Textual Support
While recounting man's struggle for freedom throughout history, Equality laments that "At first, man was enslaved by gods... then by kings... then by his birth, his race, his kin. But he broke their chains. He declared to all his brothers that a man has right which [no men] can take away from him. And he stood on the threshold of freedom... But then he gave up all that he had won, and fell lower that his salvage beginning" (pg. 119).
Task
Find a specific example from history for each of these five stages in mankind's political history, including an example from the twentieth century for the final stage. What, according to this novel, must man understand to enable him to pass through the threshold of freedom that, in the past, he so nearly reached?
The response to the task should be a visual representation of some variety. Please include a works cited page. (Refer to the MLA style guide and example of works cited page on this blog.)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Explication/ Close Reading Exercise
Textual Support
Liberty chooses "Unconquered" as a fitting name for Equality. Similarly, William Henley's most famous poem is titled "Invictus" which is Latin for 'unconquered."
"Invictus"
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquered soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms by the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Task
Write a 5x5 close reading on the similarities between the main characters in Anthem and this poem. Refer to the linked close reading handout for guidance.
Close Reading of a Literary Passage
Liberty chooses "Unconquered" as a fitting name for Equality. Similarly, William Henley's most famous poem is titled "Invictus" which is Latin for 'unconquered."
"Invictus"
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquered soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms by the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Task
Write a 5x5 close reading on the similarities between the main characters in Anthem and this poem. Refer to the linked close reading handout for guidance.
Close Reading of a Literary Passage
Works Cited Page Sample
Please model your Works Cited page after the example. Please click on the hyper link below.
Works Cited Page sample
Works Cited Page sample
MLA Style Guide
Please model your citation according to the the attached style guide. Click on the hyper link below.
Style Guide
Style Guide
Introduction to Objectivism
Please view the following website. Watch the video and read selections under the video.
Intro to Objectivism
http://aynrandnovels.com/ayn-rand-ideas/introduction-to-objectivism.html
Intro to Objectivism
http://aynrandnovels.com/ayn-rand-ideas/introduction-to-objectivism.html
Essay Contest
All Honors students will be required to enter the Essay Contest through the Ayn Ran Institute.
Visit the link below to read the rules, essay options, and entry dates. In order to recieve credit for this assignment, you will have to print your submition email and a copy of your essay. This assignment is worth 100 points.
Essay Conest Website
http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/Anthem.aspx?theme=blue
Visit the link below to read the rules, essay options, and entry dates. In order to recieve credit for this assignment, you will have to print your submition email and a copy of your essay. This assignment is worth 100 points.
Essay Conest Website
http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/Anthem.aspx?theme=blue
Essay Exam
Respond to each essay in a 1x5 format using specific examples and details from the novel. Regular English mods, respond to 3 of the choices.
Honors mod respond to three of the questions as well; however, write a 2x5 response. Also, Honors students will chose one essay option that they did not respond to in the exam to give a "Keynote Speaker" address to the class.
Essay Options
1- In many real and fictionalized totalitarian societies, children live apart from their families. Why would dictatorial leaders enforce this living arrangement?
2- What does Equality finally understand about his society when the Council threatens to destroy his invention?
Contrast Equality’s view of morality at the end of the novel to that of his society.
3- At first glance, most characters in Anthem appear to be near-automatons, blindly conforming to the rest of society. Upon closer study, however, we see that all of the characters in Anthem—Equality, International, Liberty, the Council members, everyone—make choices and decisions that affect their lives and their futures, for better or for worse. In short, they all possess the choice to think or not, and that choice determines everything else. Discuss.
4- Many people blame their hardships, poverty, or unhappiness on external conditions. “It’s not my fault,” they cry, “it’s because of the family, class, race, society, or culture into which I was born!” They believe that outside factors control and determine their lives. Use Equality as an example to refute this deterministic view of man.
5- Anthem is a heroic and inspiring story about the triumph of the individual’s independent spirit. Even though, at the end of the novel, Equality is greatly outnumbered, and modern society lies in ruins, it is a story of liberation and hope—not of despair. Discuss.
6- Aside from very rare exceptions (Equality, the Saint at the Pyre) there is literally no opposition to the leaders in this society. Why is this? What ideas must these men have accepted to live a life of obedience, drudgery, and fear?
7- Anthem’s theme is, in Ayn Rand’s own words, “the meaning of man’s ego.” Explain the ways in which the characters and plot in Anthem illustrate this theme.
8- To fully control a man, dictators must not only enslave his body, but also destroy his mind. Discuss how the leaders in Anthem seek to accomplish this tyrannical end.
