# VIII: In the Moskkommune explained — The Bolshevik Myth > Chapter companion for The Bolshevik Myth by Alexander Berkman. ## What happens The narrator accompanies the House Commissar to the Moskkommune, Moscow's central food supply organization, and observes the complex, hierarchical rationing system that privileges Party officials, soldiers, and key institutions while ordinary workers receive meager portions. A debate about equality and necessity ensues. Later, back at the Kharitonensky Guest House, Sergei asks to share the narrator's room after being ordered to vacate, and the narrator agrees. ## Themes in this chapter ### Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals The narrator challenges the Commissar on the inequality of the rationing system, arguing that true communism demands equal distribution, while the Commissar defends preferential treatment for Party members and officials. ### Economic Collapse and Survival The chapter vividly depicts the desperate struggle for food in Moscow, with citizens waiting hours in queues, multiple categories of rations, and the constant threat of going without. ### Human Suffering and Dehumanization The long waits, bureaucratic obstacles, and callous treatment of applicants (e.g., being turned away after hours of waiting) illustrate the dehumanizing effects of the system. ## Character check-ins ### Unknown Narrator Accompanies the House Commissar to the Moskkommune, debates the fairness of the rationing system, and later agrees to let Sergei share his room. ### Sergei A resident at the Kharitonensky Guest House who has been ordered to vacate; asks the narrator for shelter and is taken in. ### Karakhan Mentioned as a high-placed functionary whose ossobniak receives special food supplies. ## Key lines > The essence of Communism is equality; there should be only one kind of pyock, so that all will share equally. The narrator argues that true communism requires equal rations for everyone. _Highlights the ideological conflict between egalitarian ideals and the reality of privilege._ > What can we do, tovarish! If it were not for the cursed Allies and the blockade, we’d have food enough for all. The Commissar blames the Allied blockade for the food shortages, expressing hope for European revolutions. _Shows how the regime externalized blame for economic failures._ > Into the line, into the line! ... The sly one! Here we’ve been standing for hours, and he’s just come and wants to enter already. People in the queue angrily demand that latecomers wait their turn, especially those claiming priority status. _Illustrates the tension and frustration caused by the 'vne otcheredi' (priority access) system._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters/viii-in-the-moskkommune - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters