Anthem Essay Contest Information

Anthem Essay Contest Information

Eligibility: 8th, 9th and 10th Graders  Entry Deadline: March 20, 2011 FIRST PRIZE: $2,000 5 SECOND PRIZES: $500 10 THIRD PRIZES: $200 45 FINALISTS: $50 175 SEMIFINALISTS: $30

Topics

Select ONE of the following three topics:

1. Contrast Equality’s view of morality at the end of the novel to the morality exemplified by his society’s institutions, practices, and officials.
2. Anthem’s theme is, in Ayn Rand’s own words, “the meaning of man’s ego.” Explain the ways in which the characters and story in Anthem illustrate this theme.
3. To fully control a man, dictators must not only enslave his body, but also destroy his mind. Discuss how the leaders and society in Anthem seek to accomplish this tyrannical end.

Judging

Essays will be judged on both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Anthem.

Rules

• No application is required. Contest is open to students worldwide.
• Entrant must be in the 8th, 9th or 10th grade.
• To avoid disqualification, mailed in essays must include a stapled cover sheet with the following information:
  1. your name and address;
  2. your e-mail address (if available);
  3. the name and address of your school;
  4. topic selected (#1, 2 or 3 from list above);
  5. your current grade level; and
  6. (optional) the name of the teacher who assigned the essay, if you are completing it for classroom credit.
• See more information here: http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/Anthem.aspx?theme=blue