Honors mod respond to three of the questions as well; however, write a 2x5 response. Also, Honors students will chose one essay option that they did not respond to in the exam to give a "Keynote Speaker" address to the class.
Essay Options
1- In many real and fictionalized totalitarian societies, children live apart from their families. Why would dictatorial leaders enforce this living arrangement?
2- What does Equality finally understand about his society when the Council threatens to destroy his invention?
Contrast Equality’s view of morality at the end of the novel to that of his society.
3- At first glance, most characters in Anthem appear to be near-automatons, blindly conforming to the rest of society. Upon closer study, however, we see that all of the characters in Anthem—Equality, International, Liberty, the Council members, everyone—make choices and decisions that affect their lives and their futures, for better or for worse. In short, they all possess the choice to think or not, and that choice determines everything else. Discuss.
4- Many people blame their hardships, poverty, or unhappiness on external conditions. “It’s not my fault,” they cry, “it’s because of the family, class, race, society, or culture into which I was born!” They believe that outside factors control and determine their lives. Use Equality as an example to refute this deterministic view of man.
5- Anthem is a heroic and inspiring story about the triumph of the individual’s independent spirit. Even though, at the end of the novel, Equality is greatly outnumbered, and modern society lies in ruins, it is a story of liberation and hope—not of despair. Discuss.
6- Aside from very rare exceptions (Equality, the Saint at the Pyre) there is literally no opposition to the leaders in this society. Why is this? What ideas must these men have accepted to live a life of obedience, drudgery, and fear?
7- Anthem’s theme is, in Ayn Rand’s own words, “the meaning of man’s ego.” Explain the ways in which the characters and plot in Anthem illustrate this theme.
8- To fully control a man, dictators must not only enslave his body, but also destroy his mind. Discuss how the leaders in Anthem seek to accomplish this tyrannical end.
Chapter Twelve
Respond to all of the questions below.
1- Equality and Liberty take new names again. What are their new names? What reason did Equality give for choosing the new names?
2- What does Equality plan to do in the future?
3- What is the sacred word that Equality says he will cut above the doors and print on his banners?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
In your own words define Equality’s sacred word. If you were in Equality's situation what would be your sacred word? Why?
1- Equality and Liberty take new names again. What are their new names? What reason did Equality give for choosing the new names?
2- What does Equality plan to do in the future?
3- What is the sacred word that Equality says he will cut above the doors and print on his banners?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
In your own words define Equality’s sacred word. If you were in Equality's situation what would be your sacred word? Why?
Chapter Eleven
Respond to 2 of the 4 questions below.
1- What great discovery does Equality make in this chapter?
2- What does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose of his life?
3- Using examples from the text, explain in what ways “I” is like a God?
4- Reread the incident with the Saint of the Pyre on page 50. What was he trying to communicate to Equality?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Explain the following quotes in your own words:
a. “Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me.”
b. “For the word ‘We’ must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought.”
How can these quotes be applied to your life?
1- What great discovery does Equality make in this chapter?
2- What does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose of his life?
3- Using examples from the text, explain in what ways “I” is like a God?
4- Reread the incident with the Saint of the Pyre on page 50. What was he trying to communicate to Equality?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Explain the following quotes in your own words:
a. “Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me.”
b. “For the word ‘We’ must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought.”
How can these quotes be applied to your life?
Chapter Ten
Respond to the question below.
Write a paragraph describing the house and its contents in your own words. Explain why Liberty and Equality find it so strange and unique.
Honors' Disscussion Prompt
Describe the symbolic value of the house and its contents. Perform a close reading of this chapter.
Write a paragraph describing the house and its contents in your own words. Explain why Liberty and Equality find it so strange and unique.
Honors' Disscussion Prompt
Describe the symbolic value of the house and its contents. Perform a close reading of this chapter.
Chapter Nine
Respond to the questions below.
Equality and Liberty are reunited in the Uncharted Forest. What is it that Equality says is the “bond” between them?
Read the quote that begins “There is some error, one frightful error . . . (pg 86). In response to this quote, what do you believe is the error that Equality is trying to identify?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
In this chapter, Equality questions the morality of his former society. Contrast what he was previously taught about solitude, good, evil and joy to what he now believes. What events have brought him to this belief system? Do you agree with/ like his progression of thought? Explain your opinion.
Equality and Liberty are reunited in the Uncharted Forest. What is it that Equality says is the “bond” between them?
Read the quote that begins “There is some error, one frightful error . . . (pg 86). In response to this quote, what do you believe is the error that Equality is trying to identify?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
In this chapter, Equality questions the morality of his former society. Contrast what he was previously taught about solitude, good, evil and joy to what he now believes. What events have brought him to this belief system? Do you agree with/ like his progression of thought? Explain your opinion.
