Red Dusk and the Morrow · Chapter
XIV: Conclusion explained
In the concluding chapter, the author reflects on the state of Russia under Bolshevik rule, emphasizing the silent heroism of the intellectual class who remained to alleviate suffering despite persecution.
What happens
In the concluding chapter, the author reflects on the state of Russia under Bolshevik rule, emphasizing the silent heroism of the intellectual class who remained to alleviate suffering despite persecution. He discusses the famine of 1921, the growing gulf between the Communist Party and the people, and the failure of the Third International's world-revolutionary hopes. The author argues for a humanitarian intervention and a transition to sane government, retaining non-political Soviet institutions while discarding the Cheka and propaganda organs. He praises the peasantry's resilience and private ownership instincts, and condemns the Bolshevik leadership's contempt for the Russian people, concluding that the revolution has produced a government alien to the nation's true aspirations.
Themes in this chapter
Humanitarianism vs. Ideology
The chapter contrasts the self-sacrificing work of intellectuals and the League for the Protection of Children with the Bolsheviks' political propaganda and neglect, arguing for humanitarian intervention over political warfare.
The Peasantry and Rural Life Under Bolshevism
The author discusses the peasant's love for the soil, the irony that Communism made peasants less communistic, and their potential for independent judgment and citizenship once freed from Bolshevik rule.
Totalitarian Control and Repression
References to the Extraordinary Commission (Cheka), suppression of freedom, and the Bolsheviks' contempt for the Russian people highlight the repressive nature of the regime.
Revolution and Its Betrayal
The author laments that the revolution, which promised so much, has given Russia a government alien to the nation's sympathies and ideals, and that the Bolsheviks have betrayed the revolution's potential.
Characters to notice
- The Doctor
Mentioned among the intellectual class (teachers, doctors, nurses) who remained in Russia to bear adversity and alleviate distress.
- Uncle Egor
Referenced indirectly through the discussion of the peasantry's love for the soil and their primitive aspirations under Bolshevism.
- Mrs. Marsh
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
- Mr. Marsh
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
- Captain Zorinsky
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
- Melnikoff
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
- Stepanovna
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
- Dmitri Konstantinovitch
Not directly mentioned in this chapter; no specific appearance.
Key passages
“I have always emphasized the part silently and self-sacrificingly played by a considerable section of the intellectual class who have never fled from Russia to harbours of safety, but have remained to bear on their backs, together with the mass of the people, the brunt of adversity and affliction.”
The author highlights the unsung heroism of intellectuals who stayed in Russia to share the people's suffering.
This underscores the theme of humanitarianism vs. ideology.
“By a strange irony of fate, the Communist regime has made the Russian peasant still less communistic than he was under the Tsar.”
The Bolsheviks' policies have paradoxically strengthened the peasant's attachment to private property.
Reflects the theme of the peasantry and rural life.
“Our power is based on three things: first, on Jewish brains; secondly, on Lettish and Chinese bayonets; and thirdly, on the crass stupidity of the Russian people.”
A Bolshevik leader cynically attributes the regime's dominance to Jewish intellect, foreign mercenaries, and the supposed foolishness of Russians.
Illustrates the contempt of Bolshevik leaders for the Russian people, central to the chapter's critique.
“The Bolsheviks are all formula—empty formula—and no soul. The Russians are all soul with no formula.”
The author contrasts the rigid ideology of the Bolsheviks with the spiritual depth of the Russian people.
Captures the theme of revolution and its betrayal.
