AnthemQuestions

�Anthem� Discussion Questions: Chapters 1-6

1. In Chapter 1, Rand writes about the Home of the Useless, the Home of the Infants, and the Home of the students. All individual thought is quashed. Yet, Equality 7-2521 is capable of choice. Where in this book does he choose, and what are the consequences? Was it worth it? Why or why not?

2. The reader meets Liberty 5-3000 in Chapter 2. What are some of the features that attract Equality 7-2521 to Liberty 5-3000? (Consult the text.) Are they physical attributes? Why do you think Rand essentially omits physical attributes from her characters?

3. In Chapter 2, Rand writes of the Saint of the Pyre. Re-read Rand�s description of him and compare it to her description of Liberty on p.__. What do you notice? Why do you think Rand does this?

4. In the world of �Anthem,� brothers must not use the �Unspeakable Word� and must instead use the collectivist �we.� Why do you think Rand does this? Do you think it is detrimental to the �flow� of the text?

5. In Chapter 5, Equality 7-2521 is overcome by emotion and excited to share his new discovery with the World Council of Scholars. Yet, every indication up to this point is that the Scholars will greet the discovery with disdain. What do you think of the protagonist�s decision to approach the Council? Would you have done the same? Why?

6. In Chapter 6, Equality 7-2521 is beaten and tortured. Do you find any hypocrisy here? What of the brothers� supposed �love for humankind?� How sincere is that? Can you think of other martyrs who were silenced for exhibiting individual thought.

�Anthem� Discussion Questions: Chapters 7-12

1. Equality 7-2521 has no problem challenging authority and escaping from jail. Why do you think this is so? Why are there no guards or no padlocks in the Palace of Corrective Detention?

2. In Chapter 7, why do you suppose the Council rejects Equality 7-2521�s discovery? Is it simply fear of the unknown, or are there larger issues at work? Could the electricity perhaps be a discovery they already know about but are unwilling to �unleash?� Why would they do that?

3. What is the significance of Equality 7-2521 seeing his reflection in the river for the first time in Chapter 8. Do you agree that a person�s inner difference can be measured in their outer persona? Do artists look like artists? Do scientists look like scientists? Is there danger in these types of generalizations? Think of examples in your own personal lives.

4. In Chapter 9, the Gold One admits her love to the protagonist. Having never known the power of personal feeling, how do you think she knows she�s in love? What would be their definition of �love?�

5. In Chapter Chapter 11, Equality 7-2521 finally discovers the word �I� � the idea that a person�s innermost feelings and thoughts belong to that person, and that person alone. The root word of �EGO� is �self� or �I.� When is ego good or bad? What happens when a person possesses no ego?

6. In the book�s final chapter, Promotheus suggests a new society based on individualism and the free will of its members. Using your imagination, what will this society look like in 20 years? How can this society prevent itself from becoming �Unmentionable?�

7. Do you see any parallelisms between this society and any governments or institutions in our own society? What about school? Do you think the current educational structure, in this high school or schools in general, encourages individual thought, or tries to tame it?