Chapter Eight
Respond to 2 of the 3 questions below.
1- What is Equality experiencing for the first time in this chapter? What does he feel as a result?
2- Explain why Equality laughs when he remembers that he is “the Damned.”
3- Equality bends to get a drink of water and has a new experience (pg 80). What is the new experience? How does he react?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem? Is this a prevelant symbol in today's society? In Ayn Rand's society? Use examples.
1- What is Equality experiencing for the first time in this chapter? What does he feel as a result?
2- Explain why Equality laughs when he remembers that he is “the Damned.”
3- Equality bends to get a drink of water and has a new experience (pg 80). What is the new experience? How does he react?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize in Anthem? Is this a prevelant symbol in today's society? In Ayn Rand's society? Use examples.
Chapter Seven
Respond to 2 of the 4 questions below.
Outline four of the Council’s reasons for rejecting Equality’s invention.
What are the real reasons behind the Council’s rejection and fear of the gift?
Equality states that “We are doomed” but he does not feel doomed. How does Equality really feel once he is in the Uncharted Forest?
Equality states that “We are doomed” but he does not feel doomed. How does Equality really feel once he is in the Uncharted Forest?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
What does Equality mean at the beginning of the chapter when he says, “We are old now, but we were young this morning?” Also, reflect on the many emotions handled in this chapter. How do the specific emotions (list them) affect the power of the chapter and describe the character(s)?
Outline four of the Council’s reasons for rejecting Equality’s invention.
What are the real reasons behind the Council’s rejection and fear of the gift?
Equality states that “We are doomed” but he does not feel doomed. How does Equality really feel once he is in the Uncharted Forest?
Equality states that “We are doomed” but he does not feel doomed. How does Equality really feel once he is in the Uncharted Forest?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
What does Equality mean at the beginning of the chapter when he says, “We are old now, but we were young this morning?” Also, reflect on the many emotions handled in this chapter. How do the specific emotions (list them) affect the power of the chapter and describe the character(s)?
Chapter Six
Respond to 2 of the three questions below.
1- Up until now, Equality has been sneaking in and out of his hidden place to work on his invention. One night he is caught sneaking back in to his “home.” What is his punishment?
2- How did Equality become free from the Palace of Corrective Detention?
3- The old locks and lack of guards in the Palace of Corrective Detention indicate that prisoners have never tried to escape. According to the text, why not?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Discuss the pro's and con's of the Palace of Corrective Detention. Would such a design work in the modern day? Explain your answer taking into considering both sides of the issue.
1- Up until now, Equality has been sneaking in and out of his hidden place to work on his invention. One night he is caught sneaking back in to his “home.” What is his punishment?
2- How did Equality become free from the Palace of Corrective Detention?
3- The old locks and lack of guards in the Palace of Corrective Detention indicate that prisoners have never tried to escape. According to the text, why not?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Discuss the pro's and con's of the Palace of Corrective Detention. Would such a design work in the modern day? Explain your answer taking into considering both sides of the issue.
Chapter Five
Respond to the questions below.
1- What does Equality invent in this chapter?
2- Equality is suddenly interested in seeing his own image. Why now? What emotions is he feeling?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Equality understands that his invention will benefit mankind greatly; however, this was not his main motivation for his experiments. What is the primary source of his “great joy”? How will his invent truly benefit mankind?
1- What does Equality invent in this chapter?
2- Equality is suddenly interested in seeing his own image. Why now? What emotions is he feeling?
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Equality understands that his invention will benefit mankind greatly; however, this was not his main motivation for his experiments. What is the primary source of his “great joy”? How will his invent truly benefit mankind?
Chapter Four
Respond to the question below.
What is the name that Liberty has given to Equality? Does this name fit? Why?
Honors's Discussion Prompt
In this chapter, the interaction between Liberty and Equality is one demonstration of the author’s use of foreshadowing in the novel. Based on this interaction, what might the reader expect in the future action?
What is the name that Liberty has given to Equality? Does this name fit? Why?
Honors's Discussion Prompt
In this chapter, the interaction between Liberty and Equality is one demonstration of the author’s use of foreshadowing in the novel. Based on this interaction, what might the reader expect in the future action?
Chapter Three
Respond the question below.
What does Equality discover in this chapter? How important is this discovery? Describe four or five ways in which it would help society and make life easier or more enjoyable.
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Outline some of the Council of Scholars’ beliefs. What does Equality say about those beliefs? What thoughts, suggestions, etc., do you have about these beliefs? Could/ would/ do these beliefs exist in society today?
What does Equality discover in this chapter? How important is this discovery? Describe four or five ways in which it would help society and make life easier or more enjoyable.
