The Bolshevik Myth · Chapter
XIII: Lenin explained
The narrator visits Lenin at the Kremlin, observing the guarded atmosphere and reflecting on the Revolution's social and economic achievements.
What happens
The narrator visits Lenin at the Kremlin, observing the guarded atmosphere and reflecting on the Revolution's social and economic achievements. In conversation, Lenin defends the dictatorship of the proletariat, justifies suppression of dissent, and discusses the peasantry, anarchists, and plans for political exiles. The narrator concludes with a complex portrait of Lenin as a fanatical, single-minded revolutionary.
Themes in this chapter
Dictatorship and State Absolutism
Lenin argues the dictatorship of the proletariat is vital and that all power must be centralized in the Communist State.
Revolutionary Idealism vs. Reality
The narrator contrasts the Revolution's social achievements with bureaucratic evils and the suppression of liberty.
Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
Lenin justifies using evil methods for a good purpose, subordinating ethics to the Communist dream.
Human Suffering and Dehumanization
Lenin's willingness to sacrifice the greater part of mankind for the Revolution reflects dehumanization.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Visits Lenin at the Kremlin, reflects on the Revolution, and discusses political plans.
- Lenin
Hosts the narrator at the Kremlin; defends dictatorship, criticizes peasantry, and discusses anarchist resolution.
- Trotsky
Mentioned as a resident of the Kremlin and contrasted with Lenin's character.
- Lunacharsky
Mentioned as a prominent Communist living in the Kremlin.
- Emma Goldman
Proposed founding a League of Russian Friends of American Freedom, mentioned in conversation with Lenin.
Key passages
“Liberty, he said, is a luxury not to be permitted at the present stage of development. When the Revolution is out of danger, external and domestic, then free speech might be indulged in.”
Lenin stated that freedom is a privilege that cannot be allowed now; only after the Revolution is secure can free speech be considered.
Lenin's justification for suppressing civil liberties during the revolutionary period.
“A Jesuit of the Revolution who would force mankind to become free in accordance with his interpretation of Marx.”
The narrator describes Lenin as a revolutionary zealot who would compel humanity to be free according to his Marxist vision.
Final characterization of Lenin's uncompromising and manipulative approach.