We

Summary

The book «We» by Yevgeny Zamyatin tells the story of life in a totalitarian society where every aspect of people's lives is controlled by the state. The protagonist, D-503, is an engineer working on the construction of the spaceship «Integral». He keeps a diary where he records his thoughts and experiences. All citizens live by strict rules and schedules, their lives devoid of private property and personal emotions. However, an encounter with I-330, a woman who is a member of an underground organization, forces D-503 to reconsider his views. He begins to experience emotions previously unknown to him and gradually comes to realize the imperfections and cruelty of the system. Ultimately, D-503 becomes a threat to the state, and they attempt to «correct» him through a medical procedure that destroys his ability to feel emotions and think creatively.

Main Ideas

• Critique of totalitarianism and utopian socialism, where the state controls all aspects of individuals' lives, turning them into faceless numbers within a unified system.
• The importance of individuality and personal freedom is contrasted with collectivism and the loss of personal identity.
• The conflict between human nature and a rigid mechanistic system symbolizing state control and uniformity.
• The theme of rebellion against a despotic system and the search for freedom beyond the closed world represented by the State.
• Philosophical reflections on the meaning of happiness and the price one is willing to pay for it in the context of complete control and predictability of life.

Historical Context and Significance

The novel «We» by Yevgeny Zamyatin, written in 1920-1921, became one of the first works in the dystopian genre. It had a significant impact on world literature, anticipating themes and ideas that would later be developed in famous dystopias like George Orwell's «1984» and Aldous Huxley's «Brave New World». The novel criticizes the idea of a utopian state where all aspects of human life are subject to control and regulation by the state. Zamyatin depicts a society where personal life, freedom of speech, and creative individuality are suppressed for the sake of collective order and stability. «We» became a symbol of the struggle against totalitarianism and the loss of individuality, resonating particularly in the context of the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century.

Main Characters and Their Development

• D-503 - the protagonist, narrator, engineer, and builder of the spaceship «Integral». Initially, he believes in the ideals of the One State and follows all the rules. Throughout the novel, he meets I-330, who involves him in rebellious actions and causes him to doubt the system. Gradually, D-503 begins to experience emotions considered a disease in his world. By the end of the book, he undergoes a procedure that destroys his ability to fantasize and feel, returning him to an unemotional state.
• I-330 - a mysterious woman, member of an underground group opposing the One State. She seduces D-503 and involves him in her anti-state plans. I-330 demonstrates strength, charisma, and the ability to manipulate others to achieve her goals. Her fate remains unknown after her arrest.
• O-90 - D-503's comrade by number, who has tender feelings for him and dreams of motherhood, which is forbidden in their society. She becomes pregnant by D-503 and decides to escape beyond the wall to save the child and give it freedom.

Style and Technique

The novel «We» by Yevgeny Zamyatin is written in the form of the protagonist D-503's diary, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in his inner world and experiences. The language of the work is characterized by conciseness and precision, reflecting the spirit of the dystopian society where everything is subject to logic and mathematics. Zamyatin uses many allegories and symbols, such as glass walls, symbolizing the absence of private life and the transparency of all actions. Through the use of scientific terminology and mathematical metaphors, the author conveys the atmosphere of a world dominated by collectivism and suppressed individual feelings. The structure of the novel is closely tied to the development of the plot, where each diary entry reflects changes in the protagonist's consciousness and his gradual discovery of his feelings and desires, ultimately leading to a conflict with the social order.

Interesting Facts

• The book «We» is one of the first works in the dystopian genre, depicting a society where personal life and freedom are suppressed by an all-powerful state.
• The protagonist, D-503, is the designer of the spaceship «Integral», which is meant to help the One State conquer other planets.
• Mathematics and logic are used in the work as the foundation for the organization of society, where everything must be absolutely precise and predictable.
• The conflict in the novel revolves around the protagonist's internal struggle when he meets the woman I-330, who involves him in the activities of the underground group Mephi.
• The work was banned from publication in the Soviet Union for many years due to its critical stance on the ideals of utopian socialism and totalitarianism.

Book Review

«We» by Yevgeny Zamyatin is one of the key works of 20th-century Russian literature, significantly influencing the development of the dystopian genre. The novel presents a dystopia depicting a totalitarian future world where the state controls every aspect of human life. The main theme of the work is the conflict between the individual and the collective, personal freedom and state control. The protagonist, D-503, initially loyal to the system, gradually begins to realize his individuality and desire for freedom. Critics note the deep philosophical undertones of the novel and its prophetic aspects, foreshadowing the emergence of totalitarian regimes like Nazism and Stalinism. Zamyatin vividly and accurately portrays the mechanisms of suppressing individuality, making his novel relevant to this day.