Honors' Discussion Prompt
Outline some of the Council of Scholars’ beliefs. What does Equality say about those beliefs? What thoughts, suggestions, etc., do you have about these beliefs? Could/ would/ do these beliefs exist in society today?
Chapter Two
Respond to 2 of the 5 questions listed below. Follow the same instructions from the last chapter's blog.
Reread the account of Liberty 5-3000 . What character traits are revealed in this brief description?
Of the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, excitement, anger, embarrassment, etc.), why is fear the prevalent emotion in this society?
Using the descriptions, contrast Equality with the rest of the men living in this society.
Equality says “a word steals into our mind, as we look upon our brothers”. What is that word and why would that be the word he thinks of?
Start a personal glossary in which you explain the following terms:a. The Great Truth b. the Unmentionable Times c. the Uncharted Forest d. the Evil Ones e. the Great Rebirth
Honors' Discussion Prompt: Follow the same instructions from the previous prompt.
What word is Equality struggling to recapture at the end of this chapter? In your opinion, why is this word the only crime punishable by death in this society? How does this word contradict the ideals of this society? What could its rediscovery possibly lead to?
Reread the account of Liberty 5-3000 . What character traits are revealed in this brief description?
Of the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, excitement, anger, embarrassment, etc.), why is fear the prevalent emotion in this society?
Using the descriptions, contrast Equality with the rest of the men living in this society.
Equality says “a word steals into our mind, as we look upon our brothers”. What is that word and why would that be the word he thinks of?
Start a personal glossary in which you explain the following terms:a. The Great Truth b. the Unmentionable Times c. the Uncharted Forest d. the Evil Ones e. the Great Rebirth
Honors' Discussion Prompt: Follow the same instructions from the previous prompt.
What word is Equality struggling to recapture at the end of this chapter? In your opinion, why is this word the only crime punishable by death in this society? How does this word contradict the ideals of this society? What could its rediscovery possibly lead to?
Chapter One
Respond 2 of the 5 questions (listed below). Use no less than 3 sentences in your responses. (Honors' students must use a 1x5 response.) Be thoughtful and use specific details and examples.
1- To help create setting, Ayn Rand uses color imagery. Find two examples in the chapter. What colors does the author use? What image is she trying to convey?
2- The first page of Anthem begins, “It is a sin to write this.” Using textual evidence, explain why Equality is committing a sin when he writes.
3- Why does Equality refer to himself as “we”?
4- Would you want to be friends with someone like Equality? Why or why not?
5- Ayn Rand wanted Equality 7-2521 to stand out from his brothers. Explain how she accomplished this by contrasting Equality 7-2521’s physical attributes to those of his fellow men.
Honors' Discussion Prompt: Honors' students most post their response to this question the form of a 1x5 and reply to 2 other students' posts.
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. Would you want to live in this society? Explain why or why not.
1- To help create setting, Ayn Rand uses color imagery. Find two examples in the chapter. What colors does the author use? What image is she trying to convey?
2- The first page of Anthem begins, “It is a sin to write this.” Using textual evidence, explain why Equality is committing a sin when he writes.
3- Why does Equality refer to himself as “we”?
4- Would you want to be friends with someone like Equality? Why or why not?
5- Ayn Rand wanted Equality 7-2521 to stand out from his brothers. Explain how she accomplished this by contrasting Equality 7-2521’s physical attributes to those of his fellow men.
Honors' Discussion Prompt: Honors' students most post their response to this question the form of a 1x5 and reply to 2 other students' posts.
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. Would you want to live in this society? Explain why or why not.
Hold Up: Pre Reading
Journal Activity:
The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves developing a personal identity, a sense of self. Write a paragraph that describes you, and explains what makes you uniquely you. Consider your future goals and dreams; what you value in a friend; favorite pets; preferred sports and hobbies; best-loved music, literature, movies, etc.
Nitty- Gritty:
Do a little "Google" investigation Ayn Rand. What are five (5) intersting facts you found about her?
Honors: Investigate her ideas on 'objectivism.' How does this theory transcend into modern culture? Structure your response as if you were explainig to your peers in a formal speech. Use specific examples; write your response in a 2x5.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves developing a personal identity, a sense of self. Write a paragraph that describes you, and explains what makes you uniquely you. Consider your future goals and dreams; what you value in a friend; favorite pets; preferred sports and hobbies; best-loved music, literature, movies, etc.
Nitty- Gritty:
Do a little "Google" investigation Ayn Rand. What are five (5) intersting facts you found about her?
Honors: Investigate her ideas on 'objectivism.' How does this theory transcend into modern culture? Structure your response as if you were explainig to your peers in a formal speech. Use specific examples; write your response in a 2x5.
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