The Anthem -Ann Rand

STUDY GUIDE -----

The Anthem

Chapter 1

1.a. The society that is represented in the novel is futuristic in terms of the actual date, yet incredibly underdeveloped to what we experience today. The political structure obviously works, because there doesn't seem to be much discontent among the citizens. The technology is obviously incredibly lacking compared to today's standards. There don't seem to be any social relationships, because one cannot prefer one man over another. However, the quality of life seems decent. There was no talk about starving or anything disheartening. Everyone seemed well taken care of. The education is horrible, because people can't have interests. They just listen, not learn.

1.b. I do not think I'd like to live in this society because it does not allow free thinking, or anything else that makes humans the way they are. There was nothing to differentiate people, nothing to like or dislike about each other. The only thing that was good was that everyone was treated equal. In America, we say this, but there are obvious exceptions. Such is not the case in the world depicted in the novel.

2.

Term and Definition Examples From Anthem Why is this character or act condemned in Anthem?

Should it be condemned? Explain

Transgressions: the breaking of a law or oath Equality chooses International 4-8818 as his friend (pg. 27)

Watching and thinking the Golden One is beautiful (pg. 42)

They are taught that the individual is nothing, mankind is everything, and that everyone must be treated with absolute equality. To choose a friend is to single out, and elevate, one man from the group. Also, choosing a friend requires individual thought, personal choices, and value judgments, all of which are forbidden. They are expected to be mindless, and thus selfless. This should not be condemned because making friends is a natural human thing. To go through life without actually knowing other people gives you a one-sided and skewed view of the world.

It should not be condemned because physical attraction is inborn to us humans. At one point in our life we will long for a member of the opposite sex. There is nothing any council could do about it

Sin: an action to be regretted

To write this is a sin...(pg. 1)

Writing down your thoughts should not be condemned. Even though you may not be able to speak your thoughts to others, you should at least be heard. Maybe someone would find the book and realize what they've been missing out on.

Curse: the cause of evil Equality feels he is cursed...(many instances) Equality believes he is cursed just because he is unlike the others. Being others should not be condemned because it is something that cannot be helped. The human mind is completely unpredictable.

Crime: an illegal action Stolen Manuscripts (pg. 36) Equality stole manuscripts which is a crime. I think this should be condemned because stealing in all senses is not right. You shouldn't take what is not yours.

Evil: Incredibly bad-natured What they write is Evil...(pg.1) Writing is just thought, no harm is done. If no others read what was wrote, no others will get the bad ideas wrote by Equality. Therefore, no harm is done. So, no, this action should not be condemned.

Damned: hopeless, ill-faited Equality discovers a tunnel (sewer?) pg. 33) Since the tunnel is something from the Unmentionable Times, Equality is damned for coming in contact with it. Humans are curious by nature. I would have gone down the hold into the tunnel also, just to find out what was down there. Being curious definitely shouldn't be condemned.

3. Equality does accept the moral teachings of society, but only because he knows of nothing different. He doesn't feel shame or anything else because he accepts that he is different. He also knows that he can't resist being "evil" as they call him, and he knows what he is doing is right.

4. I would definitely want to be friends with Equality because he is different then everyone else. He isn't afraid to do or say the unthinkable, just like me.

Chapter 2

1. You can tell that she is also freethinking, just by the way she walked up to him. She is curious, something which is forbidden.

2. The society tries to get rid of sexual feelings by not being allowed to prefer one person over another. You can't have likes or dislikes because you are supposed to do what you are told. You aren't allowed to think ideas that your brothers have not thought, so most of the others can't even think of disobeying the rules.

3. All of the other men are subdued and obedient, somewhat like an old dog. Equality is happy to be alive and is proud of himself. He does as he pleases while the others do not.

4. Fear is the most prevalent emotion because it can consume your mind and soul without there even being a real threat. It is contagious, and can be brought out from the most minor things.

5. The Great Truth - All men are one and there is no will save the will of all men together.

The Unmentionable Times - The ages before the Great Rebirth and the Great Truth.

The Uncharted Forest - The immense forest surrounding the city. No man who goes

there ever comes back.

The Evil Ones - Those who apposed the Great Truth.

The Great Rebirth - The time when the Great Truth was realized.

6.a. I

6.b. Saying the word "I" is the only crime punishable by death because it could lead to others remembering the word, and giving them a sense of individualism. The word "I" has nothing to do with the Great Truth. If the word was rediscovered, people would start thinking about themselves instead of about their brothers.

Chapter 3