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Equality 7-2521 Character Analysis

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“We were born with a curse. It has always driven us to thoughts which are forbidden. It has always given us wishes which men may not wish. We know that we are evil, but there is no power or will in us to stop it” (18). Equality 7-2521 is born into a society in which individuality is a crime. Each man and woman born is expected to be as all others are.
Gifts and talents are especially shunned. Equality has been taught that “it is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them” (21). To his societal disadvantage, Equality 7-2521 is gifted with a great intelligence and a burning curiosity to understand. It is for this reason that the Council of Vocations assigns him to life as a Street Sweeper. The Council wishes …show more content…

Equality’s greatest strengths and personal qualities were intended to be restricted and abhorred. Indeed, Equality and his gifts were abhorred, but he found a way to circumvent each restriction, consciously or not. And, though he maintained use of his strengths and kept a strong spirit, Equality was never able to permanently influence the society because, as a Street Sweeper, he was no longer part of the great WE.
The Council of Vocations mandated Equality to life as a Street Sweeper in order to limit his intellectual opportunities. They placed him in a position where he would be isolated and likely demoralized. They removed him from a society that he wanted to be a part of.
These actions and purposes are undoubtedly sinister. But the predominant reason? The
Council of Vocations assigned Equality the job of Street Sweeper in order to allow their collectivist society to continue uninterrupted. Oppressing Equality’s individuality was the means of achieving that end (making said end sinister as well). The right of the people to self-advancement was withheld, and the Council of Vocations achieved their ultimate goal of preserving their

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