Their Masters

Anarchy

Anarchy stands in direct opposition to Their Masters, representing a fundamental conflict between freedom and authority.

Unknown Narrator

The Unknown Narrator observes Their Masters with a critical, analytical eye, often depicting them as oppressive figures.

The Workman

The Workman is in direct conflict with Their Masters, representing the exploited laborer versus the oppressive ruling class.

Dr. Manouvrier

Dr. Manouvrier may serve as an intellectual authority whose work is used by Their Masters to justify social control.

I: The Anarchistic Idea and Its Development

Referred to as the reigning exploiters whom the people drive away only to abandon themselves to new masters.

II: Individualism and Solidarity

Implied as the governing class that introduces agents to divide or mislead anarchists.

III: Too Abstract

Referred to as the exploiters whose privileges workers are persuaded to defend; the chapter explains how changing masters does not end exploitation.

IV: Is Man Evil?

Mentioned as the privileged class that exploits workers and uses deception to maintain power.

V: Property

Implied as the ruling class that assigns misery and privation to the masses.

VI: The Family

Their Masters are referenced as the bourgeoisie who claim the family and property are unassailable, yet have admitted divorce as a corrective.

VII: Authority

The bourgeoisie who use universal suffrage to maintain control.

VIII: The Magistracy

Referenced as the new masters who created the entity of 'law' to defend privilege after the bourgeoisie seized power.

IX: The Right to Punish and the Savants

Implied as the governing class whose interests are masked by legal institutions.

X: The Influence of Environment

Described as the bourgeoisie who exploit workers and maintain privilege through division and control.

XI: “The Country”

Identified as the bourgeoisie and ruling class who benefit from war and patriotism.

XII: The Patriotism of the Governing Classes

The governing class whose patriotism is exposed as a cover for exploitation and war profiteering.

XIII: Militarism

Referred to as the bourgeoisie who force everyone under their flags, revealing the infamies hidden behind military tinsel.

Colonization

The ruling classes are depicted as the beneficiaries of colonization, using it to secure markets, exploit peoples, and maintain armies.

XV: There Are No Inferior Races

Implied as the capitalist and political class who use race inferiority arguments to justify exploitation.

XVI: Why We Are Revolutionists

Implied as the exploiting class that maintains power through army, police, and magistrates.

XVII: As to What Means Follow from the Principles

Referenced as those who would become masters if anarchists sought power through elections or delegated authority.

Revolution and Anarchy

Implied as the ruling class whose injustices create malcontents and rebels, contributing to the revolutionary situation.

XIX: Efficacy of Reforms

Their Masters represent the exploiting class that lives at the expense of the workers and opposes any real reform.

XX: The Experimental Method

Referenced as the class that exploits new inventions and reforms for its own benefit, worsening the condition of the workers.

XXI: What Then?

Implied as the governing classes who reject reforms and oppose revolution.

Anarchism and Its Practicability

Implied as the owning class that exploits workers and refuses to give up anything.