--Anthem by Ayn Rand: Work due Tuesday, September 8
Journal Responses: Answer each of the journal questions thoroughly. Each response should be minimum ¾ to one page typed single spaced. Better responses will be longer and more developed than the minimum requirements. These journal entries give you the opportunity to explore the issues facing the characters in Anthem as well as how those same issues play out in your own world. We recommend answering certain questions after you read the following chapters. (See the Anthem Journal Scoring Rubric on back side). You must include supporting quotes from the text and elaborate on the points expressed. We bolded key parts of the question that students sometimes forget to answer. Make sure to answer all of the questions in each prompt.
Chapter 1:
1. Like Equality 7-2521, we too use numbers for identification. What numbers are used to identify you? With which of these numbers do you most identify? Why are these numbers important? How or why do various institutions use these numbers? Why do you think the characters in Anthem have designations and numbers instead of real names? How might this relate historically to groups of people who have been given numbers for identification?
Chapter 2:
2. American society might currently value such things as financial success, education, family time, spiritual beliefs, leisure time, etc. We can tell what people value by how they live their lives and by what they make priorities in their lives. Look carefully at how the society of Anthem is set up and how the people in Anthem spend their lives. What does their society value? How can you tell? Present and explain some of the quotes and examples from the book which reflect or show these values.
Chapter 6:
3. Irony is the contrast between expectation and reality - between what appears to be true and what is really true. The society of Anthem preaches equality and brotherhood. What is ironic about this? How do Equality’s experiences show that this is not really true? Give specific examples from Anthem that demonstrate their society is not really based on equality and brotherhood.
Chapter 10:
4. Science Fiction is “fiction dealing with the impact of actual or imagined scientific developments upon society or individuals.” At one time in the distant past, the ancestors of the people in Anthem possessed technology beyond the means of the current society. What developments might have led to this loss of technology? How has lack of competition between individuals resulted in a lack of technological advancement?
Chapters 11 and 12:
5. In Chapter 11, an abrupt shift of style occurs. What is different about the narration of this chapter? What happens to Equality to cause this shift? What does the shift show about him? In chapter 12, Equality chooses new names for himself and Liberty. How does this relate to the shift in narration? The names he chooses are from Greek mythology. Look up who the mythological characters are and explain how these names fit Equality and Liberty.
6. At the end of the novel, Rand gives us “The sacred word: EGO.” Why do you think this is “the sacred word?” What do you think ego means? How have you heard it used? Now, look up the word ego in the dictionary. Is the meaning different than what you thought? Why might Equality/Prometheus choose “Ego” as his “anthem?” What is the difference between the sacred word “Ego” and the Unspeakable Word?
See back side for scoring rubric. Turn in the rubric with your work.
Anthem Journal Name ______
Scoring Rubric
Turn in this scoring rubric with your Anthem work.
Exceptional Achievement: Journal entries exhibit all or most of the following characteristics:
· all entries exhibit a high level of thought and preparation and fully answer all parts of the prompt
· extended discussion of ideas showing insightful and perceptive analysis
· elaboration of ideas with specific, well-developed examples and aptly chosen supporting quotes from the text
· a thorough discussion of how the ideas presented relate to the characters or theme of the novel and/or to the real world
· few or no errors in grammar and usage
Commendable Achievement: Journal entries exhibit all or most of the following characteristics:
· most entries exhibit a high level of thought and preparation; some may show less thought ; parts of some prompts may be left unanswered
· adequate discussion of the ideas showing some analysis
· inclusion of some specific examples; may include some quotes from the text but these may not be well explained
· an adequate discussion of how the ideas presented relate to the characters in the novel and/or to the real world
· minor errors in grammar and punctuation do not impede reader
Minimal Achievement: Journal entries exhibit several of the following characteristics:
· few entries exhibit a high level of thought and preparation; entries may seem rushed; parts of prompts are left unanswered
· little discussion of the ideas; surface-level thinking only
· few specific examples; few or no quotes from the text; quotes may lack explanation
· may neglect to discuss how the issues relate to the novel
· errors in grammar and usage may be distracting