Paper Topic

The topic I choose to write my paper is on the aspect of control in We. In my paper i will reference to the table of hours, pink ticket, gazette, unifs, green wall, and others. These objects will help to showcase how the One State has total control over ciphers econoical, social, and political lives. I will go in depth on how ciphers jobs are assigned and how they recieve no imcome (wealth of the state over the individual), their friendships and relationships are designated by the state, and the word "democracy has no existence, instead it is the rule of the benefactor.

The end...

We was an amazing book! When I first started reading Zamyatin's story it confused and fusterated me, but after reading the first section of the book twice my opinion changed. I found We to be book that I could not put down! I never knew what was going to happen, it was so unpredictable; especially the ending! I really thought D-503 and I-330 would end up together and live happily ever after! I never predicted that 0-90 would be the one to escape successfully! lol Even though I am conficted on the ending of the story, I would recommend We to others because it is a challenging story that makes you think outside the box. It taught me to slow down my reading and really look into the text to find the hidden clues and symbols that help make the story.

What I Couldn't Live Without!

The one thing that would bother me most about living in the one state is that ciphers don't have families. The reason is because my family is a very important Part of my life; they offer support and always have my back.In the One State ciphers are taken away right after they are born and then they are raised by the government;they don't know what a family actually is they just know about the idea of families. Already knowing what a family is and all the love and support it offers, I would miss it greatly if I was a resident of the One State.I also feel as though I wouldn't be a unique individual because I would be raised like every other inhabitant of the one state, instead of those unique values of a family shaping my personality.

Literary Analysis

After reading the varying types of critical strategies in our textbook, I believe We fits the historical strategies category the best! Furthermore, it is representitive of Marxist Criticism because it focuses on the values about matters such as culture, race, class, and power. Zamyatin's book, falls into this category because the One State is representitive of the ealry years of the Soviet Union. His characters, show how a government can have total control and regulate all aspects of society, even the most personal relationships. The book also is representative of Marxist Criticim, because of how all characters in the story are given a number instead of a name. These numbers represent how the people of the One State are valued for their ablity to work and not their personalities. We is able to create a futuristic world, that is mainly based off the previous Russian government formed in the 1920's.

Literary Terms

Style: Zamyatin's We is unique in that he uses mathmatical terms to describe everyday events and feelings. By doing so, the book has a more futuristic feel.

Tone: The author's tone in We is conflicting. The characters at the beginning of the story believe all is perfect in the world, but readers of the book realize the many negatives of the One State. Readers are able to realize this through the planned scheduled of an individuals life.

Irony: I think the irony in this story is how I-330 is a very rebelious individual but yet she is friends and acquientences with those in charge of the One State (Guardians).

Plot: The main character, D-503, introduces readers to the world he lives in and the people that also inhabit the One State. The story follows him through his daily routine until one day cipher I-330 turns his world upside down with her carefree philosophy on life.

Characterization: Though we don't know D-503 physical description, readers are able to believe he actually exist due to the conflicts he faces and his interactions with other ciphers. For example, he is conflicted by turning I-330 into the Guardians and whether or not it is ok to break the law (drinking, smoking, not sleeping). Another example, is his interactions with others, like I-330, Sweet 0, and R-13.

Setting: The story takes place in a controlled future society cut off from the rest of the world, named the One State.

Point-of-View: Cipher D-503 tells the story through relaying his personal thoughts and interacting with other ciphers.

Symbol: The Ancient house is a symbol of rebellion and an "ancestry" life.

Theme: Complete control over a large body of people, will never leave people satisfied. They will always be striving for something more.

All About Me!

Ok so my name is Ashley Rock! I am a big basketball fan! I love Duke! I am studying to become a Physical Therapist, while double majoring in History and Psychology!