dystopian conventions used in We

Question 1

Surveillance

Answer 1

In “We,” the use of glass symbolizes extreme surveillance. Buildings and spaces are constructed of glass, allowing authorities to observe the actions of every individual constantly. This transparency eliminates any possibility of privacy, reinforcing the control the state has over its citizens. The omnipresence of surveillance ensures that conformity is maintained, and any deviation from the norm is quickly identified and corrected.

Question 2

Censorship

Answer 2

The state’s control over communication, including the monitoring of letters, represents censorship in “We.” This ensures that only state-approved information is circulated among citizens, maintaining the illusion of a perfect society and suppressing any dissenting thoughts or ideas. By controlling information, the state exerts power over the citizens’ understanding of reality, manipulating their perceptions to align with the government’s agenda.

Question 3

Loss of individuality

Answer 3

“We” depicts a society where citizens lose their individuality through the imposition of uniforms and the suppression of imagination. Everyone dresses the same and is discouraged from creative or independent thought, promoting a collective identity that prioritizes the group over the individual. This uniformity is a means of control, making it easier for the state to manage the population and eliminate any threats to its authority.

Question 4

Figurehead

Answer 4

The Benefactor serves as the central figurehead in “We,” embodying the ultimate authority and being worshipped by the citizens. This worship is a form of control, as it establishes a cult of personality around the Benefactor, ensuring that loyalty to the state is equated with loyalty to a single, deified leader. The figurehead’s presence reinforces the state’s power and legitimacy, discouraging opposition and ensuring that the societal order remains unchallenged.