Since "We the Living" is based on the author's experiences under Soviet control, it can be considered an autobiography.
The details of the revolution are revealed, along with information on the communist regime's control, terror, subpar living conditions, and numerous other issues of the period.
The timeline of historical events is almost exactly followed in the book.
The rise of individuals against the state and the bad character of statism are the main themes of the narrative.
According to the statism ideology, the state, which usually has unrestricted control over public property, holds the right to a man's life.
As such, the novel is a story about a woman by the name Kira Argounova who struggles to sustain her freedom during the Russian revolution that began in 1917. The book highlights various issues including the life experienced by people at the time, the different meaning of communism to individuals and also the price of freedom.
1. What does this novel reveal about life in the early years of the Soviet Union (the 1920s)?
A close analysis of the story shows that life at the beginning of the Soviet Union was not comfortable.
Apparently, Kira and her family return to Petrograd, and it becomes evident that it was going to be a long and challenging journey.
Although the family was wealthy before, the realities of the Soviet Union saw their companies and factories nationalized while survival was based on ration cards, working in demeaning positions and also taking part in mandatory communist social activities.
The outcome of the revolution can also be seen by the high levels of poor Russian peasants possibly due to the redistribution of wealth and privileges.
Those dispossessed of their property and belongings saw drastic changes in their lives as they moved from a good life to a poor one.
Additionally, the era was characterized by high levels of political and social chaos.
Despite these uprisings, the Soviet Union persisted on the completion of the revolution albeit using illegitimate approaches.
The standards of living declined significantly, cities and town became more disorganized than ever, and lack of food led to the formation of long queues as people awaited their allocated portions.
An example is the scenario described by "bundles wrapped in bed-sheets, newspapers and flour sacks. The humans were bundled in ragged overcoats and shawls and dust had engraved wrinkles on the dry, cracked skin of faces that had lost all expression" (Rand 19).
The author doesn't fail to bring out the collective losses that the nation incurred and especially the demise and even loss of life of one of the main characters Kira.
2. Who were "we the living," and what did Communism ultimately mean to these people?
An in-depth analysis reveals that Leo, Kira, and Andrei are the living individuals.
However, Kira seems to be the leading person with a life and a purpose.
It is through her that the life, character, and experiences of the other two persons are seen.
The author utilizes these characters to convey the message concerning the different lives led by various people in the society and how the collectivist state of rule eventually destroys the individuals especially the good ones.
As such, Kira is the living in the title, and it is quite evident that she is the only person who can be said to be "most" alive in the novel.
Communism has diverse meanings to the characters.
First and foremost, Andrei trusts in the communist principles, and he insists that he does what he thinks will improve other people's lives to be on par with his.
He believes that by his contribution in changing the state, people will have a chance to live.
In his perception, Andrei is convinced that everyone can be at the same level and thus the meaning of communism.
He not only believes the cause of communism but also the ideals and the notion that it is a noble cause that requires support and dedication.
Simply put, Andrei is an ambassador and soldier for communism and the collectivist ideology that comes with it.
Leo, on the other hand, doesn't have a cause concerning communism.
Despite despising Andrei and his ideals, Leo does not develop any substantive reason as to whether communism is a worthy cause or not.
He just stays on Kira's side.
One can best describe him as being on the middle ground where he does not develop due to lack of passion and a purpose as well.
It is not clear where his thought and desires are regarding communism, what is evident is that he is stunted in this position of stagnation without knowing what to support and what not to support.
Unlike the above-mentioned characters, Kira's position concerning communism and its meaning is clear.
She says that "Well, if I asked people whether they believed in life, they'd never understand what I mean. It's a bad question. It can mean so much that it really means nothing. So I ask them if they believe in God. And if they say they do-then, I know they don't believe in life" (Rand 18).
This statement shows that Kira values her life as a sacred cause and this is what she views as most important.
She believes that her personal values and principles have to be followed and in this way she can realize success in her career and enjoy the things that she wants to.
Apparently, her dedication to pursuing her will is hindered by communism (collectivism).
Her life which is held in profound reverence is blocked from progress by the ever-present communist ideals, and for this reason, she seeks to leave the country for a better life no matter what.
In other words, Kira, being the living title of the novel, develops into an individual who understands the shortcomings of communism.
By realizing that this ideology is not the best, communism to her means restriction, and limitation to pursue one's goals.
3. What three groups do Kira, Leo, and Andrei represent?
This novel uses Kira, Leo, and Andrei to elucidate on three groups of people who exist in the world.
More so, three different attitudes to oppression are clearly explained by the behavior, reason and ideals of these individuals.
Kira represents those people who are willing to persevere all the hurdles in the world while at the same time being realistic.
Such people are persistent, they know their strengths and weaknesses and they are also willing to do what they can to preserve their values and principles.
The author writes that "It's because...you see, if we had souls, which we haven't, and if our souls met--yours and mine--they'd fight to the death. But after they had torn each other to pieces, to the very bottom, they'd see that they had the same root" (Rand 17).
This statement seems to allude that such people are willing to fight even to the death just like Kira.
Andrei represents people who, in their associations with wrong ideologies become ruined even though they possess impeccable character.
Lastly, Leo represents those who lose their energy as a result of uncompromised and in the process, lose morale and a clear-cut passion or course of their lives.
Conclusion
The ultimate aim of the novel is to bring out the situations where the roles of a person including morality and virtues might need to be discarded in an attempt to attain existence as well as individual assertion.
Works Cited
Rand, Ayn. We the living. New York: New American Library, 2009. Internet Resource.
