The Iron Heel · Chapter
XIV: The Beginning of the End explained
Ernest Everhard foresees the rise of the Iron Heel and the defection of labor unions, predicting a slow social evolution toward oligarchic rule and eventual revolt.
What happens
Ernest Everhard foresees the rise of the Iron Heel and the defection of labor unions, predicting a slow social evolution toward oligarchic rule and eventual revolt. Avis recounts his vision of caste formation and the ultimate rise of the common people.
Themes in this chapter
Class Struggle and the Rise of Oligarchy
Ernest predicts the Iron Heel's consolidation of power and the formation of labor castes, illustrating the deepening class divide.
Ideology, Propaganda, and the Control of Thought
The defection of labor leaders and secret deals with the oligarchy show how ideology is manipulated to maintain control.
Historical Perspective and the Bias of Narrators
Avis recounts Ernest's prophecy but admits her disagreement, highlighting the subjective nature of historical narration.
Characters to notice
- Ernest Everhard
Foresees the Iron Heel and the defection of labor unions; predicts caste formation and eventual revolt.
- Avis Everhard
Narrates the chapter, recalling Ernest's prophecies and her disagreement with his slow evolution view.
- O'Connor
President of the Association of Machinists; refuses to call a general strike, hinting at a secret deal with the oligarchy.
Key passages
“As early as January, 1913, Ernest saw the true trend of affairs, but he could not get his brother leaders to see the vision of the Iron Heel that had arisen in his brain.”
By January 1913, Ernest alone perceived the coming Iron Heel, but his fellow leaders were blind to it.
Highlights Ernest's foresight and isolation among his comrades.
“The Oligarchy stood in the way. Its bulk, like that of some huge monster, blocked our path.”
The Oligarchy was an immense obstacle, like a monster blocking the revolutionaries' progress.
Metaphor for the overwhelming power of the capitalist class.
“You're going in for grab-sharing. You've made terms with the enemy, that's what you've done. You've sold out the cause of labor, of all labor.”
Ernest accuses O'Connor of making a secret deal with the oligarchs, betraying the labor movement.
Key moment of confrontation revealing union defection.
“Social evolution is exasperatingly slow, isn't it, sweetheart?”
Ernest laments the slow pace of social change to Avis.
Personal moment showing Ernest's weariness and intimacy with Avis.
“The surpluses will have to be expended somehow; and trust the oligarchs to find a way. Magnificent roads will be built. There will be great achievements in science, and especially in art.”
Ernest predicts the oligarchs will spend surplus wealth on grand infrastructure and cultural projects.
Foreshadows the oligarchs' use of art and architecture to legitimize power.