42 pages • 1 hour read
Anthem
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
105
Novella • Fiction
Dystopian City • Future
1938
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Ayn Rand's dystopian novella Anthem, Equality 7-2521, a man living under an oppressive collectivist regime, chronicles his journey of self-discovery and freedom through his secret experiments in an abandoned tunnel and his relationship with Liberty 5-3000. Ultimately, he embraces his individuality, rejects the collectivist society, and vows to enlighten others about the virtue of egoism.
Challenging
Mysterious
Inspirational
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
164,299 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ayn Rand's Anthem is often praised for its thought-provoking exploration of individualism and the human spirit against collectivist suppression. Critics commend its poetic prose and philosophical depth but note its didactic tone and one-dimensional characters. The novella's dystopian setting and stark narrative resonate with some readers, while others find its message overly simplistic.
Who Should Read Anthem?
Readers who appreciate dystopian literature and philosophical inquiries into individualism will enjoy Anthem by Ayn Rand. Similar to George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, this novella appeals to fans of speculative fiction that critiques collectivism and explores the triumph of the human spirit.
164,299 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
105
Novella • Fiction
Dystopian City • Future
1938
Adult
14-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.