# XVII: Facing Lenin and Trotsky explained — Yashka

> Chapter companion for Yashka by Maria Bochkareva.

## What happens

Maria Bochkareva travels from Tutalsk to Petrograd in January 1918, witnessing the disillusionment of soldiers and the terror of Bolshevik rule. She is arrested by Red Guards upon arrival and taken to the Smolny Institute, where she is detained in a cellar. The next day she is brought before Lenin and Trotsky, who attempt to recruit her. She refuses, arguing that their policies are destroying Russia. After her release, she makes her way toward Kornilov's forces, disguising herself as a peasant woman to cross the front.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Disillusionment

Bochkareva witnesses the collapse of the old order and the rise of Bolshevik terror, while soldiers begin to doubt Lenin and Trotsky's promises as the Germans advance.

### Betrayal and Trust

Bochkareva feels betrayed by the revolution she once supported, and soldiers express fears that Lenin and Trotsky have delivered Russia to the Germans.

### Class and Oppression

The Bolsheviks' confiscation of property and terror against the bourgeoisie and peasants is depicted as a new form of oppression, with Bochkareva herself targeted as a former officer.

## Character check-ins

### Maria Bochkareva

Travels to Petrograd, is arrested, and confronts Lenin and Trotsky before escaping toward Kornilov's lines.

### Vladimir Lenin

Receives Bochkareva at the Smolny Institute, attempts to persuade her to join the Bolshevik cause.

### Leon Trotsky

Present with Lenin during the meeting with Bochkareva, supports the recruitment attempt.

### Princess Tatuyeva

Bochkareva's adjutant, who sends a letter from Tiflis.

### General X

Sends a telegram to Bochkareva summoning her to Petrograd.

### General Kornilov

Mentioned as commanding the anti-Bolshevik forces near Novocherkassk, Bochkareva's destination.

## Key lines

> I received a telegram from Petrograd, signed by General X. It read: Come. You are needed.

Bochkareva gets a summons from an anonymous general to return to Petrograd.

_This call leads to her confrontation with the Bolshevik leadership._

> We have been sold! ... It is not the common people, it is the German bourgeoisie that is fighting us now.

Soldiers on the train express anger and confusion, blaming Bolshevik leaders for the German advance.

_Shows the growing disillusionment among the troops._

> I was taken before a sailor. He was very rough and brusque. ... He violently tore the pistol and sword from me and pronounced me under arrest.

A Bolshevik sailor confiscates Bochkareva's ceremonial weapons and arrests her.

_Highlights the hostile treatment of officers by the new regime._

> You will bring Russia not to happiness but to ruin. ... if you take the soldiers away from the front, you are destroying the country.

Bochkareva tells Lenin and Trotsky that their policies will ruin Russia.

_Her direct opposition to the Bolshevik leadership._

> I asked for a large apron, which I put on over my clothes. I then asked for the baba's winter shawl and wrapped it over my head and shoulders, almost completely covering my face.

Bochkareva disguises herself as a peasant woman to cross the front lines.

_Her resourcefulness in escaping Bolshevik territory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters/xvii-facing-lenin-and-trotsky
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/yashka_se/chapters