In the second half of the 1800s, "slavophiles" emerged in Russia. They were rebels who fought against the government in hopes to prevent it from catch up to the West's modernization. This caused a disconnect among Russians in understanding why socialism was so important. In 1861, Tsar Alexander II granted emancipation to more than 20 million serfs nationwide. These two factors, societal confusion about modernization and a drastic increase in the lower class, created a perfect storm for Kropotkin to start a revolution fighting for socialism. It was necessary then more than ever.Kropotkin uses a very defined format, weaving the reader back and forth through logos and pathos until he pricks the reader's heart at the end of the piece. His primary audience is young professionals, those who have just graduated from college. He takes them through their different professions by painting the "real" picture of what each of them will deal with on a daily basis.
To the doctor, he writes, "In a dark, cold room you find the sick woman lying on a pallet covered with dirty rags. Pale, livid children shivering under their scanty garments." His descriptive language and the imagery used makes all of these professions seem much less glamorous. To the aspiring lawyer he paints a situation in which both sides seem to need the lawyer's help. He writes, "Which side will you take? For the law and against justice? Or for justice and against the law?" The use of "you" makes each situation much more personal, and the compelling questions cause the reader to think, "What am I fighting for? Am I fighting for anything? Or am I only pursuing this profession for my personal gain?"
In doing this, Kropotkin helps the reader see his or her priceless potential to move forward the socialist revolution. He ends each section with an if/then statement to help the reader realize the potential affects on society he or she could have: "if you analyze the law and strip off those cloudy fictions with which it has been draped in order...then your contempt for the law will be profound indeed."
His descriptive imagery and excellent use of pathos are just two of the many reasons why I especially enjoyed this piece for the Russian socialist revolution.
It is interesting how freeing the lower class from serfdom might pay the way for a socialist revolution. I guess that was the Czar's mistake.
ReplyDeleteDoes this piece of rhetoric call out against the Czar and current governmental authority? How is that attack formulated?