Question

which excerpt from anthem best illustrates the theme that collectivism and group thinking limit mans potential?

i look upon the history of men, which i have learned from the books, and i wonder.
i stand here on the summit of the mountain. i lift my head and i spread my arms.
many words have been granted me, and some are wise, and some are false, but only three are holy: \i will it!\
what disaster took their reason away from men? what whip lashed them to their knees in shame and submission? the worship of the word \we.\

Explanation:

Analyze the theme of collectivism and group thinking limiting potential

The question asks for the excerpt that best illustrates how collectivism and group thinking limit man's potential. Collectivism in Anthem is represented by the forced use of the collective pronoun "We" and the suppression of individual thought ("reason").

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "I look upon the history of men..." expresses curiosity and reflection, not the limiting nature of collectivism.
• Option 2: "I stand here on the summit..." represents individual freedom and triumph.
• Option 3: "Many words have been granted me..." focuses on the discovery of individual agency ("I will it!").
• Option 4: "What disaster took their reason away from men? What whip lashed them to their knees in shame and submission? The worship of the word 'We.'" directly identifies the collective mindset ("the worship of the word 'We'") as a destructive force ("disaster") that strips away human intellect ("reason") and forces subjugation ("shame and submission").

Select the best matching excerpt

Option 4 explicitly links the collective "We" to the loss of reason and submission, directly illustrating how group thinking limits human potential.

Answer:

• (A) I look upon the history of men, which I have learned from the books, and I wonder.
• (B) I stand here on the summit of the mountain. I lift my head and I spread my arms.

<mcq-option>(C) Many words have been granted me, and some are wise, and some are false, but only three are holy: "I will it!"</mcq-correct>

• (D) What disaster took their reason away from men? What whip lashed them to their knees in shame and submission? The worship of the word "We." (Correct answer)