Anthem Review

What does Equality expect will happen if he shows his discovery to the council?

At first he thinks they will see, understand, then forgive, but then he realizes that they will just punish him for his crime of individual work.

Discuss why they weren't allowed to choose their own names in their old society.

Choosing names set them apart as individuals and distinguish them from each other.

Equality 7-2521 frequently mentions a "curse". What do you think his "curse" is?

Curiosity

List 3 examples of how this society tries to wipe out each individual's mind (and self) by limiting personal choices, desires, and values.

Dare not to speak of personal thoughts, all must be happy, no choice of mate.

Contrast Equality 7-2521 with the rest of the men living in this society on pg 46. How is he different?

Equality 7-2521 is not following the rules and is off learning and exploring when he isn't supposed to. The others are following rules. The others also have a lot of fear, while Equality 7-2521 does not.

Prometheus realizes that to be free a man must be free of his brothers, list 2-3 examples from Anthem that illustrate the truth of this statement.

Man has certain nights that no one can take away. The right to learn, discover, and feel happiness.

What character traits are revealed about Liberty 5-3000 on pages 38 and 39?

She seems fearless and cocky, comes off as a very stubborn and arrogant girl.

What are the ways that Equality 7-2521 is different from everyone else

Taller, learns quicker, fought with brothers and punished, superior intellect, punished more, preferred work over lessons, didn't listen to history, liked science, wished to learn, and asked many questions.

Why does the council of vocations assign Equality 7-2521 the job of a street sweeper?

Teachers warned them that he was a troublemaker and assigned him as a street sweeper to keep him in line.

What great discovery does Equality make in this chapter?

That they have a chance at a future of happiness and knowledge to look forward to.

In what ways is "I" like a God? Explain.

That we must rule and be in charge of only ourselves. We must make our own decisions and our own mistakes.

What name does Liberty 5-3000 choose for Equality 7-2521 and why is it appropriate?

The Unconquered because he has not been forced into the mold of thought and behavior like Liberty has.

What is equality experiencing for the first time this morning? How does he feel as a result of this experience?

The freedom of making his own choices and decisions. He is dancing around and laughing and experiencing a new sense of happiness and enjoyment and control over his own life.

Explain why fear is the most prevalent emotion in this society.

The society is built on fear, and they fear they may be punished if they do not go along with it. They do not want to be punished for doing sin or bad.

Why do the prisoners never think to escape from the palace of corrective detentions?

They are punished so brutally and severely that they have no desire to escape. Their lives depend on actions and the fear keeps them under control.

Does the novel take place in the past, present, or future? How do you know?

Future, it is described in the Unmentionable Times.

Why is Equality 7-2521 frustrated with the Council of Scholar's beliefs?

He believes he should not be punished over such wonderful discoveries.

List four reasons why the council rejects Equality's invention.

He broke the laws, boasted of his knowledge and discovery, thought he knew more than his brothers, how dare he go against the Council's belief he should be a street sweeper.

What does Equality 7-2521 discover in this chapter (3) and why is it so important?

He discovers electricity. This is important because he realizes that people can know more and possess more wisdom than the scholars. This goes against everything he has learned.

At this point, does Equality 7-2521 accept his society's teachings? If so, why doesn't he feel shame or remorse after committing a crime?

He has a desire to learn, and enjoys learning. Therefore, he has no guilt and is willing to be punished for trying new things.

Explain what Equality means when he says, "We are old now, yet we were young this morning".

He has learned so much that he feels older and wiser. He knows the Council does not know everything.

What is Equality feeling when Liberty brings him water and why doesn't he understand the feeling?

He is feeling love and passion, but doesn't understand because he's never experienced it before.

Why do the teachers of Equality 7-2521 disapprove of his quick mind?

He is smarter than his teachers and grasps things quickly. This is considered a sin.

Why does Equality laugh when he realizes he is the dammed?

He laughs because he's supposedly the one who is wrong, yet for the first time he feels happiness, excitement, and freedom for himself. He should be fearful and lonely, but he got the better end of the deal.

Discuss why Equality is so interested in seeing his own image at this point in the novel and discuss the emotion he is feeling.

He suddenly feels like (and enjoys) being an individual who is different from everyone else. He is feeling personal pride.

Why does Equality 7-2521 fight against the Council of Scholars?

He thinks he deserves joy and happiness, and should not be punished based on his actions.

Discuss Equality's main motivation for creating his new invention.

He wants to make a contribution to his society.

What was the pyre trying to communicate with Equity on pg 50?

He was trying to tell him that to follow his heart and go with his feelings and beliefs; that he was right to think independently even if it meant death.

Discuss what Prometheus plans to do in the future and how this is different from his old society.

He will live alone with Gaea in his own home (not in a group home) work with his own tow hands for himself.

What word is Equality 7-2521 trying to capture on pg 49?

I

What does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose of his life?

I am in charge of my own choices, my own destiny, and choosing what makes me happy. No one else can decide these except me.

Why is mentioning this word the only crime punishable by death in this society? How does the word contradict the ideals of this society?

If one sees himself as an individual, the society will fall apart and elders cannot risk that possibility.

What are the real reasons behind the rejection and the fear of the gift?

It is not their goal to make the lives of men easier. Also, they cannot accept the accomplishment of one person It goes against everything in their society believes in. Could cause a complete break down in their law and order.

Does Equality have to worry about being followed by the others?

No, because the people have been brainwashed to believe the Uncharted Forest is dangerous and that no one should ever travel there. The council will not follow him because they are confident that he will not return.

Why is the average lifespan only 45 years of age?

Older people have no point in living, they are bored, miserable, and lack stimulation and happiness. They also do not have any family to live for.

What does the uncharted forest symbolize in Anthem?

Opportunity for growth, change, and personal freedom.

Describe the emotion that Equity is feeling at the beginning of chapter 5.

Personal pride in an individual accomplishment.

Why do the new characters take the new names of Prometheus and Gaea?

Prometheus was the god who was entrusted with the task of molding mankind out of clay. Gaea emerged at the dawn of creation, along with air, sea, and sky.

Describe the house and its contents and explain why Liberty and Equality find it so strange and unique. They have only lived in institutionalized settings (hundreds to one room).

They think the rooms are "small" and could only hold 12 people (it's actually huge in our point of view). There are many windows (more window than wall) and the windows are held up by concrete. There are light fixtures everywhere with two beds and a bookshelf full of books.

Equality questions the morality of its former society. Contrast what he was previously taught about solitude, good, evil, and joy to what he now believes.

They thought that anything that comes from one and not many was evil, but it's not. They never questioned the laws that controlled their lives, but now they do. They never felt joy or happiness, but didn't miss it because they'd never had it. Now they know personal joy is best. They toiled and worked only for the good of others-never for their own satisfaction.