Memoirs of a Revolutionist · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
Kropotkin describes the revolutionary propaganda efforts among peasants and workers in Russia, focusing on Sergei Kravchinsky's daring escapes and the growth of the populist movement.
What happens
Kropotkin describes the revolutionary propaganda efforts among peasants and workers in Russia, focusing on Sergei Kravchinsky's daring escapes and the growth of the populist movement. He contrasts the cautious talk of the educated classes with the courage of the workers, and details the organization of secret correspondence, smuggling of literature, and the establishment of a printing office abroad.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Idealism and Sacrifice
The chapter highlights the willingness of revolutionaries like Kravchinsky and the weavers to face imprisonment and exile for their cause, contrasting with the cautious self-preservation of the educated classes.
The Role of the Masses in History
Kropotkin emphasizes the courage and determination of the workers and peasants, who listen to propaganda and shelter activists, showing their active role in the revolutionary movement.
Prison and Persecution
The constant threat of arrest, imprisonment, and Siberian exile is a central reality for the propagandists, as seen in Kravchinsky's escape and the weavers' acceptance of risk.
Characters to notice
- Sergei Kravchinsky
Kravchinsky (Serghéi) escapes from Tver, disguises as a lumber sawyer, and conducts revolutionary propaganda among peasants using biblical quotations. He later becomes a key figure in the Moscow circle.
- Peter Kropotkin
Kropotkin participates in the propaganda movement, corresponds in cipher with Kravchinsky, speaks at a weavers' meeting dressed as a peasant, and serves on the literary committee writing pamphlets.
- Borodín
Borodín is the alias Kropotkin uses at the weavers' meeting, where he speaks about the labor movement in Western Europe.
- Rogachov
Rogachov is an ex-officer who, along with Kravchinsky, disguises as a lumber sawyer and conducts revolutionary propaganda.
- Voinarálsky
Voinarálsky is mentioned as an inspiration for the Moscow circle after the St. Petersburg arrests.
- Serdyukov
Serdyukov organizes a circle of about thirty engineers in St. Petersburg for reading and discussion.
Key passages
“We shall probably be sent to Siberia, one of these days; and you—part of you—will be kept long months in prison for having listened to us.”
Kropotkin warns the weavers that they may face exile or imprisonment for their involvement.
Illustrates the frankness of the revolutionaries about the dangers of their activities.
“The peasant whipped up his horse, but we followed rapidly; he made his horse trot, and we began to trot behind him; all the time I continued to talk to him about taxes and revolt.”
Kravchinsky and his companion chase after a peasant's cart to continue their revolutionary propaganda.
Shows the persistence and physical effort involved in spreading ideas.
“If you are afraid of wolves, never go into the wood.”
The weavers express their readiness to face danger rather than avoid the revolutionary struggle.
A proverb used by the workers to show their courage.