Critiques of American Society in Science Fiction — Unit test
Question 16 • DBN LA 6-CR
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
e
expressing a moral condemnation of the use of torture.
s
suggesting that any “man” or “men” who use the word “We” will be severely tortured.
i
implying that “man” is often his own worst enemy.
r
reinforcing individualism since the individual “man” is oppressed by the collective “men.”
Explanation
The excerpt warns that putting “We” before the individual’s own identity turns it into a force that causes suffering. The phrase “man’s torture by men” suggests that individuals are oppressed by the collective, reinforcing the theme of individualism. Choice D captures this relationship; the line is not mainly a condemnation of torture in general or a warning that people who say “We” will be tortured.
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