CRITICAL THINKINGTOPIC: SOCIETY Contemp Lit

1-13-14

Chapter 1• 1) What is the setting like in Anthem? What does it look

like? What are the rules? What time period does it take place?

• More importantly, how does this affect our main character?

• Physical and emotional setting

Chapter 1• 2) Why is writing this book (his journal) such a crime?

• Thoughts• Physical and emotional setting• Actions from present and incidents from past

Chapter 1• 3) Why does Equality always refer to himself as “we” and

“our.”

• Dialog • Physical and emotional setting

Chapter 1• 4) Why are all the people in this community named so

weirdly? What end does that accomplish?

• Name analysis• Physical and emotional setting

Chapter 1• 5) 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 with those of his fellow men.

• Physical description• Thoughts• Attitude• How other view the character

Chapter 1• 6) What is Equality’s Curse? How might your teachers

react if you had this curse? Why do Equality’s teachers disapprove of his curse?

• How others view the character

Chapter 1• 7) Why does the Council of Vocations assign Equality the

street sweeper job? Does he deserve it? Did they mess up? Or is there a more sinister motivation?

• How others view the character• Physical and emotional setting

Chapter 1• 8) At this point in the novel, does Equality accept the

teachings of his society? If so, why doesn’t he feel shame or remorse when he knows he’s committing a crime?

• Thoughts• Actions • Physical and emotional setting

Reading Time…• Read chapters 2 and 3

• Do Djs…

• Leave your DJ’s out on your desks so I can check them.