Anthem by Ayn Rand Introductory Notes

Goals By the end of this Unit, the student will be able to: 1. analyze the use of the first-person character narrator. 2. analyze the diary format as a narrative technique. 3. identify the characteristics of the dystopian novella.

Goals 4. recognize the following plot components: exposition conflict rising action climax resolution

Goals 5. trace the development of various motifs found in the novella: darkness and light ignorance and knowledge transgression and damnation

Goals 6. trace the use and evolution of characters’ names and identities in the novella. 7. distinguish between the two philosophical points of view central to this novella, collectivism and objectivism, and point to where and how each is presented. 8. analyze the novella’s title and its relationship to the novella’s theme.

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.

Dystopian Fiction Anthem, Rand uses this genre to illustrate the principles of objectivism. By creating a world in which collectivism has been taken to an extreme, she illustrates the importance of individual rights and freedoms.

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 is a philosophy developed by Ayn Rand in response to what she viewed as growing worldwide collectivism. According to Rand’s philosophy, there is an objective reality independent of the mind, which individuals can perceive through their five senses.

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.

Objectivism To describe objectivism, Rand wrote: My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.

Objectivism Rand wrote: “Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice...A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality.”

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

Pre-Reading Journal: Homework 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.