Introduction & Background Information Anthem Ayn Rand Introduction & Background Information

Ayn Rand Born in Russia Experienced the Bolshevik Revolution An attempt to establish a classless society with no divisions. Her family did not fare well under the new Communist society. Ended up moving to the U.S. Famous Works: Anthem, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged

Anthem: Before Reading Dystopian allegory warning against the dangers of a Collectivist society. The novel is written using the pronoun “we” because people were not allowed to use “I.” Names: Randomly assigned names/numbers Set in the future.

Collectivism Collectivism: The focus is on the group (collective) rather than the individual. The group & “common good” is more important than the individual. To practice collectivism, one must merge himself into the group. Must erase all individual identity and thought. Anthem criticizes this way of thinking by showing the downfalls of extreme Collectivism.

Objectivism Philosophy created by Ayn Rand. People should help before others; in order to find happiness, you must help yourself first. **Look for how both Collectivism and Objectivism is demonstrated throughout Anthem.**