The Bolshevik Myth · Character

Lenin

The Bolshevik leader whose promise that the State would wither away drew an anarchist to Russia, and whose government now tests that promise daily.

major

Also known as XIII Lenin, ↩ Lenin

First appearance: XIII: Lenin

As a major figure in The Bolshevik Myth, Lenin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Lenin is referenced as a central figure in the Bolshevik government, embodying the revolutionary ideals that are being betrayed.

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The narrator arrives believing Lenin's own assertion that he and his followers are ultimately anarchists, that political power is only a temporary means. That faith is the premise of the whole journey, and every…

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Character Web

19 connections

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Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Anarchists and Bolsheviks
Protagonist
Extensive Revolutionary Cast
American Journalists and Bolshevik Leader
American Bolshevik and Acquaintance

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of disillusion…

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Relationships

Unknown Narrator
rivalry · negative
Lenin is the Bolshevik leader whose political path conflicts with the narrator's… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Lenin in XIII: Lenin

In the story

Lenin appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Bolshevik Myth
Lenin is referenced as a central figure in the Bolshevik government, embodying the revolutionary ideals that are being betrayed.
XIII: Lenin
Hosts the narrator at the Kremlin; defends dictatorship, criticizes peasantry, and discusses anarchist resolution.
Back in Petrograd
Quoted advocating militarization of labor and using bourgeoisie specialists; saved Shatov from execution.
The Spirit of Fanaticism
Promised to consider the anarchist issue but issued a resolution against anti-Soviet agitation; author of 'The Infantile Sickness of Leftism.'
XXIV: Yossif the Emigrant
Referenced as 'the Lenin of the Ukraine' (Rakovsky) in a suggestion about reapproachment.
XXXII: Odessa: Life and Vision
The narrator sends a wire to Lenin protesting Alsberg's arrest.
Early Days of 1921
Lenin contends that unions should serve as 'schools of Communism'; the narrator appeals to him for the release of anarchists but receives no reply.
Kronstadt
Lenin is mentioned as having been saved by the same sailors now denounced as traitors, and he declares the Kronstadt resolution counterrevolutionary.
Last Links in the Chain
Lenin meets with delegates regarding political prisoners but breaks his promises; his policies and the NEP are discussed.
XL: The Lessons of the “Bolshevik Myth”
Lenin is cited as the architect of the Communist State doctrine and the policy of compromise and zigzag politics.
I: My Personal Attitude and Reactions
Mentioned as having asserted that the Bolsheviks were ultimately Anarchists and that political power was a temporary means.
II: The Communist Dictatorship and the Russian Revolution
Lenin is presented as the architect of the Bolshevik doctrine of state centralization and the 'zigzag' policy of compromise and terrorism, shaping the Communist State's theory and practice.
Endnotes
Referenced in endnotes as 'Master' and 'XIII Lenin'.

Chapter companion notes

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