The Story Follows Equality 7-2521, a 21-year-old man writing by candlelight in a tunnel under the earth. He tells the story of his life up to that point. He was raised like all children in his society, away from his parents in collective homes. Equality 7-2521 accepts his street sweeping assignment as penance for his Transgression of Preference in secretly desiring to be a Scholar. But soon he will find something that will change his life.
