Anthem by Ayn Rand (1938)
Anthem is a dystopian novel by Ayn Rand, written in 1937. It tells the story of Equality 7-2521, a young man living in a future in which people have lost all knowledge of individualism, science, and technology. Equality 7-2521 lives in a collectivist society where all decisions are made by a Council of Vocations and all people are assigned a job and a life partner. Equality 7-2521 is a Street Sweeper, but he dreams of becoming a Scholar. He is punished for his curiosity and independent thinking, but he continues to pursue knowledge in secret. One day, Equality 7-2521 discovers an abandoned tunnel and finds a hidden laboratory. Here, he discovers electricity and begins to experiment with it. He also discovers a work written by the "Unmentionable Times" of the past, which reveals the truth about the world he lives in. Equality 7-2521 realizes that he must escape the oppressive society and share his discoveries with the world. He and his beloved, Liberty 5-3000, flee the city and find a place of refuge in the Uncharted Forest. Here, Equality 7-2521 builds a new life for himself and Liberty 5-3000, and he vows to create a new world based on the principles of individualism and freedom.
By Ayn Rand · First published 1938 · Genre: Dystopian Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Science Fiction · 12 chapters · 19,185 words
First lines
It is a sin to write this. It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down upon a paper no others are to see. It is base and evil. It is as if we were speaking alone to no ears but our own. And we know well that there is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone. We have broken the laws. The laws say that men may not write unless the Council of Vocations bid them so. May we be forgiven!
But this is not the only sin upon us. We have committed a greater crime, and for this crime there is no name. What punishment awaits us if it be discovered we know not, for no such crime has come in the memory of men and there are no laws to provide for it.
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Anthem is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ayn Rand, dated 1938 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ayn Rand
- Date: 1938 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Dystopian Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Science Fiction, Political Fiction
- Length: 19,185 words
- Structure: 12 chapters, 432 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Anthem by Ayn Rand
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Dystopian Fiction — The novel is set in a dystopian future where individualism is suppressed and collectivism is the norm. The protagonist struggles to find his own identity and freedom in a society that seeks to control him.
- Philosophical Fiction — The novel is heavily philosophical in nature, exploring themes such as individualism, freedom, and the power of the state. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
- Science Fiction — The novel is set in a futuristic world and explores themes of technology and its implications for society. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
- Political Fiction — The novel is a critique of totalitarianism and explores the power of the state to control its citizens. It is a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of individual freedom.
Tags
Fiction · Individuality · Love stories · Men · Psychological fiction · Psychology · Science Fiction · Science Fiction by Women · Time travel · arms · body · box
Contents
- PART ONE
- PART TWO
- PART THREE
- PART FOUR
- PART FIVE
- PART SIX
- PART SEVEN
- PART EIGHT
- PART NINE
- PART TEN
- PART ELEVEN
- PART TWELVE