By Ayn Rand
English 10 Study
50 homework points
Suggested method of
study: This book is not even 100 pages. It is, however, a rather
different book that will probably confuse you at first. That is why I suggest
that you read the entire book and then re-read it while completing the study
guide questions below. One tip I can give you as you read it for the first
time: when the narrator says “we,” he is merely referring to himself. In our
society, the correct word would be “I.” As you read, consider why that word,
along with other elements of society as we know it, have disappeared.
questions on notebook paper.
the society in which Anthem is set. Include information about political
structure, social relationships, technology, quality of life and
this chapter Equality states that it is very unusual for men to reach the
age of 45. What are some possible explanations for why the life expectancy
is so short?
Rand intended Equality to stand out from his “brothers.” Explain how she
accomplishes this by contrasting Equality’s physical qualities to those of
his fellow men.
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?
dos this novel take place—in the past, present, or future? How do
would your teachers react if you had Equality’s curse? Why do Equality’s
teachers disapprove of his quick mind?
this point in the novel does Equality accept the moral teachings of his
society? If so, why doesn’t he feel shame and remorse when he knows he’s
committing a crime? Find a quote to support your answer.
you want to be friends with someone like Equality 7-2521? Why or why not?
the account of Liberty 5-3000 on page 38-39. Which character traits are
revealed in this brief description?
several examples of the ways in which this society tries to obliterate
each individual’s mind (and self) by squashing personal choices, desires,
Equality 7-2521 with the rest of the men living in this society.
- Of the
whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, sorrow, excitement, anger,
embarrassment, etc.), why is fear the most prevalent in this society?
a personal glossary in which you explain the following terms:
word is Equality 7-2521 struggling to recapture on pages 49-51? In your
opinion, why is mentioning this word the only crime punishable by death in
this society? How does this word contradict all the ideals of this
society? What could its discovery possibly lead to?
does Equality 7-2521 discover in this chapter? How important is this
discovery? Describe 4-5 ways in which it would help society, and make life
easier and more enjoyable?
some of the Council of Scholars beliefs, and Equality’s rejection of htose
the appropriateness of Equality’s new name, Unconquered.
understands that his invention will benefit mankind greatly; however, this
was not his main motivation in conducting his experiments, and it is not
the primary source of the great joy he experiences. Discuss why.
your opinion, why is Equlity so interested in seeing his own image at this
point in the novel? What emotion is he feeling?
old locks and lack of guards in the Palace of Corrective Detention
indicate that the prisoners never tried to escape. Why not?
four of the Council’s reasons for rejecting Equality’s invention.
are the real reasons behind the council’s rejection and fear of the gift?
does Equality mean, at the beginning of the chapter, when he says, “We are
old now, but we were young this morning.”?
is Equality experiencing for the fist time in this chapter, and what does
he feel as a result?
why Equality laughs when he remembers that he is “the Damned.”
does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem?
pages 82-83, Liberty contrasts Equality to his fellow men. Paraphrase this
this chapter Equality questions the morality of his former society.
Contrast who he is previously taught about solitude, good, evil, and joy
to what he now believes.
the house and its contents in your own words, and explain why Liberty and
Equality find it so strange and unique.
great discovery does Equliaty make in this chapter?
the following quotes in your own words, and idscuss how they can be
applied to your life:
road I take, the guiding star is within me?
the word “we” must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second
does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose of his life?
what way is “I” like a god?
the incident with the Saint of they pyre (page 50 or so). What was he
trying to communicate to Equality?
doe the main characters take the names Prometheus and Gaea? Why werent’
they alloed to choose their names in their old society?
does Prometheus plan to do in the future?
reaches the important realization that “To be free, a man must be of his
brothers.” Cite several examples from Anthem that illustrate the truth of this statement.
Ayn Rand Institute 2000