How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
There is fear hanging in the air of the sleeping halls, and in the air of the streets. Fear walks through the City, fear without name, without shape. All men feel it and none dare to speak. (2.43)
Everyone in Equality 7-2521's society is afraid. In spite of the society's attempts to convince its members that toiling makes them happy and that they're held together by love for each other, what really keeps the whole show going is fear. The question is, is there anybody actually at the top who terrorizes the rest to keep them in line? Or does literally everybody in society feel afraid of everyone else?
Quote #8
Take our brother Equality 7-2521 to the Palace of Corrective Detention. Lash them until they tell." (6.7)
At the end of the day, Equality 7-2521's society depends upon the threat of violence to keep its members honest and in line. As the guy on the Council of the Home says, they're literally going to beat Equality 7-2521 into submission.
Quote #9
There were men whose famous names we knew, and others from distant lands whose names we had not heard. (7.3)
Equality 7-2521 tells us here that there are famous Scholars present at the meeting of the Council of Scholars. Isn't that strange, given how collectivistic the society is supposed to be? How is it possible – or allowed – for anyone to distinguish themselves or get famous?