Anthem is a short dystopian novel originally published in 1938 by Russian-American author Ayn Rand. As with many of her stories, in Anthem tries to convince the reader of the importance of individuality and the danger of the collective. It describes a grim future where many of mankind’s scientific advancements have been lost and the concept of the individual is absent. This novella was later adapted for the stage by the director of the Galax High School theater group. Despite bearing many similarities, there are some differences between the stage adaptation and the novel. Comparisons can be made regarding the plot, the characterization, and the narration of the novel versus the staging of the play. In general, the plot development of
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In the book, characterization is accomplished primary through dialogue and descriptions. On the stage, actors can characterize by using body language and actions. An example of this is when the World Council of the Scholars rejects the protagonist’s invention. In both versions, Equality 7-2521 exclaims, “You fools! You fools! You thrice-damned fools!” However, the actor is able to add more emotion and power to the words, strengthening the characterization of Equality 7-2521 in a way that is impossible for print to capture. Another example of this involves the protagonist’s friend, International 4-8818. The novella provides detailed dialogue regarding him. Equality 7-7521 writes, “They area a tall, strong, youth and their eyes are like fireflies, for there is laughter in their eyes…. they took pieces of coal and they drew pictures upon the walls, and they were pictures which made men laugh.” Yet this kind of detailed and extended description would make a theatric performance quite dull. Instead, the director establishes their bond when International 4-8818 elicits laughter and positive body language after showing the other street sweepers his drawing. One especially important example is the development of the relationship of Equality 7-2521 and the Golden One. The novel provides a description of the house and the items contained therein, while we get to see the main characters playfully rummage through the closet. This helps the observer see their connection through interaction, consequently enriching their
In the book, characterization is accomplished primary through dialogue and descriptions. On the stage, actors can characterize by using body language and actions. An example of this is when the World Council of the Scholars rejects the protagonist’s invention. In both versions, Equality 7-2521 exclaims, “You fools! You fools! You thrice-damned fools!” However, the actor is able to add more emotion and power to the words, strengthening the characterization of Equality 7-2521 in a way that is impossible for print to capture. Another example of this involves the protagonist’s friend, International 4-8818. The novella provides detailed dialogue regarding him. Equality 7-7521 writes, “They area a tall, strong, youth and their eyes are like fireflies, for there is laughter in their eyes…. they took pieces of coal and they drew pictures upon the walls, and they were pictures which made men laugh.” Yet this kind of detailed and extended description would make a theatric performance quite dull. Instead, the director establishes their bond when International 4-8818 elicits laughter and positive body language after showing the other street sweepers his drawing. One especially important example is the development of the relationship of Equality 7-2521 and the Golden One. The novel provides a description of the house and the items contained therein, while we get to see the main characters playfully rummage through the closet. This helps the observer see their connection through interaction, consequently enriching their