STUDY GUIDE -----The HymnChapter 11.a. The society depicted in the novel is futuristic compared to the actual date, but incredibly underdeveloped compared to what we experience today. Evidently the political structure works, because there doesn't seem to be much discontent among the citizens. The technology is obviously incredibly lacking by today's standards. There don't seem to be any social relationships, because you can't prefer one man to another. However, the quality of life seems decent. There was no talk of starving or anything discouraging. Everyone looked well-groomed. Education is horrible, because people can't have interests. They just listen, they don't learn.1.b. I don't think I would like to live in this society because it doesn't allow free thinking or anything else that makes human beings the way they are. There was nothing to differentiate people, nothing to like or dislike about each other. The only good thing was that everyone was treated equally. In America they say this, but there are obvious exceptions. This is not the case in the world described in the novel. 2. Terms and Definitions Examples from Anthem Why is this character or act condemned in Anthem? Should he be convicted? Explain Transgressions: the violation of a law or an oath Equality chooses International 4-8818 as its friend (p. 27) Looking and thinking about the Golden One is beautiful (p. 42) It is taught that the individual is nothing, humanity is everything, and that everyone must be treated with absolute equality. Choosing a friend means identifying and elevating a man in the group. Furthermore, choosing a friend requires individual thought, personal choices and value judgments, all of which are prohibited. They are expected to be mindless and therefore altruistic. This should not be condemned because making friends is a natural human thing. Living life without really knowing other people gives you a one-sided and distorted view of the world. It should not be condemned because physical attraction is innate in us human beings. At some point in our lives we will desire a member of the opposite sex. No council can do anything about itSin: an action to regretWriting this is a sin…(p. 1)Writing down your thoughts should not be condemned. Even though you may not be able to express your thoughts to others, you should at least be listened to.