Anthem Chapter 1

Answer question #1 fully and choose any other to answer completely. All questions relate to Chapter 1 in Ayn Rand's Anthem.

1) (a) In a well-organized paragraph, describe the society in which Anthem is set. Some areas to consider are the political structure, degree of technology, social relationships, quality of life, and education.
(b) Would you want to live in this society? Explain why or why not.

2) In this chapter Equality 7-2521 states that it is very unusual for men to reach the age of 45. Offer several explanations as to why life expectancy is so short in his society.

3) Clearly, Ayn Rand intended Equality to stand out from his "brothers." Explain how she accomplishes this by contrasting Equality's physical qualities and character traits to those of his fellow men.

4) Why does the Council of Vocations assign Equality the job of street sweeper? Is it due to error, incompetence, or a more sinister motivation? Explain.

5) (a) How would your teachers react if you had Equality's "curse"?
(b) Why do Equality's teachers disapprove of his quick mind?

6) Would you want to be friends with someone like Equality? Why or why not?