We Journal Topic C

In We, Yevgeny Zamyatin is warning the human race about the pitfalls of conformity. His novel stresses the importance and beauty of individuality and imagination. In the book, everyone is the same. They eat at the same time, sleep at the same time, and walk at the same time. This vision/idea is not believable, in my opinion. I cannot imagine anyone letting someone else control their life like that. However, I do believe this vision is powerful, if only because the concept is so interesting. The citizens in the dystopian society are (or seem to be) genuinely happy, which fascinates me. If conformity is so great, then why would D-503 begin to think and act rebelliously and individually? I think Zamyatin is saying that it is in human nature to want to be different and special. Everyone wants to be their own person. The idea of such a rhythmic society is impossible to me, but I think the message is clear. A society composed of millions of practically identical "numbers" is doomed to fail because if represses the innate human desire for individuality. I wouldn't say Zamyatin gives us hope in his novel, but rather an idea for an alternative. His world behind the "Green Wall" is natural and free. He presents the option to break out of one's comfort zone, to be unique. This idea is an answer to the "wake-up call".