The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
XI: Bolshevik Activities explained
The chapter describes the first All-Russian Conference of Cossacks, where the Bolsheviks attempt to win over the traditionally reactionary Cossacks.
What happens
The chapter describes the first All-Russian Conference of Cossacks, where the Bolsheviks attempt to win over the traditionally reactionary Cossacks. It also covers a session of the Moscow Soviet, the first anniversary meeting of the Third International, and a visit to Lunacharsky's educational institutions, highlighting the challenges of illiteracy, lack of resources, and the lingering effects of war and revolution on children.
Themes in this chapter
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality
The narrator's hope for the Third International gathering is dampened by the lack of enthusiasm and mechanical proceedings, contrasting revolutionary ideals with the grim reality.
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
The intolerance shown toward the Menshevik speaker at the Moscow Soviet and the political commissars in schools suggest a departure from open revolutionary democracy.
Human Suffering and Dehumanization
Mme. Lunacharskaya's remarks about 'defectives,' juvenile prostitution, and children who refuse school reveal the deep human cost of war, revolution, and hunger.
Characters to notice
- Kamenev
Chairman of the Cossack Conference and the Moscow Soviet session; also presided over the Third International anniversary meeting.
- Kalinin
President of the R.S.F.S.R., greeted the Cossack Conference but failed to arouse enthusiasm.
- Radek
Spoke at the Third International anniversary meeting, thundering against the world bourgeoisie.
- Lunacharsky
Popular lecturer on culture and education; visited in his Kremlin office, discussed eradicating illiteracy and the struggle with reactionary pedagogues.
- Mme. Lunacharskaya
Lunacharsky's wife, in charge of schools and colonies; showed the narrator around, discussed the scarcity of teachers and materials, and the problem of juvenile prostitution.
Key passages
“The exhibition of intolerance, so unworthy of a revolutionary assembly, depressed me. I felt that it grossly offended against the spirit and purpose of the august body, the Moscow Soviet, whose work should express the best thought and ideas of its members and crystallize them in effective and wise action.”
The narrator is dismayed by the intolerance shown at the Moscow Soviet, believing it violates the true revolutionary spirit that should foster open debate and wise decision-making.
Reflects the theme of betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
“The children must be allowed opportunity for free development, and of course we give them the best we have.”
Mme. Lunacharskaya emphasizes the importance of allowing children to develop freely, within the limits of available resources.
Highlights the educational ideals and the practical challenges of the time.
“Our terrible heritage, she added sadly.”
Mme. Lunacharskaya laments the lasting damage of war, revolution, and hunger on the children, including defectives and juvenile prostitution.
Illustrates the theme of human suffering and dehumanization.