Anthem

How does the novella incorporate the principles of Objectivism? How does Rand use fiction to illustrate philosophical concepts?

Describe and analyze Equality 7-2521’s character arc. What are his primary characteristics? Does he have any character flaws? How does he change? Does he reach enlightenment?

Explore the connection between setting and tone. What settings appear? What tone is used in each of the settings? How do the depictions of the setting and the literary tones used impact the message of the book?

Discuss the connection the author makes between collectivism and social conditioning. How does the World Council use conditioning to control society? What connections does the text draw between collectivism and social conditioning? Does Equality 7-2521 shed the impacts of social conditioning, or is he alternately conditioned by the books he reads?

Identify the symbols in Anthem. What symbols appear in the story, and what do they represent? Why do you think the author chose to rely heavily on symbolism?

Analyze the theme of individualism and love. Why does Equality 7-2521 love Liberty 5-3000? Why does he feel empathy for International 4-8818, Fraternity 2-5503, and Solidarity 9-6347? In this text, how does individualism function as a necessary condition for love?

Is Equality 7-2521’s desire to share his enlightenment with others altruistic? How does this apparent irony impact the theme of altruism versus egoism?

Discuss the tunnel. What type of tunnel does Equality 7-2521 find? Why does he choose to return to the tunnel? What does the tunnel represent?