Oppressive collectivism is a pervasive theme throughout the novella. The opening lines make clear how thoroughly Equality 7-2521 has internalized his society’s prohibition on independent thought. Using collective pronouns—we, our, us—he indicts himself for the “sin” of writing the text: “It is a sin to think words no others think and to put them down on paper no others are to see” (1). This act of self-criticism establishes the dire situation in which Equality 7-2521 finds himself and suggests a narrative arc for the story, as Equality 7-2521 must unlearn the damaging ethics that have been imposed on him.

In the first two chapters, the reader sees what kind of world has so effectively turned the protagonist against himself. The City is controlled by the World Council—a governing body based on collectivism. The citizens are organized into different branches, or Homes and Councils, where they live and perform their assigned social roles. The laws are focused on ensuring complete equality, and people are conditioned to believe in collectivist ideals. Slogans are used to assist in the conditioning process. Such slogans include “We are one in all and all in one.