Believe it or not, there is deceit in this world. Even those creepy glass apartments can't hide it. We see it most overtly in I-300 and the rebellion, but also in O-90, who badly wants a baby and is willing to lie to both D-503 and herself to get it. D-503 engages in deceit too by not automatically turning in I-330. He later recants after his x-ray lobotomy (rather freely, we might add), but he's pretty okay with hiding it before then. As with a lot of dystopian novels, lies themselves become acts of rebellion against the state in We, and the very acts of keeping a secret seems to represent a fun new way of sticking it to The Man.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- What kinds of lies are presented as the truth? Think about the State's "truths." Are they ultimately a kind of deceit?
- Does I-330 ever lie to D-503? Could withholding information be thought of as a lie?
- What kinds of noble goals in the story require lies and deceit to operate?
- How is deceit possible in a world where everyone can see everyone? What kind of places and times exist that allow deceit to flourish?
Chew on This
Deceit is necessary in such a state in order to preserve lasting, positive change.
Deceit is only a weapon of evil, used by the State to keep its citizens under control.