The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
II: On Soviet Soil explained
The narrator describes the arrival of American deportees in Soviet Russia at Beloostrov, where they are warmly welcomed by soldiers and peasants.
What happens
The narrator describes the arrival of American deportees in Soviet Russia at Beloostrov, where they are warmly welcomed by soldiers and peasants. A mass meeting features speeches by a woman in black, Zorin, and Bianki, whose confrontational remarks are countered by the narrator's call for unity. The group proceeds to Petrograd amid further celebrations.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality
The narrator's profound emotional response to Soviet soil contrasts with Bianki's warning about suppression, highlighting the tension between revolutionary hope and political reality.
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
Bianki's threat of war between anarchists and Bolsheviks foreshadows the betrayal of revolutionary unity and the suppression of dissent.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Berkman
The narrator, deeply moved by the reception, speaks at the meeting to promote unity after Bianki's divisive remarks.
- Liza Zorin
Welcomes the deportees in the name of Soviet Russia and calls for cooperation.
- Bianki
A young Russian of Italian descent who warns the Bolsheviks against suppression, threatening war.
Key passages
“I jumped on the platform. "Let not this great hour be debased by unworthy thoughts," I cried. "From now on we are all one—one in the sacred work of the Revolution, one in its defense, one in our common aim for the freedom and welfare of the people."”
The narrator urges the crowd to set aside differences and unite for the Revolution.
Demonstrates the narrator's appeal for revolutionary solidarity.
“With bared head I stood in the presence of the visible symbols of the Revolution Triumphant. A feeling of solemnity, of awe overwhelmed me.”
The narrator feels a sacred reverence upon first seeing revolutionary Russia.
Highlights the narrator's idealistic view of the Soviet state.