Anthem by Ayn Rand

INTRODUCTORY NOTES

The Novella

Longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, Anthem is identified as a novella. More specifically, Anthem belongs to the genre of dystopian novellas.

Dystopian Fiction

Anthem is dystopian fiction. Dystopian literature illustrates a

profoundly flawed social order. Dystopian societies are widely varied, but many are characterized by the absence of individual rights, the suppression of independent thinking, and an extremely controlling government.

Collectivism

Collectivism is the term for any moral, political, or social viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of community and human interdependence over individual desire, effort, or need.

Collectivist views treat group goals as superior to individual goals.

Individualism

Individualism, the exact opposite of collectivism, stresses self-reliance, individual liberty, and human independence. Individualists oppose most forms of outside interference with an individual’s choices—whether they be social, governmental, or institutional.

Objectivism

Objectivism further asserts that the proper moral purpose of human life is the pursuit of “rational self-interest.” According to this moral code, the ideal social system is one that completely respects individual rights.

First-person Narration

• First person plural narration underscores the dystopian theme.

• “We” & “our” replace “I” to reinforce the spirit of collectivism and Rand’s dystopian theme.

• The narrator is Equality 7-2521

Plot Summary

Anthem is a work of dystopian fiction (dystopian is a word with Greek roots that refers to a society opposite of a utopia).

It takes place in a future world in which society is governed by “collectivism” (a system similar to communism). The community has many rules with strict consequences and virtually no freedoms.

Plot Summary In Anthem, technological advancement is limited

by government (known as The Council). The society of Anthem lives in a dark age in which technology like electricity has disappeared.

Men and women are assigned jobs at birth and reproduction is managed by the state.

The concept of individuality has been eliminated, and the word “I” has disappeared from the language.

All individual names have been made numbers preceded by words “Equality” and “Union.”

Protagonist / Hero

The protagonist in the story is

Equality-72521. Equality

stands out in a uniform and

regulated society. He is

exceptionally tall (6’1) and

caught up in his own free

thinking. He represents a

superior intellect in a world of

automatons.

Concepts in AnthemRand a struggle between contrasting philosophies through the

course of the novel. Rand refers to these philosophies in varied terms, including:

Altruism – man exists to serve others and this self-sacrifice is the highest moral duty

Egoism – man’s primary moral obligation is to achieve his own welfare and well-being.

Collectivism –holds that man must be chained to a collective action and collective thought for the sake of the “common good.”

Individualism – every man is an independent and sovereign entity who posses an inalienable right to his own life.

Closer: Quick Write

The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves developing a personal identity, a sense of self. 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. Finally, consider what it would be like if those things were taken away from you.