The word "we" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the grey of it. which best states the effect of the imagery in the excerpt? the comparison of the word "we" to limestone to develop the theme that collective thinking strengthens society. the comparison of the word "we" to limestone to develop the theme that a collective society destroys humankind's potential. the description of black and white becoming gray to develop the theme that all people are equal. the description of black and white becoming gray to develop the theme that living only for oneself is a colorless and bleak existence.