In We, Yevgeny Zamyatin creates a mathematical world. The One State is built on math and logic where people are numbers not names. The square root of minus one is a mathematical concept that conflicts with the One State’s ideals and, as such, confounds the narrator D-503. The square root of minus one represents individuality and imagination. D-503’s changing reaction to the concept corresponds with his changing perception of the One State and his progressive acceptance of rebellious ideas.
Responses to the square root of minus one represent responses to imagination and individuality. The number disgusts D-503 as a child. “I don’t want √-1! Take √-1 out of me!” he cries (Zamyatin 39). Mathematically, √-1 is “i”, the imaginary unit. It is not …show more content…
Minor transgressions become comfortable, but he still fears potential consequences. The more he contemplates his society’s origins and visits the Ancient House to see I-330, the less he accepts the One State. Instead of reporting to the authorities, he is compelled to “tell [I-330] so much— everything, all of me” including details of “√-1” (133). By now, D-503 accepts both his individuality and the square root of minus one. He defies state dogma to learn about the Mephi, and clashes with the One State by plotting to destroy the spaceship Integral. Having realized that there are exceptions to the mathematical rules imposed by the state, D-503 has become an exception himself.
The One State’s hyper-logical worldview is grounded in mathematics, but D-503 comes to recognize that there are illogical exceptions. The One State can undertake a ‘Great Operation’, but it cannot strip humanity of imagination. Just as the square root of minus one is not a discrete number, so imagination is not a discrete, ordered object. Rules will always have exceptions, and people will always resist rigid rules based solely on logic. Thus, dissent and disorder will feature permanently in the One State. As I-330 explains, there can be no final
Responses to the square root of minus one represent responses to imagination and individuality. The number disgusts D-503 as a child. “I don’t want √-1! Take √-1 out of me!” he cries (Zamyatin 39). Mathematically, √-1 is “i”, the imaginary unit. It is not …show more content…
Minor transgressions become comfortable, but he still fears potential consequences. The more he contemplates his society’s origins and visits the Ancient House to see I-330, the less he accepts the One State. Instead of reporting to the authorities, he is compelled to “tell [I-330] so much— everything, all of me” including details of “√-1” (133). By now, D-503 accepts both his individuality and the square root of minus one. He defies state dogma to learn about the Mephi, and clashes with the One State by plotting to destroy the spaceship Integral. Having realized that there are exceptions to the mathematical rules imposed by the state, D-503 has become an exception himself.
The One State’s hyper-logical worldview is grounded in mathematics, but D-503 comes to recognize that there are illogical exceptions. The One State can undertake a ‘Great Operation’, but it cannot strip humanity of imagination. Just as the square root of minus one is not a discrete number, so imagination is not a discrete, ordered object. Rules will always have exceptions, and people will always resist rigid rules based solely on logic. Thus, dissent and disorder will feature permanently in the One State. As I-330 explains, there can be no final