I think that Rand's syntax, along with her diction, help
to develop Equality 7-2521's character through the use of one word: "We." The reason I
use both is that I think this falls more under "diction" than "syntax." However, I think
syntax is important in the tone that the word "We" creates for the
character.
Rand's choice to use "We" instead of "I" is
primarily to create the effect of community in the society. There is no such word as
"I," because it has been outlawed. Instead, the citizens all refer to themselves as "We"
to remind themselves that they are never alone. Nothing they do is ever on their own.
They are a part of something greater.
The use of "We" also
lends a grandness and importance to everything that is done in the society. This is
where I think you could argue that syntax comes into play. It's not necessarily a matter
of word order but rather the mood that the words create when put together. When Equality
7-2521 and International 4-8818 discover the tunnel, their conversation is one of
extreme seriousness. International says, "We shall report our find to the City Council
and both of us will be rewarded." This comment is responded to by Rand and then Equality
7-2521 himself:
And then we spoke. Our voice was hard and there
was no mercy in our voice. We said:
"We shall not report
our find to the City Council. We shall not report it to any
men."
You can see the
seriousness this lends to the action itself.
Finally, the
use of the word "We" throughout the story makes the use of the word "I" in the end that
much more effective. Through this one simple change, Rand creates a monumental point for
her story. Equality 7-2521 says:
And now I see the face of god, and I raise this
god over the earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god
who will grant them joy and peace and pride.
This god, this
one
word:
"I."
As
you can see, the transition is powerful for both Equality 7-2521 and the
audience.
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