Read the excerpt from Anthem . For the word “We” must never be spoken, save by one’s choice and as a second thought. This word must never be placed first within man’s soul, else it becomes a monster, the root of all the evils on earth, the root of man’s torture by men, and of an unspeakable lie. The words “the root of man’s torture by men” develop the excerpt’s theme by
Answer
A
expressing a moral condemnation of the use of torture.
B
reinforcing individualism since the individual “man” is oppressed by the collective “men.”
C
implying that “man” is often his own worst enemy.
D
suggesting that any “man” or “men” who use the word “We” will be severely tortured.
Explanation
The contrast between singular “man” and plural “men” shows an individual being harmed by the collective. This supports the excerpt’s theme that putting “We” before the individual leads to oppression, so the best choice is “reinforcing individualism since the individual ‘man’ is oppressed by the collective ‘men.’”
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.