Contrast the beginning of chapter seven with the end of chapter six.

At the end of chapter six, the tone is pretty hopeful. Equality 7-2521 has escaped the Palace of Corrective Detention and returns to his tunnel. He sees his glass box untouched. He looks forward to unveiling his invention at Home of the Scholars and hand them his journal as a confession. Equality 7-2521 feels this is a new beginning in his life. He fantasizes that he will be welcomed in to the brotherhood of scholars and they will embark on discoveries for the "for the glory of mankind." In the beginning of Chapter 7 he feels old and futureless.