Character & Setting:
* First-person narration: The novel is told from the perspective of "D-503," a highly intelligent and rational engineer who is deeply embedded in the One State's ideology. This limited perspective allows the reader to experience the world through the eyes of someone who is slowly becoming aware of the system's flaws.
* Satire: Zamyatin uses satire to ridicule the One State's rigid social structure, its obsession with order and efficiency, and the suppression of individuality. This is evident in the names of characters (e.g., "D-503," "I-330") and the absurd rituals and practices of the society.
* Allegory: "We" is heavily allegorical, using the One State as a representation of totalitarian regimes in general, particularly the Soviet Union of Zamyatin's time. The novel serves as a warning against the dangers of such systems.
* Foreshadowing: Zamyatin frequently foreshadows the eventual rebellion against the One State. This is done through the introduction of characters like I-330, the "Benefactor's" cryptic speeches, and the growing sense of unease within D-503.
* Symbolism: The novel is rich in symbolism. The Green Wall, which separates the One State from the "outside" world, represents the limitations imposed on the citizens by the regime. The "Great Benefactor" is a symbol of the oppressive force behind the One State.
Literary Devices:
* Metaphor & Imagery: Zamyatin uses evocative metaphors and imagery to create a vivid and disturbing picture of the One State. For example, the citizens are described as "numbers" and the city as a giant machine.
* Juxtaposition: The novel frequently juxtaposes the seemingly perfect world of the One State with the glimpses of freedom and beauty found in the outside world. This contrast highlights the artificiality and oppressive nature of the regime.
* Irony: Zamyatin uses irony to emphasize the contradictions within the One State. For example, the citizens are told they are "free" but are constantly monitored and controlled.
* Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases and ideas, such as the slogan "We are One," reinforces the propaganda of the One State and highlights its pervasive influence.
* Parody: The novel parodies the language and rhetoric of totalitarian regimes, creating a satirical and critical view of their ideology.
Overall Effect:
These literary devices work together to create a chilling and powerful portrait of a totalitarian society. By immersing the reader in the world of the One State, Zamyatin compels us to question our own assumptions about freedom, individuality, and the nature of government. "We" remains a relevant and thought-provoking novel even today, serving as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of safeguarding human rights.