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, referred to by numbers, have no choices to make. Numbers experience a completely regimented 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 imposed laws. From this point of view, in all respects civilization should be at its peak. So why then does the civilization described by D-503 seem to be more of a dystopia? As D-503's diary records progress, it becomes apparent that many numbers are unable to fully 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 a state's 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 for one to experience true happiness rather than mere contentment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original EssayD-503 describes “unfreedom” as an important aspect of the One State. In his world, Number's daily lives are, for the most part, out of their control. Each number must obey all the laws that control their exact times from their occupations and exercises, up to mealtime. Additionally, the wardens follow the numbers to ensure that the laws of unfreedom are upheld. Originally, D-503 sees unfreedom as a necessary part of life, an improvement over the old ways of the “ancients,” which used choices (61). He explains that without freedom there is no possibility of making the wrong decision, and therefore nothing can go wrong. Since the beginning of his records, D-503 has lived by only abiding by the laws imposed by the Benefactor, and as a result is unaware of life with the ability to make decisions. This ignorance perhaps illustrates why totalitarian government implements anti-freedom policies in the first place. While numbers cannot harm their lives in a regulated society, when you lose the freedom to make choices you also lose the ability to want more, better in life. The One State wants complete control and, to remain in power, it is essential that the numbers live contentedly, without the potential to want more out of life than the State offers. Consequently, it is important to recognize that this corrupt government mentality is a major flaw in civilization. Although D-503 initially agrees with the policies of unfreedom, after meeting I-330 he begins to question such ideas. I-330 is another number that has proven to fascinate D-503. She is cute, promiscuous, deviant and in many ways a representation of what the One State is against. Initially, D-503 is confused and exasperated by his actions which call into question the One State's core values. As he sees her drinking and smoking illegally, D-503 warns, "all those who poison themselves with nicotine, and especially with alcohol, are ruthlessly destroyed by the One State" (55). Often, such disobedience by the One State frustrates the D-503; he hates her for making him turn away from the strict lifestyle of unfreedom and conformity. However, as the diary records the progress, D-503 falls in love with I-330 and their relationshipit allows you to explore ideas of freedom that you were previously unaware of. While he initially thought that life had brought happiness, it could be argued that it was only after spending time with I-330, full of excitement and uncertainty, that D-503 realizes that the past years had simply brought satisfaction . D-503 meets loyalty to the stateagainst rebellion, it 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). While being taught the negative consequences that come with this choice, D-503 reasons that eliminating freedom hinders harmful outcomes. However, life with the I-330 and introduction to the Memphis group, a secret subculture of numbers who organize the 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 towards freedom despite negative consequences. D-503 notes the joy in self-determination and explains, “It was me, a separate entity, a world. I had stopped being a component, as I had been, and had become a unit” (157). Perhaps a turning point for D-503, it is identified with independence. This change experienced by D-503 illustrates how corrupt and repressive government has been restrictive to prevent the joy that comes from freedom. In addition to the lack of freedom, D-503 describes another crucial component of the One State as the elimination of love. According to D-503, the “Great Two Hundred Years War” succeeded in conquering love so that it was “subjugated, that is, organized and reduced to mathematical order” (21). The Single State decides to regulate love by controlling sex among numbers. There are designated days and times when numbers can have sex and pink coupons are required to receive privacy. To further simplify relationships, any number can apply to have sex with whoever they want. The purpose behind maintaining complete control over sex is that with an organized system in place, there is no room for envy or any other deep feeling, including love. At first, the side of D-503 that needs everything to be rationalized and explainable appreciates the system's ability to control sex and prevent any confusing feelings. At first glance, one might believe that this order controls emotions within society. However, most of the characters mentioned by D-503 have feelings in some way. The triangle between D-503, R-13 and O-90 (the female of the group) illustrates the conflict that arose between these numbers, assigned to each other for many years. D-503 and O-90 can have sex with each other, as can R-13 and O-90. This connection allows D-503 and R-13 to become close friends, but the companionship ends when I-330 comes into conversation and R-13 becomes jealous of his relationship with D-503. The relationship of O-90 with D-503 is also important. At first D-503 is satisfied with their planned time together, however, 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 of the new issue that interrupted their triangle and is devastated, as a later letter reveals that she has always been in love with D-503. 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 the rational foundations of society. Given the intense feelings of these characters, one must wonder why such emotions persist when the One State government has created a strictly regulated system to prevent their existence. How can a company that controls.
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