The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
The Log of the Transport Buford explained
The chapter chronicles the journey of the Buford, a ship deporting political radicals from the United States to Soviet Russia in late 1919 and early 1920.
What happens
The chapter chronicles the journey of the Buford, a ship deporting political radicals from the United States to Soviet Russia in late 1919 and early 1920. The narrator, a deportee, describes the harsh conditions aboard, the camaraderie among the deportees, their interactions with the military guards, and the uncertainty of their destination. Key events include the organization of a committee for distributing warm clothing, the narrator's discussions with the Colonel about socialism and America, the assignment of lifeboat duties, and the growing friendship with the soldiers. The chapter ends with the ship entering the Kiel Canal, repairs underway, and the deportees eager to reach Russia.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
The deportees, many of whom are anarchists and socialists, are being forcibly removed from the United States for their beliefs, highlighting the betrayal of American ideals of freedom and equal opportunity as debated with the Colonel.
Human Suffering and Dehumanization
The physical and psychological suffering of the deportees is evident: seasickness, illness, confinement, and the indignity of being treated as 'dangerous enemies' while being guarded like prisoners.
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality
The narrator's idealistic vision of the Russian Revolution contrasts with the grim reality of the journey, yet he remains hopeful, consecrating his life to the 'wonderful Russian people.'
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator serves as the chosen spokesman for the deportees, organizing committees, negotiating with authorities, and assisting the ship's physician. He reflects on his longing to join the Russian Revolution and his commitment to the cause.
- Emma Goldman
Emma Goldman is one of the three women deportees, described as a 'motherly nurse' ministering to the seasick Dora and Ethel. She is confined to a small cabin under armed guard.
- Ethel Bernstein
Ethel Bernstein is one of the three women deportees, bundled up and suffering from seasickness, guarded day and night.
- Mr. Berkshire
Berkshire is the representative of the Federal Government on board, overseeing the deportees. He is displeased with the narrator's influence and makes jocular remarks about the deportees jumping overboard.
- The Colonel
The Colonel is the supreme authority on the Buford, a tall, severe-looking U.S. Army officer. He debates the narrator about socialism and America, insisting that the U.S. offers equal opportunity and that deporting agitators is necessary.
- Big Samuel
Big Samuel is a West Virginia miner who announces to the group, 'We'll work like devils for the Revolution,' speaking Russian.
- Novikov
Novikov is a former editor of the New York Anarchist weekly Golos Truda, who was seriously ill at Ellis Island and refused bail until near death. He has not eaten for days on the ship.
- Bianki
Bianki is one of the few deportees not confined to his bunk during a storm; his young nephew has lost his hearing.
Key passages
“Human psychology everywhere has a basic kinship. Even in prison I found the deepest tragedies lit up by a touch of humor.”
Despite the grave anxiety about their destination, the deportees find moments of laughter and joking, showing a universal human tendency to find humor in tragedy.
Reflects the resilience and camaraderie among the deportees.
“I had to explain to him the A.B.C. of social science, pointing out that no wealth can be created except by labor; and that by complex juggling—legal, financial, economic—the producer is robbed of his product.”
The narrator educates the Colonel on socialist economics, arguing that workers are systematically exploited under capitalism.
Highlights the ideological clash between the narrator's anarchist/socialist views and the Colonel's defense of American capitalism.
“It is hard to be torn out of the soil one has rooted in for over thirty years, and to leave the labors of a lifetime behind. Yet I am glad: I face the future, not the past.”
Although painful to leave behind decades of work and life in America, the narrator looks forward to contributing to the Russian Revolution.
Captures the narrator's ambivalence and ultimate optimism about deportation.
“The sameness of the food is disgusting. The bread is stale and doughy. We have made several protests, and at last the chief steward agreed to my proposition to put two men of our group in charge of the bakery.”
The deportees complain about the monotonous and poor-quality food, successfully negotiating to have two of their own oversee the bakery.
Shows the deportees' collective action and ability to improve their conditions.
