# VII: The Market explained — The Bolshevik Myth

> Chapter companion for The Bolshevik Myth by Alexander Berkman.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters/vii-the-market
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters