# XX: Other People explained — The Bolshevik Myth

> Chapter companion for The Bolshevik Myth by Alexander Berkman.

## What happens

The narrator observes the disillusionment and chaos of post-revolutionary Russia, witnessing the gap between revolutionary ideals and the harsh realities of bureaucracy, war, and starvation. Through encounters with intellectuals, workers, and common people, the chapter highlights the growing despair and the betrayal of revolutionary promises.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals

The narrator sees Communist leaders as having lost sight of revolutionary values, engaging in political intrigue and military posturing while the people starve.

### Human Suffering and Dehumanization

The chapter depicts extreme poverty, hunger, and the brutal treatment of women and workers, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the regime.

### Economic Collapse and Survival

The economy is in ruins, with starvation, bureaucratic red tape, and war orders hindering recovery; people struggle for basic necessities like bread.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator reflects on the confusion and decay of revolutionary ideals, and decides to join the Museum of the Revolution expedition.

### Pyotr Vassilitch

A nonpartisan worker in the Trubotchny mill, Pyotr expresses bitterness about war orders and the regime's betrayal of the revolution.

### Vanya

Pyotr's son, a Komsomol member who threatens to report his father for counterrevolutionary talk.

### The Chekist

The Boston sailor, now a Cheka agent, is mentioned as having joined the secret police.

### Bianki

Formerly critical of the Bolsheviks, Bianki joined the Party and obtained a responsible job.

## Key lines

> The ruthless hand of life in the making, more than Bolshevik fiat, has destroyed old forms, creating a chaos of things physical and spiritual.

The chaos of the era is driven more by the harsh realities of life than by Bolshevik decrees, leading to a breakdown of both material and spiritual structures.

_The narrator reflects on the destructive force of historical change._

> The Communist leaders have become involved in schemes of political recognition and are wasting the energies of the Revolution to create an appearance of military strength and industrial health.

Communist leaders prioritize political maneuvering and a facade of strength over genuine revolutionary progress.

_Critique of the regime's priorities._

> The proletariat is growing disillusioned; it sees its revolutionary conquests sacrificed one by one, the former champions of liberty become hard rulers.

Workers are losing faith as their gains are eroded and former revolutionaries turn into oppressive rulers.

_The theme of betrayal of revolutionary ideals._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters/xx-other-people
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters