Academic theory about hypertext indicates that hypertext use makes concrete postmodern and post-structuralist theories of text. When it is said that hypertext offers a new type of freedom and power for readers and writers, what are some of the things that are signaled implicitly? In conservative hypertexts, "choice" means being able to choose among options offered by the author of the text. In the type of freedom and choice offered by an anarchistic hypertext, every person has free access to read every piece of information in the network and to write his or her own text into the network. Such systems allow, even encourage, each person, to question, to challenge. At this anarchistic end of the spectrum, the only "controlling" aspect of the computer and the hypertext program is to make sure that no person controls any other. But while anarchy can help break down repression, it has its own problems at the local level of the reader/writer's experience with the text and at the global level of social action, in the connection between discourse and practice. Empowering students as they read and write in hypertext in classes is only the first step in empowering them in the rest of their lives. The two problems--complete, confusing anarchy in a hypertext and the potential for the loss of broad, social goals--can be addressed to some extent by considering the purposes and goals of working in hypertext. (One diagram is included.) (TD)