The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
VII: The Market explained
The narrator explores the Moscow marketplace, observing the stark contrast between the revolutionary rhetoric and the harsh realities of economic collapse, state repression, and human suffering.
What happens
The narrator explores the Moscow marketplace, observing the stark contrast between the revolutionary rhetoric and the harsh realities of economic collapse, state repression, and human suffering. A raid on the market by Cheka and militia reveals the brutal enforcement of anti-speculation policies, targeting desperate individuals including children and the elderly. An evening discussion with Communist friends highlights the ideological justification for such violence, deepening the narrator's disillusionment.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Collapse and Survival
The market scene vividly depicts desperate individuals selling personal belongings and food to survive, amid hyperinflation and bread shortages.
Terror and Violence
The armed raid on the market, with soldiers and Cheka men threatening, arresting, and physically abusing traders, illustrates state terror.
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
The narrator's revulsion at the Prikaz and the brutal treatment of civilians contrasts with the revolution's promise of liberation and justice.
Human Suffering and Dehumanization
Emaciated children, starving intellectuals, and elderly women are treated as criminals, their suffering dismissed by Communist officials.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Walks through Moscow, observes the market, intervenes during the raid, and debates with Communist friends.
- Alexander Berkman
Addressed as 'Berkman' during the evening discussion; the narrator is implied to be Berkman.
- R⸺
Former member of the Socialist Labor Party of America; defends the crackdown on speculators.
- K⸺
Commissar of a Soviet House; states that most stores will soon be closed.
- D⸺
Influential labor union leader in a leather coat; argues that market traders are inveterate speculators deserving execution.
- The Chekist
Confronts the narrator at the market but allows passage after seeing Chicherin's stamp; later leads the raid.
Key passages
“The Prikaz vividly recalled the gendarmes and the Cossack order of things, and I resented it. The Revolution should find another language, I thought.”
The narrator feels that the revolutionary government's use of authoritarian language mirrors the old Tsarist regime, betraying the spirit of the revolution.
Reflects disillusionment with Bolshevik methods.
“I tell you, those, people are inveterate speculators, and there is no way of stopping them. The best thing is to put them to the wall, razstrelyat —shoot them.”
A Communist official argues that market traders are incorrigible speculators who should be executed.
Illustrates the brutal ideological stance of Bolshevik officials toward perceived economic enemies.
“The booty taken from the traders was being piled on a cart by Chekists. I looked at the stores. They remained open; they had not been raided.”
After the raid, the Cheka confiscated goods from the poor vendors while leaving the established stores untouched.
Highlights the selective enforcement of anti-speculation laws, targeting the most vulnerable.