Water Imagery and the Emotional Status of D-503 in We Nicole LeAnn Taylor 12th Grade

When it comes to innovative stylistic and thematic techniques in We, Zamyatin does not disappoint. Every detail of this novel is deliberate, from the colors of objects to characterization of names. While a heavy emphasis is often placed on the dystopian aspect of We, just as much can be said about the symbolism behind it. Water, in particular, plays a subtle but crucial role in the evolution of characters and the dystopia. Imagery and diction involving water are utilized by Zamyatin throughout We to symbolize the One State and D-503s developing state of mind.

Zamyatin establishes the relevance of water early in We in order to better portray his emotional progression and establish the characteristics of the One State. When D-503 describes a room as “flooded with pale blue sunlight,” Zamyatin is familiarizing the reader with words that are related to water in some way (Zamyatin 4). The term “flooded” has cheerful connotations, having been used in relation to sunlight. This introduces the recurring water theme as a positive force for D-503. Zamyatin continues with this pattern on the next page by referring to four members of the One State as “but one of the innumerable waves in this mighty stream” (5). This metaphor is meant to...