Ayn Rand

 What are the characteristics of a dystopian novella? What makes Anthem qualify into this category?  What is a motif? What are some of the various motifs found in Anthem?  How can motifs and symbols of a work have significance in regard to its theme???

 Why is it necessary to understand an author’s personal philosophy?  How does an author’s personal beliefs influence his or her own writing?

 A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.

 Utopian fiction – depicts an ideal society  Dystopian literature illustrates a profoundly flawed social order. ◦ Absence of individual rights ◦ The suppression of independent thinking ◦ An extremely controlling government

 Motifs – a recurring element (structure, conflict, or literary device) that has a symbolic significance in a story which can help develop the theme

 Symbols – objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent ideas or concepts

 Theme – universal ideas explored in a work

 Collectivism – ◦ The term for any moral, political, or social viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of community and human interdependence over individual desire, effort, or need. ◦ This view treats group goals as superior to individual goals. ◦ Views are founded largely on the notion that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts – society as a whole is more valuable than its individual members.

 Individualism – ◦ The exact opposite of collectivism, stresses self- reliance, individual liberty, and human independence. ◦ Individualists oppose most forms of outside interference with an individuals choices – whether the be social, governmental, or institutional. ◦ This viewpoint stands in direct opposition to collectivist, fascist, communist, and totalitarian philosophies.

 Objectivism – ◦ This is a philosophy developed by Rand in response to what she viewed as growing worldwide collectivism. According to Rand’s thinking, there is an objective reality independent of the mind, which individuals can perceive through their five senses. ◦ According to this moral code, the ideal social system is one that completely respects individual rights. This respect is best enacted through pure capitalism.