Essay Contest First Prize $2.000 by The Ayn Rand Institute (DL: March 20, 2014)

Entry Deadline: March 20, 2014 
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. In many real and fictionalized totalitarian societies, children live apart from their families. Why would dictatorial leaders enforce this living arrangement?
2. In the final chapter of Anthem, Prometheus writes that he now understands “why the best in me had been my sins and my transgressions; and why I had never felt guilt in my sins.” What has Prometheus come to understand about himself? Why does his society regard the “best in him” as sinful?
3. Prometheus writes: “The secrets of this earth are not for all men to see, but only for those who will seek them.” (Chapter 3) Why does he think that the secrets of this earth are not for all men to see? If he thinks this, why does he decide to show his glass box to the World Council of Scholars? How do these issues relate to the theme of the novel?

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:

• your name and address;
• your e-mail address (if available);
• the name and address of your school;
• topic selected (#1, 2 or 3 from list above);
• your current grade level; and
• (optional) the name of the teacher who assigned the essay, if you are completing it for classroom credit.

Essay must be no fewer than 600 and no more than 1,200 words in length, and double-spaced.
One entry per student.
Essay must be submitted online or postmarked by March 20, 2014, no later than 11:59 PM, Pacific Standard Time.
The Ayn Rand Institute has the right to provide contest deadline extensions when deemed appropriate.
Essay must be solely the work of the entrant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Decisions of the judges are final.
Employees of the Ayn Rand Institute, its board of directors and their immediate family members are not eligible for this contest. Past first place winners are not eligible for this contest.
All entries become the property of the Ayn Rand Institute and will not be returned.
Winners, finalists, semifinalists and all other participants will be notified via e-mail and/or by mail by July 26, 2014.
Contest winners agree to allow the Ayn Rand Institute to post their names on any of ARI’s affiliated websites. The winning first place essay may be posted in its entirety on any of these websites with full credit given to the author.
Winners will be solely responsible for any federal, state or local taxes.
To Enter
Submit Your Essay Online
Or mail your essay with stapled cover sheet to:
Anthem Essay Contest
The Ayn Rand Institute
P.O. Box 57044
Irvine, CA 92619-7044
Please do not submit duplicate essays!
If submitting your essay electronically, you will be sent an email confirming our receipt. If you have not received an e-mail notification within 24 hours, please e-mail info@aynrandnovels.com. If you are submitting by mail, please paperclip a stamped, self-addressed postcard to the your essay and we will return it to you.
Comments or Questions
Comments or questions about the essay contests are welcome. Please write to info@aynrandnovels.com.

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