We

Analysis of a Symbol:

One significant symbol in We is the √-1. In OneState, every situation is resolved mathematically, and the people live according to only the facts. Therefore, when D-503 learns about the √-1, he is extremely confused and frustrated. He describes this experience by saying, “That irrational root grew in me like some alien thing, strange and terrifying, and it was eating me, and you couldn’t make any sense of it or neutralize it because it was completely beyond ratio” (Zamyatin 39). The √-1 symbolizes that there is not an answer to everything. Some things in life must be personally discovered rather than calculated. In addition, D-503 feels the irrational root growing inside him, symbolizing that every person must possess uncertainty in his life, along with emotions that are not forced upon him. The answer to √-1 is actually i. This answer is represented by the character I-330. I-330 teaches D-503 to have passion and to explore his thoughts. √-1 is an inevitable aspect of D-503’s life. Human nature is irrational, and an explanation is not always provided for the outcome of a situation. Sometimes events occur "just because." D-503 learns this fact through his experiences with I-330. 

Passage Analysis:

“It was ripe. Helplessly, like iron and magnet, sweetly yielding to the immutable precise law, I emptied myself into her. There was no pink ticket, no accounting, no OneState, there was no me. There was only the dear, sharp, clenched teeth, there were the golden eyes opened wide on me, and through them I slowly penetrated inside, deeper and deeper. And there was silence” (Zamyatin 73).

            This passage serves as a turning point for D-503. He realizes that he does not have to follow the rules, and he takes part in a rebellious action. He is free to make his own choices. D-503 has sex with I-330 because he wants to, not because he has to. For instance, this time, he does not fill out paper work and obtain a pink ticket to have sex with I-330. He does it due to the pure passion he has for her. The comparison, “like iron and magnet,” shows he is strongly drawn to her, emotionally and physically. D-503 is able to understand I-330 on a new and deeper level by penetrating inside her eyes. This passage exemplifies D-503’s raw emotion and ability to embrace his individuality by overcoming authority.

Thoughts:

            Overall, I enjoyed reading and analyzing We. I especially liked the way the author utilized syntax. When D-503 is completely controlled by OneState, his thoughts are very scientific and straightforward. As D-503 begins to achieve freedom and independence, his thoughts are sporadic and descriptive. This change in syntax helps characterize D-503, illuminating his progress of becoming an individual. Another aspect of We that I liked is how the tone of the ending is identical to the monotonous tone of the beginning. The last chapter brings the novel full circle to the first chapter. Also, the ending leaves the reader with the idea of an infinite revolution, providing hope that one day all of the people of OneState will obtain the individualism they deserve.