Chapter One of Anthem

In this chapter, Equality 7-2521 explains what happens in his life up to the point he began his journal. Up until the age of five, he lived in the Home of the Infants, where he was often punished for fighting. From the age of five to 15, he lived in the Home of the Students. He was a fast learner and although he tried to hide his intelligence, he was punished more often than anyone else. He secretly longed to become a Scholar, so he could study the Science of Things, but the Council of Vocations assigned him to be a Street Sweeper.
While working as a Street Sweeper, Equality 7-25221 and his friend International 4-8818 accidentally discover a hole leading to...