# First Days in Kharkov explained — The Bolshevik Myth

> Chapter companion for The Bolshevik Myth by Alexander Berkman.

## What happens

The narrator describes the initial days of the expedition in Kharkov, detailing the division of labor among members, the intense nationalism and anti-Bolshevik sentiment in Ukraine, and the oppressive methods of the Kremlin. He encounters a local woman, Nadya, and her mother, who share their tragic experiences under the regime. Through meetings with Left Social Revolutionists, including N⸺, the narrator hears critiques of Bolshevik dictatorship, inequality, and terror. The chapter ends with a visit to G⸺, a former bourgeois engineer, who recounts personal losses and the dehumanization of the intelligentsia.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict

The chapter emphasizes the chauvinistic Ukrainian spirit, dislike of 'Russians,' and resentment of Moscow's domination, reflecting ethnic tensions.

### Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals

N⸺ argues that Bolshevik dictatorship has perverted revolutionary ideals, replacing equality with inequality, freedom with oppression, and brotherhood with terror.

### Terror and Violence

The Cheka's arbitrary arrests, executions, and house raids are central, as seen in G⸺'s story and the universal hatred of the Cheka.

### Human Suffering and Dehumanization

Nadya's mother describes life as a 'koshmar' (nightmare) of hunger, cold, and fear; G⸺ and the intelligentsia are portrayed as 'hunted animals' doomed to starvation.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator serves as chairman of the expedition, collecting material from labor unions and revolutionary organizations in Kharkov.

### Nadya

A Left Social Revolutionist for whom the narrator has a message; she helps him contact 'irreconcilables' in Kharkov.

### N⸺

A former katorzhanin and literature instructor, now a Left Social Revolutionist who criticizes Bolshevik intellectual barbarism and predicts a 'Ninth Thermidor.'

### Dr. G⸺

A former bourgeois engineer who hosts the narrator; his brother-in-law was mistakenly shot by the Cheka, and he lives in fear of nightly raids.

## Key lines

> The work of collecting material is divided among the members of our Expedition according to fitness and inclination.

The expedition members split tasks based on their skills and interests.

_Describes the organizational structure of the narrator's group in Kharkov._

> To the natives the Ukraine is the only true and real Russia; its culture, language, and customs superior to those of the North.

Ukrainians see their region as the authentic Russia, with a culture superior to the north.

_Highlights the nationalist sentiment in Ukraine._

> The Bolsheviki have failed... because of their total intellectual barbarism.

The Bolsheviks failed due to their complete lack of intellectual culture.

_N⸺'s critique of Bolshevik rule._

> The Bolsheviki have turned the intelligentsia into a class of hunted animals.

The Bolsheviks have made the intelligentsia feel like prey.

_G⸺'s description of the intelligentsia's plight._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters/xxii-first-days-in-kharkov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_bolshevik_myth_se/chapters