Product Overview
Anthem: A Study Of Individualism vs. Collectivism
Anthem by Ayn Rand stands as a powerful conduit through which students can explore the constructs of society, the essence of individualism, and the innate human yearning for freedom.
Ordering Books for Anthem
There's no order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of Anthem books now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of Anthem
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of Anthem is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
|  |
About the Book Anthem by Ayn Rand |
Anthem takes place in a dystopian future where mankind has entered another dark age. We follow the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, through the discovery of a tunnel that leads him to a forbidden word and the lost concept of individuality. The novel paints a riveting contrast between the collectivist principles enforced by a tyrannical regime and the profound human struggle for personal identity and intellectual exploration. The relevance of Anthem persists in modern times, serving as a cautionary tale about the extremes of collectivism and the indispensable nature of individualism. It is a literary exploration that mimics ongoing social and political debates, striking a chord with both the historic and contemporary contexts. Teaching Anthem is teaching resilience against conformity, in a society at a time when individual thought, expression, and action are becoming increasingly, significantly challenged. It allows students to dissect the very tools and narratives that attempt to stifle or shape who we become. |
Themes in the book Anthem by Ayn Rand |
Individualism vs. Collectivism: In Anthem, Rand contrasts the concepts of individualism and collectivism. The society depicted in the novella suppresses individual identity in favor of collective conformity. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, represents the struggle for personal identity and freedom in a world where the concept of "I" is forbidden. The Power of Knowledge and Learning: The pursuit of knowledge is a central theme in Anthem. Equality 7-2521's curiosity and desire to learn lead him to rediscover lost scientific principles, symbolizing the power of knowledge to liberate individuals. Freedom and Conformity: Rand's novella highlights the tension between freedom and conformity. The society in Anthem enforces strict rules to maintain uniformity, punishing those who dare to be different. The Role of Emotions and Relationships: Emotions and personal relationships are tightly controlled in the world of Anthem. The novella explores how genuine emotions and connections can flourish even in oppressive environments. The Importance of Self-Discovery: Self-discovery is a key theme in Anthem. The protagonist's journey is one of rediscovering his own identity and asserting his individuality.
|
Activity Ideas for the book Anthem by Ayn Rand |
Laying the Foundation: Before submersing the class in the narrative of Anthem, set the stage with open dialogue about the themes that will unfold. Questions such as "Why is individualism important?" and "What is a just society?" can provoke thoughtful responses and preempt the critical thinking the novel will demand. Preliminary Reading: Engage the class in a preliminary reading of the first chapter, encouraging them to identify language and stylistic choices that hint at the underlying messages. Fostering this interactive learning style prepares students to read between the lines and become active participants in the story's interpretation. Character Journaling: Ask students to adopt the persona of Equality 7-2521 and maintain a character journal throughout their reading. In their entries, they should express the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist at key plot points. Reflecting on the story from within its framework helps students empathize with the central struggle for identity. The Society We Design: Split the class into groups and task each with creating a society with an absolute and rigid set of rules. Encourage them to think about the consequences of such a structure on individual lives and personal freedoms. This real-world application allows students to extrapolate the novel's themes and apply them creatively to new contexts. Ayn Rand in Today's Media: Explore contemporary media with students, identifying instances or narratives that align with the themes of Anthem and the subsequent works of Ayn Rand. This exercise grounds the novel's messages in the students' lived experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the material. Book-to-Film Adaptation Analysis: If time allows, compare a film adaptation of Anthem with the novel, noting the changes in narrative or emphasis. This activity not only reinforces plot details but also introduces the concept of artistic interpretation and how a story is presented or twisted to fit different mediums or agendas.
|
Customer Service
- We guarantee you'll have the best customer service experience ever with Teacher's Pet Publications.
- We are here to help make things as easy as possible for you!
- Your information is secure. We don't keep your card number on file anywhere, and we don't sell, rent, or give away your personal information.
- We treat you as we would like to be treated as a customer!
- Need help? Have questions? We're happy to assist you! Contact Us
