Zamyatin's "We" and "On Language"

Considering that Zamyatin wrote both "We" and "On Language", of course their are similarities between the two. What Zamyatin has said in "On Language" greatly applies to his novel "We.

In "On Language", Zamyatin states that, in good literature, there is no difference between poetry and literary prose. He instead separates literary works into two different categories- lyrical and epic. Describing the writer as an actor, the epic writer must "reincarnate himself wholly into the characters, the milieu he is portraying". Zamyatin believes that the writer must think like his characters, and write what they would write. A writer should not be afraid to make up his own words or anecdotes- if that is what the character would do. He then focuses on a more specific aspect of writing- spoken language. Spoken language refers to everything- the descriptions, the dialogue, and the characters. In an epic work, the character must be present in everything.

This is how Zamyatin wrote in "We". The whole book is written from D-503's point of view- every sentence, every description, and word is from D-503. So not only do we learn about the events that occur, but D-503 himself, and how he thinks. We can tell his emotions from what he writes- whether he is confused and submerged in chaos- "I clutched at him. 'Quick-let's go to your office... I must... immediately-about everything!'" (Zamyatin, 227). D-503 is not thinking straight. At other times the author uses many periods and dashes to portray this confusion and lack of concentration. However, D-503 is sometimes clear in what he knows, with a mathematical, reassuring knowledge of all. For instance, on page 231- "The facts are as follows: that evening, my neighbor who had discovered the finiteness of the universe, I, and all who were with us were seized because we had no certificates to show we had been operated upon and were taken to the nearest auditorium..." D-503's thoughts are straight, using a normal procedure of time- "the facts are as follows... because". There are no questions, confusions, or periods. Thus, we know that something has happened to cause him to be calm.

In "On Language", Zamyatin also says to let the reader use his imagination to fill in the blanks (which is ironic, since "We" is about taking away imagination), and in his novel, Zamyatin does this. For instance, on page 219, D-503 says "... I must-you hear? At once, I cannot...". The reader must fill in what is not said- I must find I-330, and so on. Throughout the book Zamyatin uses this technique, which can help the reader feel confused, calm, or whatever emotion should be felt.