# Moscow: First Impressions explained — My Disillusionment in Russia

> Chapter companion for My Disillusionment in Russia by Emma Goldman.

## What happens

The narrator arrives in Moscow and begins to confront the stark contradictions between revolutionary ideals and the harsh realities of Soviet rule. Through conversations with disillusioned visitors, observations of inequality and corruption at the National Hotel, and meetings with Angelica Balabanova and Lunacharsky, the narrator's faith in the Bolshevik regime is increasingly shaken.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disillusionment with Revolution

The narrator's faith is eroded by the gap between revolutionary promises and the reality of inequality, corruption, and oppression.

### Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals

Visitors accuse the Bolsheviks of betraying the revolution after securing power, citing the Brest-Litovsk peace, forcible requisitions, and persecution of dissenters.

### State Power vs. Individual Freedom

The narrator observes the iron grip of the party machine, the lack of genuine elections, and the suppression of free speech and opposition.

### Suffering of the People

The common people express bitterness over inequality, hunger, and deception, while the narrator struggles to reconcile their suffering with the government's excuses.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator arrives in Moscow, grappling with disillusionment as they witness inequality, corruption, and the suppression of dissent.

### Lunacharsky

The Commissar of Education, gracious and idealistic, but increasingly hampered by party machinery and unable to implement his good intentions.

### Angelica Balabanova

Secretary of the Third International, living in a small cheerless room, she is compassionate and selfless, often giving away her own rations to help others.

### Jack Reed

Mentioned as having advised the narrator to look up Balabanova in Moscow.

## Key lines

> All spoke of the Brest Litovsk peace as the beginning of the downward march.

Many blamed the Brest-Litovsk treaty for the revolution's decline.

_The treaty is seen as a pivotal betrayal._

> “Elections! There are no such things in Russia, unless you call threats and terrorism elections.”

Visitors claimed that elections were a sham, enforced by threats and terror.

_Highlights the absence of democratic processes._

> “A rock on which the highest hopes are shattered. Life thwarts the best intentions and breaks the finest spirits,” she said.

Balabanova described life as a force that crushes even the noblest aspirations.

_Reflects her unusual, non-dogmatic perspective._

> “Of course, it is all barbarous and antiquated,” Lunacharsky said, “and I am fighting it tooth and nail.”

Lunacharsky condemned the idea of prisons for children as outdated and cruel.

_Shows his progressive stance within the constraints of the system._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_disillusionment_in_russia_se/chapters/iv-moscow-first-impressions
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_disillusionment_in_russia_se/chapters