Name: Yeriel Ramos Date: 1/17/25
Chapter 1 Summary – Anthem
Directions: Now that we have completed Chapter 1 of Anthem, provide a 2paragraph summary of the chapter.
In the first chapter of Anthem, the protagonist, known as Equality 7-2521,
introduces the readers to a dystopian society where individuality is suppressed
and the concept of "I" is forbidden. The society emphasizes collectivism, where
everyone is assigned a number instead of a name, and all decisions are made for
the greater good. Equality 7-2521 reflects on his life in the House of the Street
Sweepers, where he feels different from his peers, possessing a strong sense of
curiosity and a desire for knowledge that sets him apart. He secretly explores
forbidden areas and discovers an underground tunnel from the Unmentionable
Times, where he finds remnants of a lost world.
As he navigates his oppressive environment, Equality 7-2521 grapples with
feelings of guilt and shame for his individuality. Despite the strict rules imposed
by the Council of Vocations, he yearns for freedom and self-expression. His
encounters with Liberty 5-3000, a fellow worker, ignite a sense of passion and
rebellion within him. The chapter establishes the foundation of his internal
conflict between societal conformity and the pursuit of personal identity, setting
the stage for his journey towards self-discovery and liberation.