My Disillusionment in Russia · Chapter
XVIII: En Route explained
The chapter describes the Museum Expedition's journey from Moscow, including encounters with a Tolstoyan intellectual in Kursk who discusses discrimination against independent initiatives and the intelligentsia, and a visit from Krasnoschek
What happens
The chapter describes the Museum Expedition's journey from Moscow, including encounters with a Tolstoyan intellectual in Kursk who discusses discrimination against independent initiatives and the intelligentsia, and a visit from Krasnoschekov, president of the Far Eastern Republic, who offers insight into conditions in the East and invites Berkman and Goldman to Chita. The chapter also details the organization of the train car and the Expedition's work plan.
Themes in this chapter
State Power vs. Individual Freedom
The Tolstoyan's struggle to maintain his children's colony against government discrimination and the general antagonism toward independent efforts illustrate the conflict between state control and individual initiative.
Ethics and Revolutionary Means
The Tolstoyan criticizes the Communist dogma that 'the end justifies all means,' arguing it has opened the door to human passions and discredited revolutionary ideals.
The Role of the Intelligentsia
The chapter contrasts Communist portrayals of the intelligentsia as indifferent with the Tolstoyan's account of teachers and professionals eager to cooperate, yet neglected and semi-starved.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator serves as treasurer and housekeeper of the Expedition, sharing a compartment with secretary Miss A. T. Shakol, and is responsible for gathering data in various departments.
- Alexander Berkman
Appointed as chairman and general manager of the Museum Expedition; he meets with Krasnoschekov and is invited to visit Chita.
- Krasnoschekov
President of the Far Eastern Republic, formerly known as Tobinson in Chicago; he visits the Museum car and describes the political situation in the Far East, including the participation of Anarchists.
- Bill Shatov
Mentioned by Krasnoschekov as Minister of Railways in the Far Eastern Republic, representing Anarchist participation in the government.
Key passages
“The Communist dogma that the end justifies all means was also doing much harm. It had thrown the door wide open to the worst human passions, and discredited the ideals of the Revolution.”
The Bolshevik principle that any method is acceptable for achieving revolutionary goals has unleashed destructive human impulses and undermined the Revolution's original values.
The Tolstoyan visitor criticizes the ethical corruption caused by Bolshevik pragmatism.
“He seemed to have brought a different atmosphere and we were sorry to part so soon.”
Krasnoschekov's presence felt refreshing and hopeful, and the narrator regretted the brief encounter.
Reflects the contrast between the oppressive atmosphere in Soviet Russia and the relative freedom of the Far Eastern Republic.