Anthem
(Ayn Rand)

Equality 7-2521 is a member of a society which is heavily controlled and concentrated on the concept of “we”. The only purpose in life is to be united and equal with one’s brothers and sisters and to work to aid others. Equality 7-2521 has always felt different from others as he is more intelligent, inquisitive, and unapologetic for thinking forbidden thoughts.

One day when Equality 7-2521 is working as a Street Sweeper he discovers a manhole which leads to an underground tunnel that he decides is a remnant from the Unmentionable Times, when evil was destroyed. He is very excited and decides to keep this his own secret and to visit it often and write a journal. He also meets a girl who he sees as different than other girls, which is a feeling that is forbidden; her name is Liberty 5-3000.

One day he discovers electricity, though he does not know the word for it, and is late getting back to his home. He is confronted and questioned by the Council of Home and imprisoned for not giving answers. While imprisoned Equality 7-2521 decides that he needs to share the electricity with the Scholars who will surely commend him for the discovery; however, when he escapes his cell and presents his invention to the Scholars they reprimand him. He escapes to the Uncharted Forest where he knows he will have to live forever, but at least he will be free. He is happy when Liberty 5-3000 shows up as she has heard of his transgression and followed him to be “damned” with him.

They discover a home from the Unmentioned Times where they learn of the past and Equality 7-2521 makes some very important decisions about the future of mankind.