Anthem - By: Ayn Rand

Anthem
-
By: Ayn Rand
DETAILED CHAPTER QUESTIONS
NOTE: All page numbers cited refer to the Anthem Student Editlon,
Chapter
I
l. (a) In a well-organized paragraph, describe the society in which Anthem is set. Some areas to consider
. the political structurc, degree oftechnology, social relationships, quality oflifle, and education.
(b)
2.
Would you want to live in this society? Explain why or why not.
it is very unusual for men to reach the age of 45. OlIer several
possible explanations as to why life expectancy is so short in his society.
In this chapter Equality 7-2521 states thar
Term and
Examples fuom Anthem
Deflnition
(Try to find sevsral examples
.
are
Transgression: the
breaking of a law
or oath
.
Sin:
.
Curse:
.
Crime:
.
Evil:
.
Damned:
3.
-
(a)
Why is this chrrscter or act
rondemned ia Anthem2
per term)
(b) Should it be condemned?
Erplain why or why noL
Transgression of Pret'erence:
Equality chooses lntemational
(a)
.1-8818 as his friend (p. 30).
They are taught that the
individual is nothing mankind is
cverything, and that everyone musl
be treated with absolute equality.
To choose a lriend is to single out,
:nd elevate, one man tiom the
group. Also, choosing a lriend
requires individual thought,
personal choices, and value
judgments, all of which are
tbrbidden. They are expected to be
rnindless, and thus selfless.
(b) Penonal response required.
Copy and complete the lollowing chart, and continue to add to your entries as you read each chapter.
(The tirst entry is partially completed, as an example.)
J.
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 with those of his t-ellow men.
5.
Why does the Council of Vocations assign Equality the job of street sweeper? Is it due to error,
incompetence or a more sinister motivation? Explain.
6.
When does this novel take
7. (a)
tb)
g.
.
placo-in
the past, the present or the future? How do you know'l
How would your teachers react if you had Equality's "cune'?
Why do Equality's teachers disapprove of his quick mind?
At this point in the novel, does Equality accept the moral teachings of his society? If so, why doesn't he
ttel shame or remorse when he knows that he's committing a crime? Find texhral evidence to support
your answer,
9.
Woutd you want to be lriends with someone tike Equality? Why or why not?
r
Chapter ll
l.
Reread the account of Liberty 5-3000 on page 38. What character traits are revealed in this brief description?
2.
F
L
Contrast Equality wilh the rest of the men living in this society (p. 46).
l.
Of the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, excitement, anger, embarrassment, etc.), rvhy is lear the
prevalent emotion in this societyl
5.
Start a penonal glossary in which you explain the following terms: the Creat Truth, the Unmentionable
Times. the Uncharted Foresl the Evil Ones. the Great Rebirth.
ind 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,
6. (a) What word is Equality stnrggling to recapture
(b)
on page 49?
In your opinion, why is mentioning this word the only crime punishable by death in this society? How
does this word contradict the ideals of this society'? What could its rediscovery possibly lead to?
Chapter lll
l. (a) What does Equality discover in this chapter?
(b)
2.
How important is this discovery? Describe four or five ways in which it would help society, and make
Iii'e easier or more enjoyable.
Outline some of the Council of Scholars' beliefs, and Equality's refutation of those beliefs.
Chapter lV
L
Discuss the appropriateness ofEquality's new name, "Unconquered."
Chapter V
l.
Equality understands that his invention will benefit mankind greatty; however, this was not his main
motivalion in conducting his expenments, and it is not the primary source ofthe greatjoy he experiences.
Discuss.
2.
[n your opinion, why is Equality so interested in seeing his own image at this point in the novel? What
emotion is he f,eeling?
Chapter Vl
1.
The old locks and lack
escape. Why not?
of guards in the
Palace
of Corrective Detention indicate that prisoners never tried to
Chapter Vll
l.
Outline lour of the Council's reasons for rejecting Equality's invention.
2.
Wtat are the real reasons behind the Council's rejection and lear ofthe gift?
3.
What does Equality mean, at the beginning of the chapter, when he says, "We are old now, but we were
yourg this moming" (p. 68)?
Chapter Vlll
l.
What is Equality experiencirg tbr the first time in this chapter, and what tloes he f'eel as a result?
2.
Explain why Equaliry laughs when he remembers that he is ..the Damned."
l.
What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem?
Chapter lX
l. On pages 93-94, Liberty contrasts Equality with his fellow men. Paraphrase this passage.
l.
ln this chapter, Equality questions the morality of his lormer society. Contrast what he was previously taught
ebout solitude, good, evil andjoy with what he now believes.
Chapter X
l.
Descnbe the house and its contents in your own words, and explain why Liberty and Equatity find
strange and unique.
it
so
Chapter Xl
1.
What geat discovery does Equatity make in this chapter?
2.
Explain the lollowing quotes in your own wonds, and discuss how they can be applied to your life:
(a)
"Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me."
(b)
"For the word'We'must never be spoken, save by one's choice and as a second thoughL"
l.
Wtat does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose ofhis life?
.1.
[n what ways is "1" like a god?
5.
Reread the incident with the Saint of the Pyre (p. 50). What was he trying to communicate to Equality?
Chapter Xll
l.
Why do the main characters uke the namet Prometheus and Gaea? Why weren't they allowed to choose
then names in their old society?
2.
What does Prometheus plan to do in the tunre?
L
Prometheus reaches the important realization that '"To be ltee, a man must be lree of his brothers" (p. I 0l ).
Cite several examples from Anthem that illustrate the truth of this statement.
qilhem Lesson Plans and Study Guide
O 2009 Ayn Rand lnstitute
13

Download Report