important in the
overall context of the novel? In what way does ego play a large roll (or
cease to exist) in the book?
5. Compare and contrast the treatment of at least one character in Anthem
with at least one character in Animal Farm. Be sure to examine not only
how they were persecuted or held back, but also include ways in which
they adapted to their surroundings as well.
Each essay MUST include a formal pre-write, as well as at least one rough draft.
Furthermore, EACH statement that you make MUST be supported with some
elements from the text. These elements should be direct quotes from the book
along with page numbers detailing where you quoted the text. The essay should
be broken down in the following manner:
1. An exacting introduction that describes, in detail, which prompt you will
be addressing. This should NOT be a “cut and paste” of the topic, but
should, instead, illustrate to the reader exactly what they will be reading.
This section should contain your thesis statement.
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2. At least four paragraphs or sections that support your thesis statement.
These should be important points that back up your views, and can be
written as either one-chunk or two-chunk paragraphs.
3. All points within your essay MUST have specific components extracted
from the text including, but not limited to, direct quotes and specific page
numbers.
4. A detailed conclusion that restates your initial thesis, and provides the
reader with an interesting point to take away from the essay.
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