Evils of Communism Exposed in We the Living, by Ayn Rand

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Recommended: Communism in Ayn Rand's Anthem

In We the Living, Ayn Rand describes a girl’s battle against Soviet Russia and the struggle to remain resolved amidst the conforming society. Though some believe Communism is noble in concept, Rand agrues the opposite throughout her novel. Ayn Rand argues in We the Living the theory of communism is innately evil by demonstrating its failure in implementation, corruption within the party, and embodying the very argument with Kira Argounova.

Ayn Rand describes the extent of corruption within the Communist party and eliminates the possibility of the applicable aspect. The primary example of corruption Rand, illustrates is that of the influential Party leader, Pavel Syerov. Syerov’s involvement in speculation demonstrates the Party’s lack of devotion toward their cause, as he remains involved attending ‘Club’ meetings (Ayn Rand 287). Rand’s use of Syerov’s ‘dedication’ to the Party displays the corruption and fallacies of Communism and its members. Rand expands this view of corruption by incorporating the corruption of the GPU, the most legalistic area of Communism. After Andrei Tagonov displays his evidence to the GPU, the officers explain Syerov cannot be exposed because “why a Party member’s name must be must be kept from any connection with a case of counter-revolutionary speculation” (Rand 392). Rand utilizes the government’s corruption and facades of loyalty to describe the extent at which Communists forced smiles and quotes on their faces and lips. Rand’s ultimate argument against Communism in practice reveals the hatred and deceit involved in achieving Party membership and favor. When Victor Dunaev betrays his sister to the GPU, he is motivated for a rewards for Party loyalty (Rand 339). This heinous act represent...

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... gives her life attempting to remain living for herself rather than the state. She grasps the only concept opposing Communism and dies victorious: “Life undefeated, existed and could exist” (Rand 464). Rand’s convictions spill onto the page as Kira’s convictions become passionately embodied within the readers. Rand’s ultimate convictions, opposing Communism, are embodied within Kira Argounova and destroy any claim as to sympathizing with the Communist theory.

Ayn Rand destroys any ideal claiming Communism is a ‘noble’ theory. She demonstrates its complete failure in practice, reveals the impossibility of a steadfast conviction to Communism, and embodies her very beliefs within her main character. Rand, with the very essence of her being, opposes Communist ideals.

Work Cited

Rand, Ayn. We the Living. 60th Anniversary Edition. New York, NY: Signet, 1995. Print.

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