How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
For men are forbidden to take notice of women, and women are forbidden to take notice of men. But we think of one among women, they whose name is Liberty 5-3000, and we think of no others. (2.2)
Apparently in Equality 7-2521's society, love doesn't exist. Or at least, it isn't allowed. But Equality 7-2521's fallen in love with a woman anyway. Right away love is already starting to teach him that he can't care equally for all people (which is exactly why it's forbidden). He can't think of anyone but his beloved.
Quote #2
Their body was straight and thin as a blade of iron. Their eyes were dark and hard and glowing, with no fear in them, no kindness and no guilt. Their hair was golden as the sun; their hair flew in the wind, shining and wild, as if it defied men to restrain it. (2.4)
Equality 7-2521 is first struck by Liberty 5-3000's physical appearance. She's straight and strong looking, unlike everyone else (who's hunched and weak looking). But he seems particularly drawn to the absence of fear and guilt he sees in her eyes. (Equality 7-2521 himself seems to have his share of guilt.) As for the lack of kindness…why that would be attractive we just don't know. What are your thoughts?
Quote #3
We stood still; for the first time did we know fear, and then pain. And we stood still that we might not spill this pain more precious than pleasure. (2.5)
Equality 7-2521's first experience of a feeling of love is intense. Kind of a mixed bag, isn't it, with all that fear and pain thrown in? But he clearly likes it. It's also interesting that this is the first time in his life Equality 7-2521 admits to having felt afraid. The horribly oppressive society he's lived in has never once scared him, but an attractive woman does the first time he sees her.