Anthem is about a young boy named Equality 7-2521 who is seen as an outcast and sinner in his society. Equality 7-2521 lives in a post-modern society where the citizens are forbidden to say the word “I” and everything must be done as a brotherhood. They have none of the modern inventions that we do, the only one they have is the candle. Single thoughts and actions are seen as sins in this society, as everyone must look and act the same. Equality 7-2521 is very different from his brothers, he is very handsome, intelligent, and curious, making his an outcast. At the mere age of ten, Equality 7-2521 witnesses a Transgressor of the Unspeakable Word being burned at the stake. While watching the man die, Equality 7-2521 makes eye contact with
