We-Quote

A quote that truly stood out in my mind when reading this novel dealt with D-503 finally starting to break that strong connection to the union of OneState; "A human finger, cut off from its body, its hand...a separate human finger, running hopping along, all hunched over, on a glass sidewalk. I am that finger" (100).
I really appreciated this passage because for one of the more defining and clear moments in D-503's journey, he is able to see the promise and attractiveness of emboding his independence and freedom. D-503 is no longer solely dependent on the solid unit of OneState; he is opening his eyes to a new way of living and thinking. Separating himself from the pack, he is able to realize that although going through the experience alone will not be easy, it will be worthwhile because for the first time there will be emotion and the feeling of actually living. D-503 will not have to depend on the consensus of the group, but instead, the concern he has for himself.
Although the process will be difficult and trying, D-503 will finally experience the emotion of achieving something he has worked toward. This new independence is empowering; however, unless D-503 willingly acts upon this new revelation, that severed finger will be shortly attached back to the overpowering and influential tyranny of the hand.