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Essay / Analysis of One-State Society in Zamyatin's Novel We
In Zamyatin's We, the one-state society is structured to eliminate all aspects of life that can contribute to negativity. A totalitarian government controlled by the Benefactor creates a world in which people – designated by numbers – do not have to make choices. Numbers experience a completely regulated lifestyle designed to eliminate errors, mistakes, and uncertainty. All aspects of society are regulated to ensure that there is no pain, envy, or confusion when following the prescribed laws. From this point of view, civilization should be in all respects at its peak. So why does the civilization described by D-503 seem more like a dystopia? As D-503's journal progresses, it becomes apparent that many numbers are unable to completely conform to the One State, as the individual experiences aspects of life that the government is unable to regulate . The claim that civilization is at its peak proves false as analyzes of one-state government reveal underlying motivations that aim to prevent happiness rather than maintain it. Furthermore, love and emotions – which the government aims to suppress – are inevitable and ultimately necessary to be able to experience real happiness rather than mere contentment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay D-503 describes “unfreedom” as an important aspect of the One State. In his world, the daily lives of numbers are, for the most part, beyond their control. Each number must obey all the laws that control their exact schedules, from their occupations and exercises to meal times. Additionally, Guardians track the numbers to ensure that unfreedom laws are followed. Originally, D-503 views unfreedom as a necessary part of life, an improvement on the old ways of the "ancients", which used choices (61). He explains that without freedom it is not possible to make the wrong decision and therefore nothing can go wrong. Since the beginning of his records, D-503 has only lived within the laws mandated by the Benefactor, and as a result, he is ignorant of life with the ability to make decisions. This ignorance perhaps illustrates why the totalitarian government adopts unfreedom policies in the first place. Although numbers might not harm one's life in a regulated society, when one loses the freedom to make choices, one also loses the ability to desire more and better in life. The one state wants total control, and to stay in power it is essential that the many live contentedly, without the possibility of wanting more from life than the state provides. As a result, it is important to recognize that this corrupt government mentality is a major flaw in civilization. Although D-503 initially agrees with the unfreedom policies, after meeting I-330 he begins to question these ideas. I-330 is another number that fascinated D-503. She is pretty, light, deviant, and in many ways she represents what the One State opposes. At first, D-503 is confused and aggravated by his actions that challenge the fundamental values of the One State. As he sees her drinking and smoking illegally, D-503 warns that “anyone who poisons himself with nicotine, and especially alcohol, is mercilessly destroyed by the one state” (55). Often, such disobedience on the part of the single state frustrates D-503; he hates her for making him stray from the strict lifestyle of unfreedom andcompliance. Yet as the journal records progress, D-503 falls in love with I-330 and their relationship allows him to explore ideas of freedom he was previously unaware of. While he originally thought life had some happiness in store for him, it can be argued that it wasn't until he spent time with I-330, full of excitement and uncertainty, that D-503 realizes that the past years had been nothing but satisfaction. D-503 encounters between loyalty to the state versus rebellion, parallels the conflict of Adam and Eve's struggle between good and evil. D-503 describes the choice of these biblical figures as “happiness without freedom, or freedom without happiness” (61). As he is told about the negative consequences this choice creates, D-503 explains that eliminating freedom counters the harmful results. Nevertheless, life with I-330 and introduction to the Memphis Group, a secret subculture of numbers who organize rebellion, allows him to appreciate and desire freedom. To some extent, D-503's choice to join the Memphis Rebellion parallels Adam and Eve's choice of evil, but more importantly the choice of freedom despite negative consequences. D-503 notes the joy of self-determination and explains: “I was me, a separate entity, a world. I had ceased to be a component, as I had been, to become a unit” (157). Perhaps a turning point for D-503, he identifies with independence. This change experienced by D-503 illustrates how restrictive the corrupting and repressive government has been in preventing the joy that comes with freedom. In addition to unfreedom, D-503 describes another crucial element of the One State as the elimination of love. According to D-503, the “Great Two Hundred Years' War” succeeded in defeating love so that it was “enslaved, that is to say organized and reduced to a mathematical order” (21). The Single State decides to regulate love by controlling sexual relations between numbers. There are designated days and times for numbers to have sex, and pink coupons are required to ensure intimacy. To further simplify relationships, any number is allowed to apply to have sex with whoever they want. The point of maintaining complete control over sex is that with an organized system in place, there is no room for lust or any other deep feelings, including love. At first, the side of D-503 that needs everything to be streamlined and explainable appreciates the system's ability to control gender and avoid any confusing feelings. At first glance, one might believe that such an order effectively controls emotions within society. However, most of the characters mentioned by D-503 have feelings in one way or another. The triangle between D-503, R-13 and O-90 (the female of the group) illustrates the conflict that has arisen between these numbers, assigned to each other for many years. D-503 and O-90 are allowed to have sex with each other, as are R-13 and O-90. This connection allows D-503 and R-13 to become close friends, but the camaraderie ends when I-330 enters the conversation and R-13 becomes jealous of her relationship with D-503. O-90's relationship with D-503 is also important. D-503. At first, D-503 is happy with their planned time together, but after becoming involved with I-330, he loses interest in O-90 and no longer wishes to have sex with her. O-90 soon learns the new number that disrupted their triangle and is devastated, as a letter later reveals that she has been in love with D-503 all along. Meanwhile, D-503's love for I-330 causes him to develop a soul, which is recognized in the One State as a serious illness as it contradicts.