Emma Gan

McGee/Romano

Period 8

English II
Anthem Discussion Questions

2. The most prominent emotion in the novella Anthem is fear. Laws are strict, and there is no
room for disobedience. It is frowned upon to be different, and individual traits are not
emphasized. Everyones life is scheduled and predetermined, beginning in the Home of Infants
for five years, then the Home of the Students, and finally an occupation decided by the Council
of Vocations (19-23). There is never a choice for members of the society; they are obligated to do
everything for their brothers.
Certain phrases and ideas are repeated by all members of society very frequently with the
goal of instilling those beliefs. One of the most important concepts, etched in marble in front of
the Palace of the World Council, says, We are one in all and all in one. / There are no men but
only the great WE, / One, indivisible and forever. (19) This demonstrates how people are
discouraged from being individualized and unique. People are punished for having thoughts of
their own. For example, when Equality 7-2521 refused to tell officials where he was, he was
taken to the Palace of Corrective Detention and lashed (64). Another example is when a man
found out the Unspeakable Word and was burned at the pyre (51). Town members were forced to
watch, and it set an example of what not to do. Clearly, society leaders operate by fear, which
explains why the prominent emotion is fear.
5.

a. The simile compares night and a small flame to a crack in a prison wall. This captures
the significance of Equality 4-2521s discovery. The wall of a prison represents
imprisonment, while a crack symbolizes a sliver of hope. The flame has many
implications; it shows hope for the future in a dark world.

b. International 4-8818 has eyes like fireflies, which demonstrates how he has bright
eyes, unlike other members of society. He is motivated and has an inner fire, a
determination inside of him not seen in others. The lack of apathy in International 4-8818
proves to Equality that he can be trusted and is similar to Equality.
c. Liberty 5-3000 has a straight and thin body like a blade of iron. This shows how she
has a strong and determined body, similar to her spirit. Her hair flies in the wind, as if it
defied men to restrain it. This also reveals more about her individual character. She
refuses to be defined by others, showing her distinct nature. She threw seed as [she]
deigned to fling a scornful gift, and the earth was a beggar under [her] feet. She is
different because she has grace, poise, and composure that Equality notices.
6. There is almost no opposition to the leaders in this society. This is because everyone lives in
fear, and society represses everyone. Individual thoughts are not allowed by law. For example,
when Equality 7-2521 and International 4-8818 find the subway tunnel from the Unmentionable
times, International 4-8818 mentions that ... everything which is not permitted by law is
forbidden (31). This is such a stark contrast to our society, where everything which not
forbidden by law is permitted. This quote show how the leaders of this society have complete
and total control of the society.
Because the natural rights of members in society are suppressed, no one complains and
no one knows how life would be without all the rules and limitations. When Equality 7-2521
realizes how wonderful life is without regulations, he does not want to rejoin society in their
limited ways. On page 85, Equality 7-2521 states, If that which we have found is the corruption
of solitude, then what can men wish for save corruption? This question demonstrates the twisted

ideals of the society and the repression of individual rights of liberty and speech, which allows
for the leaders to completely control the society.