Anthem by Ayn Rand Most current novel covers.                                            Anthem by Ayn Rand Most current novel covers. We are reading this in class, copies will be provided. Books will not be checked out to students. If you miss reading you will need to purchase a copy or locate a copy.

Before the Russian revolution, the country was run by a monarchy Before the Russian revolution, the country was run by a monarchy. Tsar Nicholas Romanov II was the reigning king. Due to force by communist rebels, he surrendered his position and power. (Romanovs are pictured below)

Even though the Tsar had surrendered, he still had supporters Even though the Tsar had surrendered, he still had supporters. He was imprisoned in the palace, and then eventually the family was moved to a new location. They remained imprisoned at the new location for some months. The communists finally determined that it was not safe to keep the Romanov family alive. The entire family was executed in the basement of the home in July, 1917.

Author Information Rand left Russia because she hated the communist government. She settle in Hollywood, California. She began writing plays, short stories and novels.

Controversy in Ayn Rand’s Life She had an “open relationship” with her husband. She was an atheist She was pro-choice She most closely tied herself to the right politically and is considered a conservative republican. Modern libertarians and conservative republicans will sometimes cite Rand’s work.

Author Information Ayn Rand died March 6, 1982.

The novel has two competing philosophies. Objectivism Collectivism Man is a hero. His own happiness is his reason for living. Man must be a productive worker. Man must only trust himself and his own beliefs What form of government is based on objectivism? Democracy Man’s rights are set by the government. The government decides what job is best for each man. The government decides how man should look, act, and think. Man does what is best for the group. What form of government is collectivism? Communism

Theme Angered by the conformity encouraged by her homeland of Russia, Ayn Rand authored this rather short novel to display one crucial theme – Save yourself no matter the cost.